Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak

9 Days Round trip from Arusha Hard pace
Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Admire the magnificent views of Kilimanjaro Peak
  • 02 Summit at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
  • 03 Walk along the forest trails from Lemosho
  • 04 Follow an unspoilt, remote, and little-used route to the Shira Plateau

Trek Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho route, an unspoilt, remote, little-used, and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. This is one of the few routes where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant, and other wildlife. Experience the incomparable natural beauty of Kilimanjaro and summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, on this 9-day trek.

This is one of the few routes where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant, and other wildlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Hard
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to the Outpost Lodge in Arusha.

2
Day 02

Arusha to Londorossi Gate and Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • After breakfast and a briefing from your guide, drive from Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate (2250 m, 1.5 hours).

  • From here, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2000 m, 11 km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite.

  • Walk along beautiful forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite (2750 m, 3 hours).

3
Day 03

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • The trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone, then crosses the Shira Ridge at about 3600 m before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp, located by the stream on the Shira Plateau (3500 m, 5 hours).

4
Day 04

Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

  • A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3850 m, 1.5 hours).

  • A variety of walks are available on the plateau, making this an excellent acclimatisation day.

5
Day 05

Shira 2 to Lava Tower and Barranco Hut

  • The moorlands soon come to an end, and the rocky path leads among outcrops to the Lava Tower. This is optional if one is not taking the Western Breach, and there are good campsites here (4600 m, 5 hours).

  • Then continue to Barranco Hut (3900 m, 2 hours).

6
Day 06

Barranco to Karanga Valley

  • After breakfast, leave Barranco Ridge and walk up the Barranco Wall, which ends at the foot of the Heim Glacier.

  • After passing the Barranco Wall, continue walking along to Karanga Valley (4 hours).

7
Day 07

Karanga to Barafu Hut

  • Continue to Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4550 m, where camp will be made.

  • The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

  • Rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

8
Day 08

Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Hut

  • Wake up very early, at around midnight, and have some light tea with cookies.

  • Start trekking to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895 m, 8 hours), and spend some time at the summit.

  • Begin descending to Barafu Hut for brunch and some rest, then walk down to Mweka Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.

9
Day 09

Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate and Departure

  • After breakfast, walk down through the Mweka Montane Forest to Mweka Gate, board the waiting vehicle, and drive back to Arusha for a well-deserved shower and rest.

  • Later, be picked up by our driver and transferred to the departure airport.

Lemosho Glades, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Lemosho Glades, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 2 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Two nights' accommodation at the Outpost Lodge (before and after the climb)

    • First night includes breakfast

    • Last night includes dinner and breakfast

  • Return transportation from Moshi to and from the starting and finishing point on the mountain

  • Qualified, English-speaking Kilimanjaro guides with mountain crew

  • National park fees

  • Tents and sleeping mattresses

  • Cutlery, crockery, and eating utensils

  • Mess tent for dining, mini camping chairs, tables, and candles

  • First aid kit

  • Guides', porters', cook's, and waiter's salaries

  • Boiled water on the mountain

  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

  • Guides', porters', waiter, and cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain

What's Not Included

  • Tips & gratuities
  • Personal expenses

What to bring

  • Clothing
    • You want your inner layer to be wicking - no cotton.
    • Your next layer should be insulating and warm, and your top layer should be waterproof but breathable.
    • You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and sleeping.
    • Layers are important, as temperatures vary greatly.
    • Shorts, for the first and last day only
    • Pants, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
    • Short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
    • Long-sleeved shirts, for hiking and for lounging in the evenings
    • Long underwear
    • Fleece jacket or wool sweater
    • Fleece pants
    • Down jacket or ski parka (for temperatures well below freezing, plus wind)
    • Rain jacket, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
    • Rain pants, needed in hot rainforest and cold snow
    • Underwear
    • Sports bras, for women
  • Documents
    • Passport
    • Yellow fever certificate
    • Tanzania visa
    • Medical insurance
    • Address book
    • Vaccination records
    • Airline tickets
    • Cash, traveller's cheques, credit cards
    • Maps, guidebooks
    • Make copies of your passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, and travellers cheques numbers.
    • Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.
  • Packing for your flight to Africa
    • U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
    • Books/magazines
    • Toiletries
    • Snacks
    • Water
    • Walkman and music
    • Eye shades, ear plugs
    • Melatonin or other sleep aid
    • Critical climbing gear (in case baggage is delayed)

Know before you go

This tour is also offered in Spanish, Swahili & Swedish.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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