8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb on the Lemosho Route to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities. We then continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead, which takes about another hour. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we have lunch before commencing the trek through undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.

Elevation (ft): 9,500 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

We 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.

Elevation (ft): 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo's glaciered peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2. Shira 2 Camp sits on moorland meadows by a stream.

We then 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.

Elevation (ft): 13,800 ft to 13,000 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we 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 16,000 ft.

We now continue down to Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for the summit day.

Elevation (ft): 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we 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.

Elevation (ft): 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. 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 the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Elevation (ft): 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft (and down to 10,000 ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

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 portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and, weather permitting, be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on 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 begin our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite 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 sleep.

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

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your 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.

From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you there and drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.