Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

8 Days Round trip from Moshi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro from various vantage points
02 Enjoy a well-paced itinerary for optimal altitude acclimatization
03 Trek through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to moorland plateaus
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and celebrate your achievement

Embark on an exhilarating 8-day trek along the breathtaking Lemosho Route, renowned for its panoramic views and diverse landscapes. Traverse lush rainforests, cross the stunning Shira Plateau, and follow a well-paced route designed for better acclimatization. Along the way, enjoy changing scenery from moorland to alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

Congratulations - one step at a time, you will now have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp Through the Rainforest

You will depart from Moshi.
A 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
You will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
You will enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife.
At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.

4.8km / 3mi | 3-4 hours | Rainforest

Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft

Altitude gained: 396m.

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, you will emerge from the rainforest and continue on an ascending path.
You will leave the forest behind. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

7.9km / 5mi | 4-6 hours | Moorland

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft

Altitude gained: 719m.

Day 03

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp via the Shira Plateau

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

6.9km / 4.3mi | 5-7 hours | Moorland

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft

Altitude gained: 391m.

Day 04

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Although you will end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.
From the Shira Plateau, you will continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the Kibo peak.
You will then continue southeast toward the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, you will come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier.
You will then continue to descend for your overnight stay at Barranco Camp.

10.1km / 6.3mi | 4-6 hours | Semi Desert

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft

Altitude gained: 91m.

Day 05

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall

After breakfast, you will continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease. You will stay overnight at Karanga Camp.

5.2km / 3mi | 4-5 hours | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft

Altitude gained: 48m.

Day 06

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the South Circuit

You will continue up toward Barafu Camp and, once reached, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles.
You will have an early dinner and rest as you prepare for summit night. Your overnight stay will be at Barafu Camp.

3.3km / 2mi | 4-5 hours | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft

Altitude gained: 628m.

Day 07

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

Excitement builds as the morning begins with an early start between midnight and 2:00 am. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
Congratulations - one step at a time, you will now have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, you will take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. You will then begin your steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain.
Well-deserved rest awaits you as you enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Your overnight stay will be at Mweka Camp.

13km / 8mi down | 5-6 hours | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft

Altitude gained: 1233m

Descent to 3106m/10,190ft

Altitude lost: 2789m.

Day 08

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it is time to say goodbye. You will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away.
You will enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations before being transferred for your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.

9.1km / 6mi | 3-4 hours | Rainforest

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft

Altitude lost: 1473m.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 3 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Porterage
Rescue fee
Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
Roundtrip airport transfer
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Climbing gear
International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Clothing:
- Base Layers: Thermal tops and bottoms (moisture-wicking material)
- Mid Layers: Fleece or insulated jacket
- Outer Layers: Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm Layers: Down jacket or equivalent for summit night
- Hiking Pants and Shorts: Comfortable and lightweight
- Trekking Shirts: Long-sleeved and short-sleeved (quick-drying)
- Underwear: Moisture-wicking and comfortable
- Gloves: Lightweight inner gloves and insulated, waterproof outer gloves
- Hats: Sun hat and warm beanie
- Gaiters: To protect against mud and snow
Footwear
- Hiking Boots: Waterproof, sturdy, and well-broken-in
- Camp Shoes: Lightweight for evening comfort
- Socks: Wool or synthetic (3-5 pairs)
Gear
- Daypack: 25-35 liters for essentials
- Duffle Bag: For porters to carry (up to 15kg limit)
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for -20°C or lower
- Trekking Poles: Adjustable and lightweight
- Headlamp: With extra batteries
- Water Bottles and Hydration System: 3-4 liters total capacity
- Sunglasses: UV-protected and wrap-around
Personal Items
- Travel Documents: Passport, insurance, and permits
- First Aid Kit: Include altitude sickness medication, pain relievers, and blister care
- Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and wet wipes
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm, and lotion
- Snacks: High-energy bars and electrolyte powder
- Camera: Lightweight with extra memory cards
- Notebook: For journaling
- Hand Warmers: For summit night
- Earplugs: For noisy campsites
- Cash: For tipping guides and porters

Know before you go

Explain the route and daily itineraries: You'll get a clear understanding of what to expect each day, including distances, terrain, and altitudes.
Review safety measures: The guide will go over safety protocols, how to use climbing equipment, and how to monitor and manage altitude-related symptoms.
Check your gear: They will ensure that you have all the necessary equipment and clothing and advise on any last-minute adjustments.
Share climbing tips: Learn about pacing, hydration, and techniques to conserve energy during the climb.
Answer your questions: This is your chance to ask about any concerns or clarifications regarding the climb.
Our guides are experienced, friendly, and committed to ensuring your safety and success on the mountain. You'll be in excellent hands from start to finish.
By sharing this information, the client will feel confident and well-prepared for their adventure.
The Lemosho Route is widely considered to be the best route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Not too long ago, there were only two main routes used to climb Kilimanjaro - the Marangu (Coca Cola) route and the Machame (Whiskey) route. But as Tanzania's tourism industry flourished, the Kilimanjaro park authority created more trails to Africa's highest peak. Lemosho, a relatively new route, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness, and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit and enjoy the experience overall.
The Lemosho Route can be done in as little as six days (five nights) on the mountain. However, it is ideally tackled over eight days (seven nights) for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, located on the western base of the mountain, within its lush, fertile rainforest. The route heads across the Shira Plateau before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka Trail.

Logistics