9-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

Our driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Your trek orientation will take place shortly after arrival, and your guides will provide comprehensive information to help you reach the summit.

Your trekking gear will also be checked before departure.

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

Then continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead.

Upon arrival, begin hiking through the undisturbed forest as the trail winds to the first campsite.

Continue on the trail as it leads out of the rainforest 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, you will reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp.

Here, you will catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Spend the day exploring the Shira Plateau, beginning with a gentle walk east across moorland meadows toward Shira 2 Camp.

Then leave the main trail and divert 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 acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Begin the day by climbing a ridge, then head southeast toward the Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.

Descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft.

Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Start the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.

Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley.

One more steep climb leads up to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

Continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut.

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

Here, make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

Very early in the morning, around midnight, begin the push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek, and the wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.

Ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point at 18,900 ft, you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.

Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Begin the descent from the summit, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch.

The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. 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.

On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect your summit certificates.

At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue for another hour to Mweka Village.

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village and drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.