Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak with Camping

10 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through diverse landscapes including rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers
  • 02 Follow a gradual ascent route designed to improve acclimatization and summit success
  • 03 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m with expert guide support
  • 04 Stay in tented camps with meals prepared by professional trekking chefs

Experience Mount Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route on a breathtaking, less crowded trek through lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers. This 8-day climb follows a gradual ascent designed to improve acclimatization and increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Daily hikes range from 4 to 8 hours, culminating in a demanding midnight summit push. Stay in tented camps and enjoy meals prepared by expert trekking chefs throughout this unforgettable, life-changing adventure.

Experience Mount Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route on a breathtaking, less crowded trek through lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Moshi, Nairobi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru
Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Climb Briefing

  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Moshi town. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, hot water, friendly staff, a pool, and Wi-Fi.

  • If arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, you will be picked up and transferred to Moshi by shuttle bus.

  • In the evening, meet your guides for a briefing and final preparation for the climb.

Check-in: 12:00 PM
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner included

2
Day 02

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • In the morning, meet your guide and mountain support team at the hotel for a briefing.

  • Travel by vehicle for approximately 3-4 hours to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park at Lemosho Gate (2,100 m).

  • Complete the brief process to secure climbing permits and register with the search and rescue service.

  • Begin trekking through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m). Raincoats are essential for this day.

  • Upon arrival, tents will be set up and lunch prepared by the experienced mountain crew.

Elevation Change: 2,100 m -> 2,780 m
Hiking Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

3
Day 03

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • Begin your day early with a wake-up call and breakfast.

  • Set off on a steady ascent from Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m) toward Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m).

  • Enjoy your first breathtaking views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano along the way.

  • The hike is relatively easy, taking 5-6 hours at a gentle pace to aid acclimatization.

  • Upon arrival, lunch will be prepared by the support team. Relax in your tent or explore the nearby surroundings.

Elevation Change: 2,780 m -> 3,505 m
Hiking Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Terrain: Grassland

4
Day 04

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • Depart Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) for a light trek to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m).

  • Enjoy spectacular African views and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro along the way.

  • Shira 2 Camp provides the best vantage point to see Mount Meru, weather permitting.

  • Upon arrival, enjoy lunch followed by a two-hour rest.

  • Complete an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, gaining an additional 300 meters in altitude.

Elevation Change: 3,505 m -> 3,900 m
Hiking Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

5
Day 05

Shira 2 Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • After breakfast, leave Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) and trek to Lava Tower (4,630 m), the key acclimatization point of the route.

  • This section involves ascents and descents and can be physically challenging, but it is essential for altitude adjustment.

  • Spend 1-2 hours at Lava Tower for acclimatization and enjoy lunch.

  • Descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) for your overnight stay.

Elevation Change: 3,900 m -> 4,630 m -> 3,960 m
Hiking Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

6
Day 06

Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp

  • Wake up early for breakfast and begin the day by ascending Barranco Wall, ideally before the crowds arrive. The climb takes about 1 hour and offers great photo opportunities of Kibo Volcano.

  • Continue on a more challenging hike with multiple ascents and descents to Karanga Valley Camp (4,035 m). Your guides will maintain an optimal pace for all participants.

  • Upon arrival, enjoy a warm lunch and rest at camp.

Elevation Change: 3,960 m -> 4,035 m
Hiking Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

7
Day 07

Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Depart in the morning after breakfast and trek from Karanga Valley Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), the base camp for the night summit to Uhuru Peak.

  • At Barafu Camp, tents and sleeping bags will be ready for relaxation and rest.

  • Complete an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Camp (4,800 m) before returning to Barafu Camp.

  • Enjoy a hot dinner and rest in preparation for the night summit.

Elevation Change: 4,035 m -> 4,640 m
Hiking Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

8
Day 08

Uhuru Peak Summit and Descent to Millennium Camp

  • Depart from Barafu Camp (4,640 m) at night to begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

  • The climb is technically simple but challenging because of the high altitude. For safety and support, each pair of climbers is accompanied by a personal guide.

  • After reaching Uhuru Peak, you may descend to the nearest glacier if desired.

  • Continue descending back to Barafu Camp, rest for 2 hours, and then descend further to Millennium Camp (3,820 m) for your overnight stay.

Elevation Change: 4,640 m -> 5,895 m -> 3,820 m
Hiking Distance: ~15 km
Hiking Time: 8-12 hours
Habitat: Arctic

9
Day 09

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

  • After breakfast, begin your descent from Millennium Camp (3,820 m) to Mweka Gate (1,650 m).

  • Upon arrival, the group will gather to celebrate the climb, and you will have the opportunity to share your experiences in the guestbook.

  • Receive your commemorative certificate at the office and enjoy a transfer back to your hotel.

Elevation Change: 3,820 m -> 1,650 m
Hiking Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

10
Day 10

Departure Day

  • Enjoy leisure time at the hotel before your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

  • Total distance covered: approximately 70 km (43.5 miles).

  • Meal Plan: Breakfast provided.

  • Note: Standard hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out can be arranged for an additional cost if your flight departs later.

Lemosho Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Lemosho Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Moshi 4 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All transportation in the destination location
  • Hotel accommodation before and after the trek
  • All government taxes and park entrance fees
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Emergency oxygen cylinders and oximeters
  • Complete expedition medical kits
  • Comfortable sleeping mats
  • All group camping equipment (sleeping tents, dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
  • Portable radios - taken on every trek to enable convenient communication
  • Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, chefs, etc.)
  • Experienced professional mountain guides
  • Salaries for the trekking crew
  • Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying Doctors
  • Purified water while on the mountain
  • Portable tented private flush toilet
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Environmentally friendly trek

What's Not Included

  • Personal gear rentals
  • Tanzania visa fee
  • Tipping for the trekking crew
  • Travel insurance
  • Any private expenses

What to bring

  • Clothing Layers - Base Layers: 2-3 moisture-wicking T-shirts (synthetic or merino wool), 2 thermal tops and bottoms
  • Mid Layers: 1-2 fleece or down jackets, 1 insulated vest (optional)
  • Outer Layers: Waterproof, windproof jacket (Gore-Tex recommended), waterproof trousers
  • Pants & Extras: 2 trekking pants, 1 warm pair for summit night, 5-7 pairs of trekking socks, 2-3 thermal socks, 5-7 underwear, warm hat, sun hat, buff/neck gaiter, gloves (liner + waterproof outer)
  • Footwear - Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (broken-in)
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Gaiters
  • Sleeping Gear - 4-season sleeping bag (-10°C / 14°F or lower)
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Inflatable sleeping pad (optional)
  • Bags - 1 duffel bag (90-100L, carried by porters, max 15 kg)
  • 1 daypack (30-35L)
  • Rain covers for both bags
  • Hydration & Nutrition - 2-3 reusable water bottles (1L each)
  • Hydration bladder (CamelBak style)
  • Water purification tablets or filters
  • Electrolyte/rehydration salts
  • Energy snacks (nuts, dried fruits, protein bars)
  • Health & Hygiene - Personal first aid kit (altitude sickness medication, blister care)
  • High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm
  • Wet wipes & quick-dry towel
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper & small trash bags
  • Electronics & Accessories - Headlamp with extra batteries
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Camera/phone for photos
  • Lightweight trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Important Documents - Passport & valid Tanzanian visa
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required)
  • Travel insurance (covering high-altitude trekking)
  • Copy of booking confirmation
  • Small cash amount for tips & souvenirs

Know before you go

  • Scenic and less crowded trek through diverse landscapes: lush rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers.
  • Gradual ascent to improve acclimatization and increase summit success rates.

  • Daily hikes are moderate to challenging, lasting 4-8 hours.

  • The midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) is physically and mentally demanding.

  • Weather varies, with warm days and freezing nights, so proper layering is essential.

  • Accommodation is in tents, with meals prepared by trekking chefs.

  • Climbing Uhuru Peak offers a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 days finish where they began, in Moshi.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,500.00 — $3,680.00
Double Sharing $2,500.00 — $3,180.00

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