8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

Full board at Forest Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp. Hikers are driven from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, a journey of about 4 hours, where entry formalities and registration are completed. From there, continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about another hour.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, hikers have lunch before beginning the trek through the undisturbed forest, winding onward to the first campsite, Forest Camp, known as Big Tree Camp.

Rise (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft

Stretch: 6 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Climatic Habitat: Rainforest

Full board at Shira 1 Camp. Hikers continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As the ascent continues through lush rolling hills and across several streams, the route reaches the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp.

The view of Kibo from across the plateau is fantastic and refreshing.

Rise (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft

Stretch: 8 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Climatic Habitat: Moorland

Full board at Shira 2 Camp. Hikers and the team explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak across the plateau, leading to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

From here, the group may stay at Shira 2 Camp or continue to Moir Camp, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. Various walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

Rise (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft

Stretch: 14 km

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Climatic Habitat: Moorland

Full board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut Camp. From the Shira Plateau, hikers continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As the trek goes on, the direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, the route reaches the second junction, which leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.

The trek then continues down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here, hikers rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although the day ends at nearly the same elevation as it began, this stage is important for acclimatization and helps prepare the body for summit day.

Rise (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft

Stretch: 7 km

Hiking time: 4-6 hours

Climatic Habitat: Semi-desert

Full board at Karanga Camp. After breakfast, hikers leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day intended for acclimatization.

Rise (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft

Stretch: 5 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Climatic Habitat: Alpine desert

Full board at Barafu Hut Camp. After breakfast, hikers leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. The trek then continues up to Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers elegant summit views from many different angles.

Here, the group makes camp, rests, enjoys dinner, and prepares for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Rise (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft

Stretch: 4 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Climatic Habitat: Alpine desert

Full board at Mweka Hut Camp. Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 a.m., the climb to the summit begins between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route heads northwesterly and ascends through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), there is a short rest, rewarded by one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see in a lifetime, weather permitting. Snow may be encountered from Stella Point during the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, hikers reach the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and on the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise.

From the summit, the descent continues straight down to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are needed for the loose gravel on the way down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, hikers enjoy their last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Rise (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft and down to 10,000ft

Stretch: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent

Climatic Habitat: Arctic

Half board after breakfast. Hikers and the guide continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive the hikers' summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help, while shorts and T-shirts will probably be sufficient to wear, though rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy.

The driver waits at Mweka Gate to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Descend (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft

Stretch: 10 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Climatic Habitat: Rainforest