7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak

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Day 01

Lemosho Gate to Big Tree Camp Through Rainforest

• You will be picked up at your hotel at around 8:00 AM and transferred to the Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
• After the registration process, the climb begins steadily through the forests of the Lemosho Glades to reach Big Tree Camp, where the night will be spent.

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Day 02

Big Tree Camp to Shira 2 Across the Moorland Plateau

• Today covers a lot of ground as the trek crosses a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations.
• The route passes through Shira 1 Camp, from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds, before heading towards Shira 2.
• A reasonable amount of altitude is gained as the route heads towards Shira 1, with parts of the trail being fairly steep.
• As you proceed towards Shira 2, you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice Fields from the western side of the mountain, along with some unusual views of Kibo.
• The steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatisation and offers great panoramic views.

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Day 03

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

• The trek starts with an ascent offering far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and along the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach.
• The distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4,640m) is reached, serving as the high point for the day and a great place to enjoy lunch.
• In the afternoon, a steep descent leads to the camp for the night, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3,960m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

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Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp for Acclimatisation

• After breakfast, the trek leaves Barranco and continues on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite.
• This is a short day meant for acclimatisation, with an elevation of 13,000 feet to 13,100 feet, a hiking time of 4 to 5 hours, a distance of 3 miles, and an alpine desert habitat.

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Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the South Circuit

• After breakfast, the route leaves Karanga and reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail before continuing up to Barafu Hut, where the South Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from many different angles.
• The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position, and camp is made here to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day.

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Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Hut

• Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2:00 AM, the trek continues towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading in a north-westerly direction and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim, which is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• At Stella Point (18,600 feet), a short rest is taken and, weather permitting, trekkers are rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise they are ever likely to see, before completing the 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, where the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa is reached.
• Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit itself.
• From the summit, the descent continues straight down to Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch, with gaiters and trekking poles recommended for the loose gravel on the way down.
• Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, where mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon, and the evening is spent enjoying the last dinner on the mountain before a well-earned sleep.

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Day 07

Mweka Camp to Moshi via Mweka Park Gate

• After breakfast, the descent continues down to Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates, with gaiters and trekking poles recommended as lower elevations can be wet and muddy.
• Shorts and T-shirts will probably be sufficient to wear, though rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy.
• From the gate, the trek continues for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet the group to drive everyone back to the hotel in Moshi.