8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

• Hikers depart from Moshi with an Africa Natural Tours driver for 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 and then begin the trek through undisturbed forest winding to the first campsite, the 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

• With 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 the route ascends through lush rolling hills and crosses several streams, it reaches the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down 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

• With 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, hikers may stay at Shira 2 Camp or continue to Moir Camp, a little-used site at the base of the Lent Hills. The various Lent Hills offer different walks, 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

• With full board at Shira 2 or Moir Hut Camp, hikers continue east from the Shira Plateau up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As the trek continues, 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 and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. Although the day ends at nearly the same elevation as it began, this stage is significant 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

• With full board at Karanga Camp, hikers leave Barranco after breakfast and continue on a steep ridge, passing the Barranco Wall to reach the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day designed for acclimatization.

Rise (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Stretch: 5km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Climatic Habitat: Alpine desert

• With full board at Barafu Hut Camp, hikers leave Karanga after breakfast and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. The route then continues 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, camp is made for rest, dinner, and preparation 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

• With full board at Mweka Hut Camp, the summit push begins very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, continuing toward the summit 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 section 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.
• You may encounter snow from Stella Point on the 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you reach the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and on the continent of Africa, and faster hikers will see the sunrise. From the summit, the descent begins, continuing straight down to Mweka Campsite, 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

• With half board after breakfast, hikers and the guide continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive hikers' summit certificates. At lower elevations, the trail 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. An Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to drive 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