8-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

8 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Traverse diverse landscapes from lush rainforest to alpine desert via the Shira Plateau
  • 02 Climb the Barranco Wall with breathtaking views along Kilimanjaro's southern circuit
  • 03 Acclimatize at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, on Kilimanjaro's scenic Lemosho Route
  • 05 Take in panoramic views of Kibo, Mawenzi, Mount Meru, and the Southern Icefield

Embark on a challenging yet rewarding 8-day adventure to conquer Kilimanjaro's peak via the scenic Lemosho Route. Traverse diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and the Shira Plateau to alpine desert terrain, while gaining altitude through carefully paced acclimatization hikes. Take on the thrilling Barranco Wall, pass Lava Tower, and enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo, Mawenzi, Mount Meru, and the Southern Icefield. Reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa, before descending through verdant forest back to Moshi.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp via Londosori Gate

  • Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 4 hours from Moshi town to Londosori Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
  • Complete registration and permit checks at the gate.
  • Your dedicated porters will be checked in and prepared to begin the climb.
  • Embark on a 2-3 hour trek of approximately 6 km through a dense, misty rainforest.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for small wildlife, especially black and white colobus monkeys.
  • Meet your porters at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m / 8695 ft) and settle into your campsite for the night.

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Distance: 6 km

Elevation Gain: 2650 m / 8695 ft

2
Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp

  • Enjoy a 4-5 hour hike of approximately 8 km through scenic moorland forests and valleys.
  • Witness breathtaking vistas of the majestic Kibo peak throughout the journey.
  • Expect some steeper sections on the trail, adding a bit of challenge.
  • Reach Shira Camp after your trek.
  • Settle into your campsite and prepare for the next day's adventure.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 8 km

Terrain: Moorland and valleys

3
Day 03

Across the Shira Plateau to Shira Hut

  • Embark on a moderate 6-8 hour hike of approximately 8 km across the vast Shira Plateau.
  • Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Shira Plateau and valleys.
  • Admire the imposing rock formation known as Shira Cathedral.
  • Reach your overnight destination, Shira Hut (3850 m / 12630 ft).
  • Your experienced guide will select the most suitable route based on your group's ability.
  • Relax upon arrival, as your dedicated porters will have already set up your campsite.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 8 km

Elevation Gain: 3850 m / 12630 ft

4
Day 04

Shira Hut to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

  • Ascend from Shira Hut to Lava Tower (approximately 4640 m / 15220 ft) for high-altitude acclimatization.
  • Descend to Barranco Camp (approximately 3986 m / 13070 ft) via the scenic Barranco area.
  • Prepare for a steeper section on the trail.
  • Expect a moderate hike of 6-8 hours, covering approximately 9 km.
  • Shira Hut serves as a meeting point for climbers on the Shira, Lemosho, and Machame routes.

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Distance: 9 km

Elevation Change: 4640 m (15220 ft) to 3986 m (13070 ft)

5
Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Tackle the infamous Barranco Wall, a steeper section known for its challenging terrain.
  • Hike through the captivating landscapes of the alpine desert valleys.
  • Enjoy increasingly spectacular views of the majestic Kibo peak as you gain altitude.
  • Witness the awe-inspiring southern glaciers and the Western Breach.
  • Reach your overnight destination, Karanga Camp (approximately 4000 m / 13,100 ft).
  • The trek covers a moderate distance of approximately 4 km.
  • Expect a more focused hike of 4-5 hours compared to previous days.
  • Rest and recharge at Karanga Camp in preparation for tomorrow's adventure.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 4 km

Elevation Gain: 4000 m / 13,100 ft

6
Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Ascend through the captivating alpine desert, enjoying breathtaking views.
  • Witness the dramatic beauty of Kibo and Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's two volcanic cones.
  • Embark on a moderate 4-5 hour trek, covering approximately 4 km.
  • Reach the junction where the Lemosho Route meets the Mweka Route.
  • Set up camp at Barafu Camp (approximately 4600 m / 15,300 ft), completing the southern circuit.
  • Enjoy an early dinner and prepare for an early sleep in anticipation of tomorrow's summit push.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 4 km

Elevation Gain: 4600 m / 15,300 ft

7
Day 07

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

  • Begin your summit push shortly after midnight, leaving your tents and porters behind.
  • Your experienced guides and summit porters will accompany you on this challenging climb.
  • Prepare for a physically and mentally demanding trek in frigid temperatures and high altitude.
  • Hike in complete darkness, relying on your headlamp for visibility.
  • At Gilman's Point, witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second peak, from approximately 5685 m / 18650 ft.
  • Congratulations - reach the pinnacle of Africa, Uhuru Peak (approximately 5895 m / 19341 ft).
  • Capture a commemorative photo at the Uhuru Peak signpost.
  • Begin your descent down the Mweka Route due to weather limitations.
  • Replenish your energy with lunch at Barafu Camp before continuing your descent.
  • Reach Mweka Camp (approximately 3100 m / 10,000 ft) for your final night on the mountain.
  • Enjoy a well-deserved dinner and rest before your final descent tomorrow.

Overnight stay at Mweka Camp

Ascent: 6-8 hours (approximately 5 km)

Descent: 5-6 hours (approximately 13 km)

Elevation Gain: 15,600 ft (4755 m) to 19,341 ft (5895 m)

Elevation Loss: 19,341 ft (5895 m) to 10,065 ft (3070 m)

8
Day 08

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Mweka Camp before embarking on your final descent.
  • Hike through a lush, potentially wet and muddy forested trail.
  • Utilize trekking poles for added stability on the downhill terrain.
  • Reach Mweka Gate (approximately 1630 m / 5350 ft), marking the official end of your trek.
  • Receive your well-deserved summit certificates at the gate.
  • Meet your waiting driver and transfer back to Moshi town for your next adventure.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 10 km

Elevation Loss: 10,150 ft (3100 m) to 5500 ft (1675 m)

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Porter
  • Permit fees
  • Camping
  • Hiking poles

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour start
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Moshi.

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