8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak

• We depart from Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities. We then continue by road to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about another hour. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we have lunch and begin the trek through undisturbed forest that winds 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: Rain Forest

Full board at Forest Camp, known as Big Tree Camp

• We 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 we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we 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

• We 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. We then stay at Shira 2 Camp or continue to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. The various Lent Hills offer different walking options, 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, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we go on, our direction changes to the southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which leads up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We then continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight. Although you end the day at nearly the same elevation as when you started, this day is significant for acclimatization and helps prepare your body 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

• After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on 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

• After breakfast, we leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here we 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

• Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly 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 will stop for a short rest and, weather permitting, be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see. You may encounter snow from Stella Point on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and on the continent of Africa. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.
• From the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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

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

• After breakfast, we descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
• Day of departure: transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport.

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

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Half board