Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak from Arusha

8 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Summit to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
  • 02 Trek the quieter first days of the scenic Lemosho Route
  • 03 Pass through Kilimanjaro's rainforest and moorland zones
  • 04 Enjoy views of Kibo peak, glaciers, and alpine desert landscapes

Sign up for an adventurous trek to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. Starting from Londorossi Gate, this challenging climb takes you through rainforest, moorland, Barranco Camp, Karanga Valley, and Barafu Camp before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Along the way, enjoy views of Kibo peak, glaciers, and Kilimanjaro's changing landscapes. The journey culminates with a magical sunrise near Stella Point and the incomparable natural beauty of Uhuru Peak.

The journey culminates with a magical sunrise near Stella Point and the incomparable natural beauty of Uhuru Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Trek Briefing

  • After arrival at the airport, our guide will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha.
  • After check-in, you will have a tour briefing and equipment check. If you are missing any gear, the guide will take you to rent the necessary items. Once everything is ready, you will rest for the next day's adventure.

Accommodation: AT OUTPOST LODGE

2
Day 02

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Register at Londorossi Gate to begin the Lemosho Route, which is ideal for climbers seeking a more private hiking experience. Although the trail joins the more popular Machame Route on day three, the first two days on the mountain are relatively quiet, with few other trekking groups on the trail.
  • After registering at the gate, drive to the trailhead.
  • Leave the gate at around 12 pm for Mti Mkubwa Camp.
  • Pass through the rainforests of Kilimanjaro, viewing trees and birds along the way.
  • Eat a picnic lunch on the trail before continuing to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
  • Arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon and relax for the rest of the day.
3
Day 03

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • Leave the forest on day two and enter Kilimanjaro's moorland. When the trail flattens out, you will have your first views of Kibo peak.
  • After lunch, climb the Shira Plateau, created when Kibo's lava flows filled the Shira crater.
  • Stop at Shira 1 Camp, where you will relax for the rest of the day. Faster hikers may continue to Shira 2 Camp (3,830m/12,560ft).
4
Day 04

Shira 1 Camp to Barranco Camp

  • After breakfast, continue east across the Shira Plateau, reaching the junction for the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira trails.
  • Join the more crowded Machame Route before stopping for lunch.
  • Then reach the highest point of the day before descending quickly to Barranco Camp. Faster hikers can take a detour via Lava Tower, a 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside.

Note: This is a very long day of hiking, and it is imperative that you leave camp by 7 am. Hikers may also choose to camp at Shira II and skip Karanga Valley on day four, which will shorten day three significantly. Although this up-and-down day ends with an elevation gain of only 120 meters, by early afternoon you will have climbed 810 meters to a height of 4,530 meters before beginning your descent to Barranco Camp.

5
Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

  • Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with an hour and a half scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day, and in some places, you may have to use your hands to pull your body up.
  • After reaching the top, make a short descent into the greener Karanga Valley.

We generally camp on the ridge above the valley to allow for greater acclimatization.

6
Day 06

Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

  • After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp.
  • On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo's glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame Trail.
  • During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, there are stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way.
  • Try to sleep as soon as you finish dinner, as you will be awake before midnight for your summit hike.
7
Day 07

Uhuru Peak Summit and Descent to Mweka Camp

  • At dawn, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, taking up to two hours to gain 180 meters.
  • Reach Uhuru by around 8 am and take photos at the Roof of Africa.
  • Descend to Barafu Camp, where you will eat brunch.
  • At 1 pm, continue to Mweka Camp, your final camp on Kilimanjaro.
8
Day 08

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Kilimanjaro Airport

  • Reach Mweka Gate and meet the driver, who will transfer you to the airport to board your flight. If you have more days, do not hesitate to contact us so we can plan something for you.
Londorossi Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau moorland, Barranco Wall scramble, Uhuru Peak summit

Where this trip takes you

Londorossi Gate rainforest, Shira Plateau moorland, Barranco Wall scramble, Uhuru Peak summit

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
  • 2-night accommodation
  • Professional, experienced mountain guides
  • All park fees
  • Rescue fees
  • All meals while on the mountain
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Guides, porters, and cook
  • Quality mess tents with table and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Crisis management and safety procedures
  • Fair and ethical treatment of porters
  • Sleeping mattress

What's Not Included

  • Tanzania visa: $50 per person on arrival
  • Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • All extras that are not included in the itinerary
  • Meals not listed above
  • Optional tours (short safari after your climb, etc.)
  • Tips and any items of a personal nature

What to bring

  • Solid hiking boots - Boots should have high ankle support with a solid Vibram®, or equivalent, sole. Gore Tex®, or other waterproofing, is recommended for wet days as well as added insulation. Be sure to break your boots in at least 4 weeks prior to departure. Additionally, bring a spare set of laces.
  • Sun glasses - Your sunglasses should have 100% UV protection and should reduce glare as well as visible light. The frames should be lightweight with a wrap-around design for enhanced grip and staying power. Additionally, side shields are recommended to block peripheral light.
  • Day pack - The most important things to look for if you need to purchase one are size (30L is good), hydration pack compatibility, hip and chest straps, internal frame, good padding on shoulder straps, and water bottle holders.
  • Water/windproof jacket - Your water/windproof jacket is your outer water-repellent layer. Gore Tex, seam-sealed, is recommended, as well as a hood for added warmth.
  • Water/windproof pants - Your water/windproof pants will be worn on summit day as well as on rainy afternoons. These pants are essential for warmth and should be Gore Tex lined and have lower leg zips.
  • Water/windproof mittens or gloves - These are used for extreme temperatures and primarily worn on summit day. Be sure your gloves or mittens have a wrist cord as well as a reinforced palm to maintain grip during wet conditions. A removable liner is essential for drying, washing, and replacing.
  • 2 large duffel bags - One will be left at the hotel in Arusha to store non-essential gear while on the mountain, such as clean clothes for changing when off the mountain and for onward travel, and the other is for carriage by the porters while on the mountain.
  • 2 pairs of synthetic warm-weather trekking socks - These socks are for trekking in the warmest part of the day since they are made of a Coolmax® fabric. Coolmax® wicks moisture, dries quickly, and breathes well, keeping your feet dry and preventing blisters.
  • 4 pairs of heavier synthetic or wool blend socks - Your wool socks are ideal for around camp when the temperature drops, as well as on cold mornings. Merino wool is very comfortable and dries quickly with fewer odors than synthetic blends.
  • 2 pairs of long underwear tops - This will be your base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days when the temperature drops considerably. The material should be lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.
  • 2 pairs of long underwear bottoms - This will be your bottom base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days when the temperature drops considerably. The material should be lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.
  • Warm pants - These pants are ideal for evenings around camp and cold days on the trail. Typically made of lightweight fleece and Wind Pro material, these pants should offer added warmth in case of cold nights or high winds on the summit.
  • Fleece top - This Polartec® 200 weight top will provide added warmth during the evenings as well as on cold morning starts. Please look for fleece material and stay away from cotton sweatshirts. Ideally, this item is worn over the thermal base layer and underneath your water/windproof jacket.
  • 2 pairs of shorts/pants for hiking - These convertible shorts/pants will be what we hike in every day. They should be made of a lightweight, quick-drying nylon material. Some come with UPF protection and mosquito protection.
  • 2 pairs of long- or short-sleeve shirts for the trail - Your trekking shirt is what we should wear early in the climb in warmer climates. The shirt should be moisture-wicking, lightweight, and designed for multi-day hikes.
  • Mid-layer top - This shirt is a long-sleeve version of the one provided above. The long-sleeve trail shirt offers added warmth, more protection from the sun, and an additional layer for evenings and early morning starts.
  • Warm hat - This fleece or wool hat is ideal for evenings and will be valuable in the event of cold weather and temperatures on the summit. The hat should be tight-fitting with minimal loose ends.
  • Lightweight gloves - Fleece gloves are essential. Look for gloves that are Polartec® 200 weight with a leather-reinforced palm. For more protection, windproofing is available and will add an extra layer of warmth.
  • Balaclava - The balaclava provides added warmth on summit day and colder evenings. The balaclava should be made of synthetic or wool material, lightweight, and close-fitting.
  • Sun hat - Your sun hat should be worn at the lower camps and should provide ample coverage for the face. A full-brimmed hat is good for added shade and increased sun protection. Additionally, a neck scarf should also be considered to protect the back of the neck.
  • Waterproof breathable gaiters - Your gaiters should be lightweight and durable. Look for Gore Tex lined gaiters with the ability to fit over your boots. Velcro or adjustable sides for easy access are recommended.
  • Down jacket - An 800 fill down jacket will add much-needed warmth for cold evenings as well as the added layers for summit day. Down is recommended for its compressibility and is comfortable around camp in the early nights on the climb. Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, and North Face are brands the guides wear.
  • Head lamp - Petzl® and Black Diamond® make several models of small and efficient headlamps. Look for ones that have multiple lighting levels, LED bulbs, and use AAA batteries.
  • Camp shoes (Teva, Crocs, sandals) - These are great for around camp after a long day on the trail. These can also be used for creek crossings that may be higher than the boot. Flip-flops work well in warmer climates but are not as effective during cold nights.
  • Hydrator - Hydrators are ideal when hiking for several hours because they enable you to drink slowly and frequently. 2-3 litres is a good size and should fit easily into your pack. All Camelbaks® come with a bite valve, or on/off switch, as well as a large access port for filling. You must bring a neoprene sleeve for the hose to prevent freezing.
  • Bug spray - DEET-based products work well, and we find that the spray-on versions last longer and are less messy. 4-6 ounce repellents that are perspiration- and splash-resistant are great.
  • Sun screen - 30 SPF or higher is recommended, as well as waterproof and sweatproof protection. 8 ounces will be plenty, and we typically carry one with 45+ SPF for our faces and a 30 SPF for other exposed areas. Banana Boat, REI, Kinesis, and All Terrain are good options.
  • 2 wide-mouth water bottles - A 1-liter water bottle is essential for hydrating at lunch, around camp, and refilling throughout the day. Stay away from glass and heavy metals, and look for lexan® for durability.
  • Pillow - A Thermarest® pillow that compresses down or folds into itself is ideal. A good benchmark for size and weight is 18 x 14 inches and 9 ounces total.
  • Dry bag - A 20 liter+ dry bag is great for ensuring your personal items are safe in case of rain. Cameras, wallets, money, and any other valuables can be kept dry at all times.
  • Pack cover - The pack cover is an additional item we recommend everyone carry in case we encounter heavy rains. The pack cover should have a drawstring cord and elastic edges to fit firmly over your bag. A 40-liter cover will work well on any day pack.
  • Trekking poles - Collapsible poles are great for steep downhill terrain and assistance uphill. If you have knee problems, they reduce the impact on your joints by 20-30%. A nice soft foam grip will help prevent blisters, and poles with an aluminium shaft are durable and lightweight.
  • Camp towel - The camp towel should be made of a polyester-nylon blend that dries quickly and compacts tightly in your pack. The large size (50 x 27 inches) is a good option and can be used to wash up at the end of the day. Stay away from house or beach towels.
  • Camera
  • Paperback book
  • Journal with pen or pencil
  • Personal first aid kit (band-aids, moleskin or second skin, ibuprofen, aspirin)
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Sani-wipes
  • Hand and feet warmers (2x) - Gel/air-activated are best
  • Bandanna
  • Cell phone with solar charger (e.g. solar monkey charger), since tri- and quad-band phones work on Kilimanjaro
  • Flavoured chocolate/energy bars for snacks
  • A supply of rehydrate sachets
  • 2 extra garbage bags for waterproofing and separating dirty laundry
  • Earplugs
  • iPod or MP3 player
  • Pocket knife
  • Water-flavoring to mask the iodine taste in the purified water

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.

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