9-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Trek to Uhuru Peak via Barranco Wall

1

Day 01

Arrival in Moshi and Trek Preparation

• You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town.
• You will meet your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and carry out an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear.
• Any missing gear can be rented on this day.
  • Driving distance: 5 km/miles
  • Driving time: 1 hour
  • Habitat: Cultivated zone
  • Hotel: Bed and breakfast

2

Day 02

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

• You will be picked up at your hotel around 08:00 am and transferred to the Lemosho route at Londorosi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
• After registration, you will climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree Camp, where you will spend the night.
  • Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
  • Hiking time: 3 - 4 hours
  • Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
  • Habitat: Rain forest

3

Day 03

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Today, you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is Shira 1 Camp, where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds.
• We will stop for lunch and then continue to Shira 2 Camp.
• On the way, we will view the Northern Ice Fields from the mountain's western side, with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatisation, and we will enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is Shira 2 Camp.
• In the afternoon, you will take an acclimatisation walk, then head back to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Distance: 12 km / 8 miles
  • Hiking time: 10 - 12 hours
  • Elevation: 9,498 ft to 12,631 ft
  • Habitat: Rain heath

4

Day 04

Shira 2 Camp via Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

• Your trek starts with an ascent offering far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and onto the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach.
• You will reach the distinct pinnacle of Lava Tower (4,640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch.
• In the afternoon, we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3,960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
  • Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
  • Hiking time: 6 - 8 hours
  • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

5

Day 05

Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

• Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine.
• We then climb steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It is a climb over rock - not technical, but long and tiring.
• Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga Valley.
• From here, we have a steep climb up from Karanga Valley to our night's camp at Karanga Camp, set at 3,963 m.
• For those feeling strong, we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatisation trek up to around 4,200 m before returning to camp for the night.
  • Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
  • Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
  • Elevation: 13,044 ft - 13,106 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

6

Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• After a good night's rest and breakfast, we walk to Barafu Camp at 4,640 m. The climb takes us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It is a challenging, steep walk made more difficult by the altitude.
• On arriving at camp, we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day. It is essential to keep hydrated and warm.
• We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep, as we will get up between 11 pm and 12 pm to climb to the summit.
  • Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
  • Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

7

Day 07

Uhuru Peak Summit and Descent to Mweka Camp

• We start at midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers.
• We will climb the scree for 4 to 5 hours, gaining incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5,739 m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us, and the views of the jagged Mawenzi Peak and beyond are breathtaking.
• Another hour's walk takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
• We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on a scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long, well-earned rest.
  • Distance: 5 km / 3 miles and 7 km / 4 miles
  • Hiking time: 6 - 8 hours and 2 - 4 hours
  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft and 12,434 ft
  • Habitat: Arctic to heath

8

Day 08

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

• A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride.
• We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower and then celebrate with cold drinks.
• Overnight at your arranged hotel.
  • Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
  • Hiking time: 5 - 7 hours
  • Elevation: 12,434 ft - 5,380 ft
  • Habitat: Rain forest

9

Day 09

Departure or Onward Travel

• Today, you leave for your next destination. If you have a safari planned, this day may be used to begin your safari, fly to Zanzibar, or return home.
• Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your preferred time.