Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Lemosho Route

8 Days Round trip from Moshi Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through diverse landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert
02 Follow the scenic and less-crowded Lemosho Route for a peaceful ascent
03 Experience gradual acclimatization with strategically planned camps
04 Camp under the stars at breathtaking locations like Shira Plateau and Barranco Valley
05 Ascend to Lava Tower for high-altitude acclimatization and incredible views
06 Challenge yourself on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak at 19,345 feet

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Kilimanjaro trekking expedition via the scenic and less-crowded Lemosho Route. Begin your journey in Moshi and ascend through diverse ecological zones, from lush rainforests and moorlands to the stark beauty of alpine deserts. Reach the summit of Uhuru Peak at 19,345 feet, the highest point in Africa, with the support of experienced guides and a carefully paced itinerary for optimal acclimatization. Witness breathtaking landscapes and camp under starry skies on one of the most beautiful and rewarding trekking routes to the Roof of Africa.

Reach the summit of Uhuru Peak at 19,345 feet, the highest point in Africa, with the support of experienced guides and a carefully paced itinerary for optimal acclimatization.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival and Transfer to Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Meet your Mj Safaris guide at the airport exit.
Drive to your accommodation in Moshi town.
Check in and relax at the hotel in preparation for the trek.

Day 02

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Depart from the hotel after breakfast and drive to Londorossi Gate for registration.
Complete all park formalities before proceeding to the Lemosho Route trailhead.
Drive through scenic farmland and reach the starting point.
Begin your trek through lush forest, home to various wildlife including African Buffalo.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (8,700 ft) for dinner and an overnight stay.
Walk for approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Day 03

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira One Camp

Have breakfast and continue the trek, leaving the forest zone behind.
Enter the moorland zone characterized by Giant Heather and open views.
Climb steadily to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau.
Experience the wilderness atmosphere, especially if the afternoon mist rolls in.
Camp at Shira One Campsite (11,000 ft).
Walk for approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Day 04

Shira Plateau Trek to Shira Two Camp

Wake up to stunning views and enjoy breakfast.
Continue with a gentle trek across the Shira Plateau to aid acclimatization.
Ascend to the summit of Shira Cathedral for panoramic vistas.
Proceed to Shira Two Camp (12,600 ft), near the glaciated dome of Kibo.
Set up camp with remarkable views over the cloud line.
Walk for approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Day 05

Shira Two Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Begin with a gentle ascent and enjoy panoramic views as you leave the moorland behind.
Trek across lava ridges beneath the impressive Western Breach glaciers.
Stop for lunch near the Lava Tower (14,900 ft).
Descend to the bottom of Barranco Valley and reach Barranco Camp (12,790 ft).
Enjoy views of massive cliffs and distant plains.
Walk for approximately 7 to 9 hours.

Day 06

Barranco Camp to Barafu Hut

Start with breakfast and begin a steady trek over compacted scree.
Follow the trail as it gains altitude with extensive views.
Reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) in time for lunch.
Take a short acclimatization walk in the southern valley area.
Spend the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the summit attempt.
Walk for approximately 3 to 5 hours.

Day 07

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Wake up around midnight and begin the summit attempt at approximately 1:00 AM.
Climb over steep volcanic scree with gradual switchbacks.
Reach Stella Point (18,800 ft) after 5 to 6 hours of steady trekking.
Rest briefly and enjoy sunrise views over Mawenzi Peak.
Continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your achievement with photographs and a short rest.
Descend rapidly back to Barafu Camp for refreshments.
Continue descending further to Mweka Camp (12,500 ft) for overnight rest.
Walk for approximately 11 to 15 hours.

Day 08

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the final mountain camp.
Descend steadily through lush tropical forest filled with birds and unique plants.
Arrive at Mweka Gate (5,400 ft) and exit Kilimanjaro National Park.
Continue to Mweka Village where your driver will be waiting.
Transfer back to Moshi and check in at Park View Inn for a well-earned rest.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Valley, Uhuru Peak

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

Professional mountain crew: English-speaking guides, porters, and cooks
Park fees: entrance, camping/hut fees, and permits
Meals during the climb
Drinking water and oxygen for emergencies
Hotel in Moshi before and after the climb
Airport transfers
Camping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses
Transport to and from park gates
Safety gear: oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
VAT (Value Added Tax)

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Personal trekking gear (trekking poles, gloves, etc.)
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, snacks, etc.)

What to bring

Pack 3 long-sleeve and 2-3 short-sleeve base layer shirts made of merino wool or synthetic fabric.
Include 2-3 pairs of moisture-wicking hiking underwear and one pair of thermal bottoms for cold nights.
Carry 4-6 pairs of hiking socks and 1-2 pairs of warm wool socks for summit night and sleeping.
Bring a fleece or synthetic insulation jacket and a down or heavy insulated jacket for colder altitudes.
Wear 1-2 pairs of hiking pants and pack one pair of insulated or soft-shell pants for summit day.
Add a breathable waterproof rain jacket and pants to stay dry in unpredictable weather.
Use gaiters to keep out sand, snow, and debris from your hiking boots.
Choose broken-in waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and extra toe room.
Pack a warm beanie, sun hat, and a balaclava or face mask for warmth and sun protection.
Carry insulated gloves or mittens, liner gloves, and waterproof outer gloves for extreme cold.
Sleep comfortably with a -10°C to -15°C rated sleeping bag and a sleeping pad for insulation.
Bring a headlamp with extra batteries and a backup flashlight for early morning climbs and camp use.
Use trekking poles to reduce knee strain and improve stability on varied terrain.
Carry 2-3 one-liter water bottles or a hydration bladder and a thermos for hot drinks.
Pack personal care items including sunscreen SPF 30+, lip balm with SPF, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.