7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route Climb to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek the scenic Lemosho Route through lush rain forest and across the Shira Plateau
• 02 Climb the iconic Barranco Wall with views of Kibo and nearby glaciers
• 03 Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa
• 04 Descend through Kilimanjaro's rain forest and receive your summit certificate

Embark on a memorable 7-day adventure along the Lemosho Route to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. This scenic and well-paced climb takes you through lush rain forest, moorland, alpine desert, and up to the arctic summit of Uhuru Peak. Along the way, enjoy expert guidance, acclimatization opportunities, and breathtaking views across the Shira Plateau, Barranco Valley, and beyond. It is an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a rewarding route to Africa's highest point.

Wake around midnight and begin the final push to the summit under the stars.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Lemosho Glades to Big Tree Camp Through Rain Forest

• Elevation: 2,385 m to 2,780 m
• Distance Covered: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Approximate Time Taken: 4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
• Overview: Begin with a morning pickup from the hotel in Moshi at approximately 08:00 AM. Transfer to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro and complete the registration process. Start the steady climb through the forested Lemosho Glades, then arrive at Big Tree Camp for your first overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp

• Elevation: 2,780 m to 3,900 m
• Distance Covered: 16.5 km / 10.3 miles
• Approximate Time Taken: 9 to 11 hours
• Habitat: Moorland and Heather
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
• Overview: Ascend across the Shira Plateau, including steep sections toward Shira 1. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and the Northern Ice Fields as you proceed steadily toward Shira 2 Camp. Use this long trekking day for acclimatization while taking in the unique western vistas of Kilimanjaro.

3

Day 03

Lava Tower Acclimatization and Descent to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 3,900 m to 4,640 m (Lava Tower), then down to 3,960 m (Barranco Camp)
• Distance Covered: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Approximate Time Taken: 7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
• Overview: Ascend toward Lava Tower, reaching the highest point of the day at 4,640 m. Stop for lunch and rest before descending steeply into Barranco Valley. Settle in at Barranco Camp, surrounded by towering cliffs and sweeping views, and use this day for acclimatization by climbing high and sleeping low.

4

Day 04

Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 3,960 m to 3,963 m
• Distance Covered: 5.5 km / 3.4 miles
• Approximate Time Taken: 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
• Overview: Descend into the Great Barranco ravine, then climb the Great Barranco Wall. Traverse beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers before ascending steeply from Karanga Valley to reach Karanga Camp. If desired, you may also complete an acclimatization trek to 4,200 m and return to camp for the night.

5

Day 05

Rocky Ascent to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 3,963 m to 4,640 m
• Distance Covered: 3 km / 1.9 miles
• Approximate Time Taken: 3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included
• Overview: Continue the ascent across desolate, rocky terrain and reach Barafu Camp in the early afternoon. Take time to rest and hydrate, then eat an early dinner and sleep early in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

6

Day 06

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100 m (Mweka Camp)
• Distance Covered: 16.4 km / 9.6 miles
• Approximate Time Taken: 13 to 15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included
• Overview: Wake around midnight and begin the final push to the summit under the stars. Climb steep scree slopes to Stella Point (5,739 m), then continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly before descending back to Barafu for breakfast, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

7

Day 07

Final Rain Forest Descent to Mweka Gate

• Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,630 m
• Distance Covered: 9.1 km / 7.5 miles
• Approximate Time Taken: 3 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
• Meals: Breakfast Included
• Overview: Begin the final descent through lush rain forest and reach Mweka Gate to complete park formalities. Collect your summit certificates, then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a warm shower, celebrate your achievement, and spend the night at the arranged hotel with bed and breakfast service.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All transfers to and from the mountain and your Moshi hotel
• Professional, experienced mountain guides
• Salaries and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks
• Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (twin-sharing basis)
• Sleeping mattress
• Emergency oxygen cylinder
• All meals provided while on the mountain
• Quality mess tents with table and chairs
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
• Clean, purified drinking water
• Conservation fees (included in park fees)
• Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
• Rescue fees (included in park fees)
• VAT (18% charged by the Government)
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

• Tanzania visa
• International and domestic flights
• Hotel accommodation (available as an optional add-on)
• Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
• Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothing (available for rent)
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Meals not listed in the itinerary
• Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages

Know before you go

• Accommodation is not included in the tour price and is available as an optional add-on.
• Transfers are not included in the tour price and are available as an optional add-on.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Tour start

Lemosho Rte, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.