7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Hikers depart from Arusha / Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 3 to 4 hours, where entry registration and formalities are completed. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes another hour. Upon arrival at the trailhead, hikers have lunch and then commence the trek through undisturbed forest, winding to the first campsite.

Rising (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
Stretch: 6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Climatic Habitat: Rain Forest

• 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 you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, you reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is phenomenal, extraordinary, and amazing.

Rising (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
Stretch: 8 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Climatic Habitat: Moorland

• Hikers and the team explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered summit across the plateau, leading to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then continue to Moir Camp, 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 is one of the highest plateaus on Earth.

Rising (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800ft
Stretch: 14 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Climatic habitat: Moorland

• From the Shira Plateau, hikers and the team continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As the route continues, the direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction, which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You then continue down to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here, you rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight, although you end the day at nearly the same elevation as when you started. This day is very important for acclimatization and helps your body prepare for summit day.

Rising (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
Stretch: 7 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Climatic habitat: Semi desert

• After breakfast, hikers and the rest of the team leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley camping ground. Then leave Karanga and take the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, camp is made, followed by rest, dinner, and preparation for summit day. The two beautiful peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from this position.

Rising (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
Stretch: 9km
Hiking time: 8-10 hours
Climatic habitat: Alpine desert

• Very early in the morning, from midnight to 2 am, hikers and the team continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Hikers on the Lemosho hiking route head north and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you stop for a short rest and, weather permitting, are rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.
• At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Congratulations - faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, begin the descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka campsite and stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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, fulfilling sleep.

Rising (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

• After breakfast, hikers continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help, while shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, though rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy. From the gate, hikers continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle meets hikers at Mweka Village to drive them back to the hotel in Arusha / Moshi.

Decend (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Stretch: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Climatic Habitat: Rain Forest