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

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Day 01

Moshi to Londorossi Gate and Forest Camp

• Full board at Forest Camp, 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.
• Then, drive to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about another hour.
• Upon arrival at the trailhead, hikers have lunch and then commence the trek through undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite, Forest Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.

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Day 02

Forest Camp to Shira One Camp

• Full board at Shira One 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 we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing and refreshing.

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Day 03

Across Shira Plateau to Moir Hut

• 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.
• Then, we 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.

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Day 04

Moir Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• 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 we continue, 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 16,000 ft.
• We then continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 ft.
• Here, hikers 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.

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Day 05

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

• 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 meant for acclimatization.

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Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Full board at Barafu Camp. After breakfast, hikers leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
• We continue up to Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers elegant views of the summit from many different 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.

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Day 07

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Hut

• Full board at Mweka Hut Camp. Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend 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), you stop for a short rest and are rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see in a lifetime, weather permitting.
• From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way during your 1-hour ascent to the summit.
• At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will 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 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, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

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Day 08

Mweka Camp to Moshi

• Half board. After breakfast, hikers and the guide continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive hikers' summit certificates.
• At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. A vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.