6-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft, Distance: 6 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

We leave Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where you will complete immigration formalities. We then continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about another hour. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we will have lunch before starting the trek through the winding jungle to the first campsite.

• Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft, Distance: 18 km, Hiking Time: 10 hours, Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the path as it leaves the forest and enters a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. Ascending through lush hills and crossing several streams, we reach Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira I Camp.

The views of Kibo Peak from the other side of the Shira Plateau are incredible. From here, it is a gentle trek east across the Shira Plateau toward Kibo Glacier Peak, continuing through moorland meadows along a creek to Shira II Camp.

• Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 8 hours, Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, continue east along a ridge past the junction to Kibo Peak. As we go on, our direction changes to the southeast toward the lava tower called "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we reach the second crossroads, which leads to the Pfeilgletscher.

We then continue to Barranco Refuge, where we rest, enjoy dinner, and spend the night. Although you end the day at nearly the same altitude as where you started, this day is significant for acclimatization and helps your body prepare for summit day at Uhuru Peak.

• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 9 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue up a steep ridge past the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite. We then leave Karanga and reach the turnoff that leads to the Mweka Trail before continuing to Barafu Hut.

At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here we camp, rest, have dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, can be seen from this position.

• Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft), Distance: 6 km ascent / 13 km descent, Hiking Time: 8 hours ascent / 7 hours descent, Habitat: Arctic

Early in the morning, around midnight, we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwest and climb through dense boulders toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek.

At Stella Point, you will take a short break and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you have ever seen. Snow can often be found at Stella Point during your final 1-hour climb to the summit of Mt Uhuru. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point of Kilimanjaro and the African continent. If all goes well, you can see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we descend directly to Mweka Hut Camp, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. You will need gaiters and hiking poles for the loose gravel on the descent. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper part of the forest, and fog or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain.

• Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates for Kilimanjaro. It can be wet and muddy at the lower elevations. From Mweka Gate, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.