7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

• Hikers depart from Arusha/Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 3 to 4 hours, where entry registration and formalities will be 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 the undisturbed forest, winding to the first campsite.

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

• 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 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 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 brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft.
• We now continue down to Barranco Camp 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 very important for acclimatization and will help 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, the 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 we leave Karanga and take the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail as we continue up to Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
• Here, we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare 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: 9 km
Hiking time: 8-10 hours
Climatic habitat: Alpine desert

• Very early in the morning, from midnight to 2 a.m., hikers and the team continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Hikers on the Lemosho hiking route 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 portion of the trek.
• At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you stop for a short rest and, weather permitting, will be rewarded with the most magnificent and beautiful sunrise you are ever likely to see. 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 - congratulations. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
• From the summit, we begin the descent, continuing straight down to Mweka Camp and stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want 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 and 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 down to Mweka Park Gate to receive their 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 will meet the hikers at Mweka Village to drive them back to the hotel in Arusha/Moshi.

Descend (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Stretch: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Climatic habitat: Rainforest