Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

8 Days Round trip from Lemosho Rte Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience a scenic and less crowded ascent through the Lemosho Route
02 Explore the expansive Shira Plateau with breathtaking high-altitude views
03 Climb iconic landmarks including Lava Tower and Barranco Wall
04 Reach Uhuru Peak and witness a spectacular sunrise at Africa's highest point

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on this 8-day Lemosho Route trek, offering stunning scenery and excellent acclimatisation. Journey through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert landscapes while exploring the vast Shira Plateau and iconic landmarks like Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. Follow a gradual ascent that improves summit success and reduces altitude risks. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and enjoy breathtaking views, expert guidance, and a rewarding trekking experience on one of the world's most renowned mountains.

Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and enjoy breathtaking views, expert guidance, and a rewarding trekking experience on one of the world's most renowned mountains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Slovenian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Pre-Climb Briefing

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and complete arrival formalities.
Meet your representative and transfer to the Venice Hotel in Arusha.
Attend a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and guide.

Overnight stay at the Venice Hotel.

Day 02

Arusha to Forest Camp via Londorosi Gate

Drive from Arusha to Londorosi Gate to begin the Lemosho Route.
Enter the Afromontane rainforest and meet your mountain crew.
Trek at a steady pace while observing wildlife along the trail.
Enjoy lunch on the trail.
Arrive at Forest Camp at 9,498 feet in the afternoon.

Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 03

Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Ascend through podocarpus and juniper forest.
Enter the heather zone with volcanic rock formations.
Reach the Shira Plateau and enjoy views of Kibo Peak.
Have lunch on the trail.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp at 11,500 feet.

Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 04

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Across the Plateau

Cross the Shira Plateau while enjoying scenic moorland landscapes.
Stop for lunch along the route.
Ascend to Moir Camp at 13,800 feet.
Optionally hike in the Lent Hills for acclimatisation.

Overnight stay at Moir Hut.

Day 05

Moir Hut to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Traverse the slopes of Kibo through alpine terrain.
Stop near Lava Tower for lunch.
Optionally climb the Lava Tower before descending.
Pass through the Garden of the Senecios with giant plants.
Arrive at Barranco Camp at 13,044 feet.

Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 06

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall using hands and feet.
Trek across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Valley.
Continue along undulating terrain.
Arrive at Karanga Camp at 13,123 feet.
Enjoy scenic sunset views.

Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 07

Karanga Camp to Barafu High Camp

Ascend toward Barafu Camp through alpine desert terrain.
Arrive at high camp and have lunch.
Rest and prepare for the summit attempt.
Enjoy views of Mawenzi Peak.
Have an early dinner.

Overnight stay at the camp.

Day 08

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Begin the summit climb before midnight.
Trek through cold and windy conditions toward Stella Point.
Witness sunrise over the Tanzanian landscape.
Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate and take photographs at the summit.
Descend to Mweka Camp through varied terrain.

Overnight stay at the camp.

Where this trip takes you

Afromontane rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Lemosho Rte 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
Professional, experienced mountain guides
All park fees, airport transfers, and rescue fees
All meals while on the mountain
Guides, porters, and cook salaries, as well as park fees
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Oximeter
Medical kit
Emergency oxygen
Crisis management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Accommodation in Arusha

What's Not Included

Flights
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips and personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
Travel insurance
Tips for guides and porters

What to bring

Duffel bag (70-90L): waterproof or with a rain cover, carried by porters.
Daypack (25-35L): comfortable for you to carry water, snacks, and extra layers.
Sleeping bag: rated for extreme cold.
Trekking poles: essential for steep ascents and protecting knees on the long descent.
Headlamp: high quality, with 2-3 sets of spare batteries for summit night.
Water storage: 2-3L hydration bladder (like Camel bag) and 1L Nalgene bottle to prevent freezing, as hydration is crucial at altitude.
Base layers (3-4 pairs): moisture-wicking merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms (no cotton).
Mid-layers: fleece jackets, soft-shell jackets, and light thermal tops.
Outer layer/insulation: a thick down jacket is necessary for summit night and camp.
Waterproofs: high-quality Gore-Tex/hard shell jacket and trousers.
Trekking pants/leggings: comfortable, breathable hiking pants.
Head/hands: warm beanie, buff/neck gaiter, thermal liner gloves, and waterproof summit mittens.
Feet: waterproof hiking boots (broken-in), camp shoes (sandals/sneakers), and moisture-wicking wool socks.
Toiletries: wet wipes (crucial for

Know before you go

Best time to climb is January to March for fewer crowds and June to October for dry weather.
Avoid climbing during April and May due to heavy rainfall.
Choose an 8-day or longer itinerary for better acclimatisation and higher summit success.
Follow the pole pole approach and maintain a slow, steady pace.
Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily and report altitude symptoms to your guide.
Prepare for extreme weather changes, from hot rainforest conditions to freezing summit temperatures.
Rent a high-quality sleeping bag and carry waterproof gear suitable for mountain conditions.
Expect a long summit day beginning around midnight, with challenging night trekking.
Budget around 200 to 300 USD per climber for tipping guides, cooks, and porters.
Train for the climb with regular hiking, walking, and endurance-building exercises.

Logistics