7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After registration at Lemosho Gate (2,100m/6,890'), your trek begins through dense rainforests rich in wildlife and birdlife. The trail gradually ascends, crossing streams and lush vegetation. Stop for a hot lunch in the forest before continuing to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,252'). Enjoy dinner while listening to the sounds of nature surrounding your first night on the mountain.

Landmark: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, continue as the trail gradually steepens into the giant heather moorland zone. Cross several streams and ascend towards the Shira Plateau. Pass Shira 1 Camp and continue across open moorland landscapes. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,600') near a stream and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Landmark: Shira 2 Camp
Accommodation: Camping

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone while trekking past Lava Camp at high altitude with its volcanic landscape. Descend into the scenic Barranco Valley for better acclimatisation and continue to camp for the night.

Overnight Altitude: 13,044 ft
Landmark: Barranco Camp
Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue along a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall. Trek towards the Karanga Valley and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Arrive at Karanga Camp for rest and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Landmark: Karanga Camp
Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Continue trekking towards Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from different angles. Upon arrival, make camp, rest, and enjoy dinner while preparing for summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Landmark: Barafu Camp
Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 5 km ascent and 13 km descent
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours ascent and 5-6 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice capped summit

Begin the ascent very early in the morning between midnight and 2 am, trekking between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Ascend in a northwesterly direction through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, the most physically and mentally challenging section. Stop briefly at Stella Point and enjoy a magnificent sunrise. Continue for about one hour to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After the summit, descend straight down to Barafu Camp for lunch and continue to Mweka Camp. Use gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel descent. Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your final night on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft and down to 3090m/10,150ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Landmark: Mweka Camp
Accommodation: Camping

Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, continue descending through the rainforest to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, the trail may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Light clothing is suitable, but keep rain gear and warm layers accessible. A vehicle will be waiting at the gate to transfer you back to your hotel in approximately 60 minutes.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Meals: Breakfast
Landmark: Mweka Gate
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge