8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities.
• Continue by road to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about another hour.
• Arrive at the trailhead, have lunch, and then begin the trek through undisturbed forest winding to the first campsite, Forest Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.

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

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: RainForest

• Continue on the trail as it leads out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.
• Ascend through lush rolling hills and cross several streams.
• Reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

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

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Full Board at Shira One Camp

• Explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciated peak, across the plateau leading to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
• Stay at Shira 2 Camp or continue 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 is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

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

Distance: 14 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Full Board at Shira 2 camp

• From the Shira Plateau, continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo.
• Continue to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, reach the second junction, which leads up to the Arrow Glacier at 16,000ft.
• Descend to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here, 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 will help your body prepare for summit day.

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

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi Desert

Full Board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut camp

• Leave Barranco and continue along a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day designed for acclimatization.

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

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Full Board at Karanga Camp.

• Leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
• Continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

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

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Full Board at Barafu Hut Camp

• Continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head northwest and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
• Stop for a short rest at Stella Point and, weather permitting, be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.
• Descend straight to Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles 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, enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

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

Habitat: Arctic

Full Board at Mweka hut Camp.

• Continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, and gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. The vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.

Day of departure: Transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.

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

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: RainForest

Half Board