Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Uhuru Peak via the Scenic Lemosho Route

7 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through montane rainforests, spotting Colobus monkeys on the way to Mti Mkubwa Camp
02 Ascend across the Shira Plateau into the moorland zone with wide vistas and glacier views
03 Descend to Barranco Camp beneath the dramatic Great Barranco Wall for acclimatization
04 Climb the Great Barranco Wall for stunning panoramic views, including Heim Glacier
05 Rest at Barafu Camp, the final base camp before your summit push in the alpine desert
06 Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise and stand on the highest point in Africa

Experience a 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek via the breathtaking Lemosho Route, renowned for its scenic beauty and excellent acclimatization profile. Journey through diverse landscapes including montane rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial zones as you ascend to Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. Along the way, enjoy dramatic views from the Shira Plateau, Barranco Valley, and Stella Point before standing on the highest point in Africa.

Journey through diverse landscapes including montane rainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glacial zones as you ascend to Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp via Londorossi Gate

Hiking time: 5-7 hours.
Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers.
Habitat: Montane forest.
Begin with breakfast at your hotel in Moshi.
Attend a detailed pre-climb briefing by your guide.
Drive to Londorossi Gate, stopping at a nearby village to collect your packed lunch and buy mineral water.
Continue on a rough 4WD forest track for 45 minutes to reach the gate.
Register with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Start a 3-hour hike into the lush montane forest.
Look out for Colobus monkeys along the trail.
Stop for a lunch break during the hike.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp in the early evening.
Find your tent already set up by the porters.
Enjoy hot water for washing and drinking.
Have snacks and dinner prepared by the camp chef.
Prepare for a chilly night, as temperatures may drop to freezing.

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Hiking time: 8-9 hours.
Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers.
Habitat: Moorland.
Begin the day with an early breakfast.
Ascend out of the rainforest and enter the heather and moorland zone.
Cross several streams and walk across scenic plateaus.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, located near a stream.
Admire stunning views of the Western Breach and surrounding glaciers.
Relax as porters set up the tents and prepare drinking and washing water.
Enjoy evening snacks followed by a hearty dinner.
Prepare for below-freezing temperatures at this exposed campsite.

Day 03

Shira 2 to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp

Hiking time: 7 hours.
Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers.
Habitat: Semi-desert.
Eat breakfast and begin hiking east into a rocky, semi-desert landscape.
Walk for about 5 hours to reach Lava Tower (4630m).
Have lunch at the base of the tower.
Choose to climb Lava Tower if the weather allows.
Begin a 2-hour descent to Barranco Camp (3950m).
Use the descent for acclimatization and to reduce altitude symptoms.
The camp is located in a scenic valley beneath the Great Barranco Wall.
Enjoy a hot meal and watch the sunset over the Breach Wall.

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Hiking time: 4-5 hours.
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers.
Habitat: Alpine desert.
Wake early and enjoy breakfast.
Begin the climb up the Great Barranco Wall.
Reach the top of the wall and enjoy panoramic views, including Heim Glacier.
Continue on a trail that ascends and descends through Karanga Valley.
Arrive at Karanga Camp in the early afternoon.
Rest and enjoy dinner and washing facilities.
Use this day for acclimatization in preparation for the summit.

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Hiking time: 2-3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers.
Habitat: Alpine desert.
Have breakfast and begin a steady ascent toward Barafu Camp.
Join the Mweka Route, which is used for descent.
Reach Barafu Camp, situated on an exposed and windy ridge.
Note that this is the last water stop, as Barafu has no natural water source.
Rest and settle into camp.
Eat an early dinner and receive a summit briefing from your guide.
Go to bed by 19:00 to rest before summit night.

Day 06

Summit Day to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Hiking time: 8 hours to the summit, 7-8 hours to descend.
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers ascent and 23 kilometers descent.
Habitat: Arctic conditions.
Wake at 23:30 for tea and biscuits.
Begin the summit attempt shortly after midnight.
Climb through stone scree for 6 hours to reach Stella Point (5685m).
Witness an unforgettable sunrise at Stella Point.
Continue for 2 more hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your achievement and take photographs.
Begin the descent to Barafu Camp, arriving after 3 hours.
Rest and enjoy a warm lunch.
Continue descending for 4-5 hours through the Mweka Trail to Mweka Camp (3100m).
Pass through moorland into lush rain forest.
Arrive at Mweka Camp for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

Hiking time: 3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers.
Habitat: Montane forest.
Wake up and enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain.
Participate in a celebration with singing and dancing by the mountain crew.
Present tips to your guides, cooks, and porters.
Descend for about 3 hours through the rain forest to Mweka Gate.
Sign the park register and receive your certificate.
- Green certificates are awarded to those who reach Stella Point.
- Gold certificates are awarded to those who reach Uhuru Peak.
Walk an additional 3 kilometers to Mweka Village.
Enjoy a hot lunch at the village.
Drive back to Moshi for a hot shower, rest, and celebrations.

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower (4630m), Barranco Camp, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 2 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Pre- and post-trek accommodation
Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees and services
Four-season big sleeping mountain tents
Double-layered sleeping mats
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
Transportation to and from the mountain gate
Three meals daily while on the mountain
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Filtered water throughout the trek

What's Not Included

Flights
Personal items
Tips for the mountain crew
Laundry services
Insurance

What to bring

Versatile clothing for varying temperatures
Thermal base layers, top and bottom
Insulated down or synthetic jacket for cold nights
Waterproof and windproof top and bottom layers
Fleece or mid-layer for added warmth
Trekking pants or convertible hiking pants
Moisture-wicking shirts, short and long sleeve
Warm hat and sun hat or cap
Gloves, inner liners, and insulated waterproof gloves
Moisture-wicking hiking socks, multiple pairs
Gaiters for summit day and dusty sections
Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
Comfortable camp shoes or sandals for evening wear
Four-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C or lower
Sleeping bag liner for added warmth
Sleeping pad if not provided by the tour operator
Lightweight daypack with rain cover, 20-30L capacity
Rain gear: jacket and pants
Water bottles or hydration bladder, minimum 3 liters total
High-energy snacks and energy bars
Sunscreen with high SPF
Lip balm with UV protection
UV-protection sunglasses
Headlamp with extra batteries
Personal first aid kit and personal medications
Trekking poles for stability and support
Quick-dry towel and personal toiletries
Lightweight packable jacket for layering
Reusable dry bags or plastic bags to organize and waterproof gear

Know before you go

The Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro, particularly the 7-day option, offers a great balance of acclimatization and scenery; however, it is crucial to be prepared.
Expect a moderately challenging trek with significant altitude gain and the potential for altitude sickness. Proper acclimatization, physical fitness, and packing are essential for a successful climb.

Logistics