Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

7 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore undisturbed forest, savannah, and alpine desert on the Lemosho Route
02 Catch stunning views of Kibo, Mawenzi Peak, and the southern glacier
03 Acclimatize gradually with high-altitude trekking across the Shira Plateau
04 Climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
05 Celebrate sunrise at Stella Point before your final push to the summit

Embark on a 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route and experience the mountain's diverse ecosystems, from undisturbed rainforest and savannah to alpine desert and glacier views. This trek follows a gradual ascent designed to support acclimatization, with scenic camps across the Shira Plateau, Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu. Reach Stella Point at sunrise and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, before descending through forest to Mweka Gate with your summit certificate awaiting.

Embark on a 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route and experience the mountain's diverse ecosystems, from undisturbed rainforest and savannah to alpine desert and glacier views.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Trek to Mti Mkubwa

Our transfer driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro Airport. After loading the luggage into the vehicle, you will go to the hotel in Arusha. You can relax for the rest of the day or go and explore Arusha Town. Our team will meet you later for a preliminary talk in preparation for the following days.
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through the undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite.

Day 02

Rainforest to Shira 1 Camp

We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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. Here, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Day 03

Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco

You will gain 700 m in altitude but descend to sleep at Barranco - 60 m higher than last night's camp. This will help with acclimatization, as you will go up to 4600 m before descending again. Today begins with a long uphill trek toward the Lava Tower Hut (4640 m), and you will notice how the landscape changes to a rocky alpine desert. Later, the path descends again to the Barranco Valley with its giant Senecias and Lobelias. After six to seven hours, you should arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain - Barranco.

Day 04

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Today will start with the daunting Barranco Wall. Soon you will realize it looks worse than it is, but there are tricky sections where you must hold on tight. Admire the views from the top. The rest of the route follows along the mountain ridge into and out of the Karanga Valley. You reach Karanga Camp after lunch and have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo and the Kibo summit.

Day 05

Karanga to Barafu Base Camp

A few hours of hiking through a desolate, rocky, moon-like landscape lie ahead. It will be a relatively easy day leading steadily uphill. The goal for today is the Barafu campsite on a narrow ridge in full view of Mawenzi Peak. You will walk along a trail that passes through the afro-alpine desert until you reach your destination for today - Barafu Camp at 4640 m. Use the rest of the day to relax and pack your daypack for tonight's summit attempt. Supper will be served early; drink and eat enough if you can, and try to sleep. You will be woken up around midnight to start your walk to the summit.

Day 06

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

It is dark and cold as you set off just after midnight. For about six hours, you will climb the frozen volcanic dust by headlamp toward Stella Point on the crater rim. The sun should be rising when you arrive here. Just an hour or two more, and you will be standing on the highest point of the crater: Uhuru Peak. On top of the world! Take a short break for pictures and celebratory hugs before you tackle the steep and dusty descent. By now, the volcanic ash will have thawed. You will stop for a short tea break at Barafu and then continue downhill for about three hours to Mweka Camp (3080 m). This is your overnight stop. Refuel by drinking lots of fluids and have a good helping at supper time.

Day 07

Forest Descent to Mweka Gate

A traditional farewell ceremony from the porters begins the day. After about three hours of comfortably descending through the greenness of the forest, you should reach Mweka Gate, where the driver will be waiting. Back at the lodge, a hot shower, cold drinks, a debrief, and your certificate of achievement are waiting.