7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Connect with your tour guide in Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities.
• Then, transfer to the Lemosho trailhead.
• Upon arrival at the trailhead, begin hiking through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

• Continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.
• Ascend through the lush rolling hills, cross several streams, and reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here, catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Heath

• Today, explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on the moorland meadow toward Shira 2 Camp.
• Then, divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft

Distance: 11 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

• Begin the day by climbing up a ridge and then head southeast toward the Lava Tower - a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
• Descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,200 ft down to 13,000 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite.
• Then, hit the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
• Continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
• Here, make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Elevation: 13,000 ft to 15,000 ft

Distance: 9 km

Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Very early in the morning, around midnight, begin the hike to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
• Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.
• Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• Now descend straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft, descent to 10,065 ft

Distance: 18 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 13-14 hours

Habitat: Arctic

• On the last day, continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.
• From the gate, proceed another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

Trip ends.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest