7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Hike the beautiful Lemosho Route from rainforest to alpine desert with sweeping mountain views
  • 02 Cross the Shira Plateau with dramatic panoramas toward Kibo
  • 03 Acclimatize on the "climb high, sleep low" day via Lava Tower and onward to Barranco Camp
  • 04 Climb the famous Barranco Wall and continue to Barafu Camp for summit preparation
  • 05 Midnight summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

Trek to the Roof of Africa on a 7-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the scenic Lemosho Route, known for its quieter trails, varied landscapes, and excellent acclimatization. Starting from Londorossi Gate, you'll hike from lush rainforest into open moorlands, across the Shira Plateau, and through stark alpine desert terrain as Kibo's glaciers draw closer each day. Following the proven "climb high, sleep low" approach, you'll pass Lava Tower and tackle the iconic Barranco Wall before resting at Barafu Camp for your midnight summit push. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise, then descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, returning to Moshi with unforgettable memories and your summit certificate.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 1 - Londorossi Gate -> Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100 m -> 2,780 m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast in Moshi, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and park formalities. Begin trekking through beautiful montane rainforest toward Mti Mkubwa Camp. Enjoy the first mountain views and settle into camp for dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp

2
Day 02

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa -> Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,780 m -> 3,500 m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest -> Moorland

Leave the forest behind and climb gradually toward the spectacular Shira Plateau. The landscape opens into high-altitude moorland with giant heathers and views toward Kibo.

Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

3
Day 03

Across Shira Plateau to Moir Camp

Day 3 - Shira 1 -> Shira 2 -> Moir Camp
Elevation: 3,500 m -> ~4,200 m
Distance: ~14 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland -> Alpine desert

Cross the Shira Plateau with impressive views of Kibo. Continue toward the Moir area, where the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and volcanic.

This day provides valuable acclimatization through gradual altitude gain.

Overnight: Moir Camp

4
Day 04

Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco Camp

Day 4 - Moir Camp -> Lava Tower -> Barranco Camp
Elevation: ~4,200 m -> 4,630 m -> 3,960 m
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Today follows the important "climb high, sleep low" principle. Trek toward Lava Tower at approximately 4,630 m, then descend toward Barranco.

The dramatic volcanic landscape and giant senecios make this one of the most memorable sections of the route.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

5
Day 05

Barranco Wall to Barafu Camp

Day 5 - Barranco -> Karanga -> Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3,960 m -> 3,995 m -> 4,673 m
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Begin with the famous Barranco Wall. After reaching the top, continue across ridges and valleys toward Karanga before making the final ascent to Barafu Camp.

At camp, prepare your summit equipment, have an early dinner, and rest because the summit attempt begins around midnight.

Overnight: Barafu Camp

6
Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Millennium Camp

Day 6 - Barafu -> Uhuru Peak -> Millennium Camp

Summit day
Barafu: 4,673 m
Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m
Descent: Millennium Camp, ~3,820 m

Wake around midnight and begin the summit climb. Trek slowly through the darkness toward Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue along the rim toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating at the summit and taking photographs, descend toward Barafu for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp.

Overnight: Millennium Camp

7
Day 07

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Day 7 - Millennium Camp -> Mweka Gate -> Moshi
Elevation: ~3,820 m -> 1,640 m
Hiking time: 4-6 hours

Enjoy your final morning on Kilimanjaro before descending through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Complete park exit procedures and receive your summit certificates.

Transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned shower and relaxation.

End of Trek.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private or small-group Kilimanjaro trek
  • Professional, licensed English-speaking mountain guide
  • Assistant guides according to group size
  • Mountain crew/porters
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping, and applicable conservation fees
  • All camping fees
  • 6 nights mountain accommodation in tents
  • 3 meals per day while trekking
  • Cook and cooking equipment
  • Drinking water during the trek
  • Quality four-season mountain tents
  • Sleeping tents and dining tent
  • Camping tables and chairs
  • Portable toilet where applicable
  • Oxygen and first-aid kit for mountain safety
  • Park rescue/emergency support arrangements
  • Summit certificate for successful climbers
  • Transfers between Moshi and the mountain gates

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal medical expenses
  • Vaccinations and medication
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
  • Personal hiking equipment and clothing
  • Sleeping bag, unless specifically included in your package
  • Trekking poles
  • Airport transfers, unless specifically included
  • Hotel accommodation before or after the trek, unless specified
  • Meals and drinks outside the mountain itinerary
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Laundry services
  • Personal porter for excess luggage
  • Private toilet upgrade, if requested
  • Helicopter evacuation or other costs not covered by travel insurance
  • Any activities or services not specifically mentioned under Includes

What to bring

  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Warm jacket/down jacket
  • Fleece or warm mid-layer
  • Waterproof rain jacket and trousers
  • Thermal base layers
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp + spare batteries
  • Trekking poles
  • Water bottles or hydration system
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medication
  • Small first-aid essentials
  • Sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude camping
  • Comfortable trekking trousers
  • Warm socks and spare socks
  • Small daypack
  • Passport and travel insurance details

Know before you go

  • Altitude is the biggest challenge - Kilimanjaro is high, so fitness alone does not prevent altitude illness. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
  • The weather changes quickly - You can experience warm sunshine, rain, strong wind, and freezing temperatures during the same trek. Proper layered clothing is essential.
  • Lemosho is a gradual route - The 7-day itinerary gives you time to acclimatize, but everyone responds differently to altitude.
  • The summit day is demanding - The summit attempt starts around midnight and involves several hours of climbing in darkness and cold conditions. Rest well at Barafu Camp.
  • Bring proper hiking boots - Wear comfortable, broken-in, waterproof hiking boots. Avoid bringing brand-new boots for the trek.
  • Pack light - Porters carry your main trekking bag, while you normally carry a small daypack with water, snacks, rain gear, and personal essentials.
  • Hydration is important - Drink regularly throughout the day. Your guide and crew will help manage your water supply.
  • Food is provided on the mountain - Meals are prepared by the trekking cook. Inform the operator about allergies or dietary requirements before departure.
  • There are no normal showers on the mountain - Camps have basic washing facilities, so bring personal hygiene essentials and wet wipes.
  • Prepare for basic camping - Nights can be cold, especially at higher camps. A suitable sleeping bag and warm clothing are important.
  • Follow your guide's instructions - Your guide monitors the group and can recommend changes to the trek if weather or altitude conditions require them.
  • Travel insurance is essential - Make sure your insurance covers trekking at Kilimanjaro's maximum altitude and emergency evacuation.
  • Carry important personal documents - Keep your passport, travel insurance information, emergency contacts, and other important documents safely accessible.
  • Tips are normally expected - Budget separately for gratuities for your guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook.
  • Mental preparation matters - The summit is challenging, but patience, a steady pace, and a positive attitude can make a big difference.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hotel in Moshi
Tour start
Moshi
End of the journey

Your 7 days run from Moshi to Moshi.

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