8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak

• Depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities.

• Continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about another hour.

• Upon arrival at the trailhead, enjoy lunch before commencing the trek through the undisturbed forest, winding your way to the first campsite.

Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

• Continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.

• As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

• Explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciated peak, across the plateau, leading to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

• Continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

• From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As you continue, the direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth."

• Shortly after the tower, come to the second junction, which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.

• Continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here, rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight.

• Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

• After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite.

• This is a short day meant for acclimatisation.

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

• After breakfast, leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

• Continue up to Barafu Hut.

• At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.

• Here, make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

• Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, continue your way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.

• Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

• At Stella Point (18,600 ft), stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see, weather permitting.

• From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way during your 1-hour ascent to the summit.

• At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

  From the summit, begin your descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite and stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

• Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)

• After breakfast, continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.

• At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.

• From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you there and drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft