7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi or Arusha

• Drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate.
• Then, follow a forest track in a 4WD vehicle for about 11 km/7 mi (45 minutes) to Lemosho Glades and a possible campsite.
• From the glades, walk for 3 hours along beautiful forest trails to the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite.

Elevation (m): 915 m/1387 to 2,250 m to 2,000 m to 2,750 m

Distance: 18 km

Time: 3 hrs

• The trail gradually steepens, enters the giant heather moorland zone, crosses the Shira Ridge at 3,600 m/11,810 ft, and drops gently to Shira Camp 1, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation (m): 2,750 m to 3,500 m, Elevation (ft): 9,020 ft to 11,485 ft

Distance: 12 km

Hiking time: 5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

• A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira Camp 2 on moorland meadows by a stream.
• A variety of walks are available on the plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Elevation (m): 3,500 m to 3,840 m, Elevation (ft): 11,485 ft to 12,600 ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 2 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• After breakfast, hike east up a steep path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro's looming mass.
• After several hours, walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro's earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower.
• After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 13,000 ft. This hike has numerous photo opportunities, especially if the walls are festooned with ice.
• Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for your dinner.
• On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 12,600 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,000 ft

Distance: 15 km

Hiking time: 7 hours

Habitat: Semi-Desert

• Leave slowly, crossing the floor of the Great Barranco Valley and climbing up the Barranco Wall. Continue the trek on the South Circuit path through the Karanga Valley.
• Then, slowly trek for about 7 hours to Barafu Hut (4,600 m). From Barafu, enjoy excellent views of the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
• Barafu Hut is situated on an exposed and dangerous ridge, so it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark.
• Have your dinner, rest, and prepare for summit night.

Elevation: 13,000 ft-15,000 ft

Distance: 9 km

Hiking time: 8-9 hrs

Habitat: Alpine desert

• After a steaming tea and biscuits, start a 6-hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers.
• At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft), stop for a short rest and a chance to see the sunrise.
• At Stella Point, join the top part of the Marangu Route, but do not stop here too long, as it will be challenging to start again due to cold and fatigue.
• Depending on the season and recent storms, you may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak.
• On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment and know that you are creating a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.
• After your 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest.
• Collect your gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft).

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

Distance: 5 km ascent and 13 km descent

Hiking time: 7-8 hrs ascent and 4-5 hrs descent

Habitat: Arctic

• After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hour hike back to the park gate.
• At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
• Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates.
• From Mweka Gate, you will be driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower and a comfortable night.

Elevation: 10,000 ft-5,400 ft

Distance: 10 km

Descent time: 3-4 hrs

Habitat: Rain forest