Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

7 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Hard pace

Traverse through the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the scenic Lemosho Route across rainforest, moorland, and alpine landscapes
02 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m for sunrise views above the African plains and clouds
03 See striking landmarks such as Lava Tower, the Shira Plateau, and Barranco Wall
04 Spot Colobus monkeys and other wildlife along Kilimanjaro's varied ecosystems

Embark on a 7-day journey along the breathtaking Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, ascending through lush rainforest, heather-clad moorlands, and rocky highlands to the summit at Uhuru Peak. Along the way, witness mesmerising views of Kibo Peak, glowing glaciers, star-studded night skies, and the dramatic landscapes of Lava Tower and Barranco Wall. This scenic route offers varied ecosystems and favourable acclimatization conditions, increasing your chances of reaching the glorious summit. Descend through serene forest trails after an unforgettable sunrise above the African plains and clouds.

Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), you will attain an intangible reward: the heaven-touching apex of the mountain drenched in a shroud of clouds and splotches of gleaming snow.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru

Languages English, French, German, Spanish, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After enjoying an appetizing meal at the hotel, you will embark on a bumpy three-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate.
We will travel through the fascinating town of Boma N'gombe and the native people of Sanya Juu.
Registration will be completed at the gate, and then we will drive to the starting point of your trek at 2,350 m.
The trail journeys through the thick, untamed rainforest for the day. Adorable bush babies and curious black-and-white colobus monkeys may peer down from the high trees. Mti Mkubwa Camp is our final destination for the day, and the hike is fairly short.

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1

The trail heads towards Shira Camp 1, and there is a shift in scenery to the heather and moorland zone - an arid landscape sprinkled with contrasting silver fauna and flora, such as the enormous lobelias.
Stunning views of Mount Meru engulfing the fiery sunset are present in the west, and the gleaming Kibo Peak makes its presence known.
Light clouds will begin to float around you as you cross several calming streams to get to the Shira Ridge (3,600 m).
We will proceed to Shira Camp 1, where a delicious meal awaits.

Day 03

Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

The moorland landscape remains, with its dusty, rocky ground and low grasses and shrubs. The bright everlastings erupt from the ground, and the concentric rings of leaves on the celestial lobelias are astonishing.
The scenic views of the towering mountain are best observed from this area, and the path is generally flat.
A steaming hot lunch will be served at Shira Camp.
After the short excursions for acclimatization are complete, you will rest for the remainder of the day.
In the evening, the stars twinkle from the infinite arch of darkness.
In some areas, they are sapphire balls shimmering in their heavenly finery, while those on the outermost boundary, virtually outside the span of human comprehension, are like glinting pinpricks in a shroud of night.

Day 04

Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Today, the Lemosho route connects with the Machame route before approaching Lava Tower. The landscapes are magnificent, and the trail begins with a gentle incline toward the beautiful sights of Kibo Peak.
The first milestone is a jagged ridge named Shark's Tooth (4,400 m), and after crossing the mysterious shadow valleys, we will come across the protruding Lava Tower (4,600 m).
Thousands of years ago, enormous volcanoes erupted and spat out the remains of once-molten rock.
The gradual descent to Barranco Camp features incredible views of the bleached Western Breach and the striking Barranco, or 'Breakfast', Wall. This day follows the mountaineering principle of walking high and sleeping low, making it an ideal acclimatization day.

Day 05

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

The day begins with a moderate trek up the Barranco Wall. It is steep, but the climbing only requires your hands and feet for a short period of time (200 m).
Feelings of satisfaction will emerge once you witness the beautiful landscape, including the smoothed edges of Kibo Peak and a vantage point over the frosted scenery.
The trail fluctuates as we cross various small streams and the Karanga River, which excitedly hops over the rocks.
We will stop at Karanga Campsite for an appetizing lunch (3,930 m). An hour's climb up a steep granite lava ridge will lead us to Barafu Camp.
Reaching Barafu signifies conquering the South Circuit of the mountain, and the views of the summit will shift. The infertile grounds at Barafu Campsite tend to freeze over, and temperatures shift dramatically.
A warm, hearty meal will be prepared, and we suggest resting early, as the midnight climb to the summit (1,188 m) is only a few hours away.

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mweka Camp

You will be awoken at 11:00 pm to ensure you have a light snack and a hot beverage before you embark on your 5 km trek to the summit. Sixteen hours are needed to complete the trek; this is the most taxing day on the 7-day Lemosho Route. Temperatures will dip to lows of up to -10°C.
The trail along the stunning valley on the edge of scree fields will gradually steepen. Stella's Point (5,672 m) is the first milestone, and you will pass the glowing Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Illuminating rays of orange, red, and purple begin to burst from the sky as you reach the southern rim of Kibo, marking an hour until the summit.
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), you will attain an intangible reward: the heaven-touching apex of the mountain drenched in a shroud of clouds and splotches of gleaming snow.
Across the horizon, you will see the glaciers protruding like a row of thorns. Swaddled around them are necklaces of powdery snow, frosty ice fields, and Mawenzi Peak.
We will begin descending towards Barafu Camp, where we will have a short break before proceeding to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
The 9 km trail features stunning views of the magnificent Kilimanjaro plains. The descent traverses a rocky scree path through barren moorland before you enter the magnificent forest on a 4-5-hour hike.
A tantalizing meal will be served at the campsite, and you will be able to snuggle into your sleeping bag.

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

You will enjoy an appetizing breakfast before your descent to Mweka Gate (1,300 m). The stroll provides beautiful scenery.
A Gold Summit Certificate will be awarded upon reaching the gate, a token symbolizing your successful completion of the 7-day Lemosho Route.
From the tranquil Mweka Village, our driver will transport you to the airport, where you will connect with your flight back home. If you've chosen to continue on a safari - well, that's another adventure, and we'll manage that for you as well!

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau moorlands, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All applicable park entry fees as per the program
Government taxes, VAT, and local levies
Services of highly experienced English-speaking guide(s), porters, and a cook
Camping equipment such as mountain tents, mattresses, chairs, etc. (except for Marangu Route)
Transport from the hotel to the park gate, as well as from the park gate to the hotel
Meals on a full-board basis during the trek, as indicated in the program (unless listed as an upgrade)
Unlimited drinking water (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Accommodation type: camping, or hut on the Marangu Route
Rescue fees, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter, and first aid kit
Guides' and porters' accommodation, meals, and their entry fees on the mountain
Fair wages for guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home) and domestic flights
2-night accommodation in Arusha before and after the trek
Pick-up and drop-off at the airport
Tips (tipping guideline: guide US$10-US$20 pp per day; cook and porters US$5-US$10 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa entry fees upon arrival at the airport or online at US$50-US$100 per person per entry depending on nationality, etc.)
Any extra orders at meals are not included
Set menu meals are part of the package
Government-imposed increases in taxes or park fees
Medical/luggage insurance
Portable flush toilet
Sleeping bag

What to bring

Camera and memory cards
Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
Sturdy boots or sandals
Sun hat
Sunglasses
T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5, depending on how often you want to change)
Long-sleeved shirts (lightweight)
Shorts
Long trousers
Socks
Sleepwear
Travel towel
Thermal underwear, gloves, and a warm hat (during May-Sept)
Raincoat and rain trousers (during the rainy season, Mar-May and Oct-Dec)
Binoculars
Sunscreen
Wet wipes
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops, etc.)
Malaria tablets
Flashlight or headlamp
Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone, etc.
Power adapter to fit the UK-style electrical socket

Know before you go

This tour starts and ends in Arusha.
The operator can help select your international or domestic flights, but you must book them yourself.
Fly to/from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO - check price) near Arusha. Or fly to/from Arusha Airport (ARK - check price) via Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya).
A transfer from and back to the airport is included.
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost.
The 7-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic trails on the west of Kilimanjaro, and it is a virtual climate expedition.
The shallow mountain stream wanders peacefully through the bottom of Barranco Valley amid the clouds. Frosting shields the valleys, while the azure glaciers extravagantly scatter across the landscape of the ice fields.
Immature trees flourish amongst the towering emerald canopies, and the lush vegetation conceals the moist floors. Thick shadows are cast by the bright sun. Faint buffalo trails are carved into the smooth grounds of the Shira Plateau, and milky white mist clings to and enrobes everything it can.
You will encounter the stunning sights of Lava Tower and scramble up the impressive Barranco Wall. There is a slight chance of spotting some magnificent wildlife along the leisurely trail. The 7-day Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route provides optimal conditions for acclimatization, which increases your chance of reaching the glorious summit.

Logistics