8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Lemosho Route

Our driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Shortly after your arrival, you will have an orientation for your trek, during which your guides will provide comprehensive information to assist you in reaching the summit. Your trekking gear will also be checked before departure.

Trekking Time: 3 hours | Distance: 7 km | Altitude Gain: 450m

After enjoying an appetising meal at the hotel, you will embark on a bumpy three-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. Along the way, we will pass through the fascinating town of Boma N'gombe and the native community of Sanya Juu. Registration will be completed at the gate, and then we will drive to the starting point of your trek at 2,350m.

The trail passes through thick, untamed rainforest for the rest of the day. Adorable bush babies and curious black-and-white colobus monkeys may peer down from the high trees above. Mti Mkubwa Camp is our final destination for the day, and the hike is fairly short.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Gain: 800m

The trail heads towards Shira Camp 1, and the scenery shifts into the heather and moorland zone - an arid landscape sprinkled with contrasting silver fauna and flora, as well as enormous lobelias. Stunning views of Mount Meru engulfed in the fiery sunset appear in the west, while the gleaming Kibo Peak makes its presence known.

Light clouds will begin to float around you as you cross several calming streams on the way to Shira Ridge (3,600m). We will then proceed to Shira Camp 1, where a delicious meal awaits.

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours | Distance: 8 km | Altitude Gain: 290m

The moorland landscape continues, with dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. Bright everlastings erupt from the earth, and the concentric rings of leaves on the celestial lobelias are astonishing. The scenic views of the towering mountain are best observed from this area, and the path is generally flat.

A steaming hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp, and after short acclimatisation excursions are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day. In the evening, the stars twinkle across the infinite arch of darkness. In places they appear like sapphire balls, beautiful and shimmering in their heavenly finery. Those on the outermost boundary, almost beyond human comprehension, resemble glinting pinpricks in a shroud of blackness.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 11 km | Altitude Gain: 110m

Today the Lemosho route connects with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes are magnificent, and the trail begins with a gentle incline towards the beautiful sights of Kibo Peak. The first milestone is a jagged ridge named Shark's Tooth (4,400m), and after crossing the mysterious shadow valleys, we will come across the protruding Lava Tower (4,600m).

Thousands of years ago, enormous volcanoes erupted and scattered the remains of once-molten rock. The gradual descent to Barranco Camp features incredible views of the bleached Western Breach and the striking Barranco, or "Breakfast," Wall. This day follows the mountaineering principle of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal acclimatisation day.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: 6 km | Altitude Gain: 450m

The day begins with a moderate trek up the Barranco Wall. It is steep, but the climbing only requires your hands and feet for a short period of time, around 200m. Feelings of satisfaction will begin to emerge once you witness the beautiful landscape, including the smoothed edges of Kibo Peak and a vantage point over the frosted scenery.

The trail begins to fluctuate as we cross various small streams and the Karanga River, which excitedly hops over the rocks.

You will have conquered the South Circuit of the mountain, and the views of the summit will shift. The infertile grounds at the Barafu Campsite tend to freeze over, and the temperatures change dramatically. A warm, hearty meal will be prepared, and we suggest that you rest early, as the midnight climb to the summit (1,188m) is only a few hours away.

Trekking Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 5 km | Altitude Gain: 1195m

You will be awakened at 11:00pm to ensure that you have a light snack and a hot beverage before you embark on your 5 km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the trek, and it goes without saying that this is the most taxing day on the 9 days Lemosho Route. Temperatures can drop as low as -10°C.

The trail along the stunning valley on the edge of scree fields gradually steepens. Stella's Point (5,672m) is the first milestone, and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red, and purple begin to burst across the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo, marking about one hour to the summit.

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m), you will attain an intangible reward. The heaven-touching apex of the mountain is draped in a shroud of clouds, while gleaming snow covers the landscape below. Across the horizon, you will see glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Wrapped around them are necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields, and Mawenzi Peak.

We will begin descending towards Barafu Camp, where we will have a short break before proceeding to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The 9 km trail features stunning views of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains. The descent follows a rocky scree path through barren moorland before entering the magnificent forest on a 4-5 hour hike. A tantalising meal will be served at the campsite, and you will be able to snuggle into your sleeping bag.

Trekking Time: 3-4 hours | Distance: 10 km | Altitude Loss: 1300m

You will enjoy an appetising breakfast before descending to Mweka Gate (1,300m). This leisurely stroll offers beautiful scenery along the way. Upon reaching the gate, you will be awarded a Gold Summit Certificate as a token of successfully tackling the 9 days Lemosho Route. From the tranquil Mweka Village, you will be driven back to your hotel.