Highlights
Trek Lemosho through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and ice towards Uhuru Peak
- Climb: Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Lemosho Route
- Follow a gradual itinerary through varied landscapes for better acclimatization
- Cross the spectacular Shira Plateau with views towards Kibo
- Explore Lent Hills and Moir Hut during high-altitude acclimatization
- Conquer Barranco Wall before continuing towards Barafu Camp
- Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres
Experience Kilimanjaro’s scenic Lemosho Route with gradual acclimatization, expert guides, and a rewarding Uhuru Peak summit.
10 Days Lemosho Route
Experience ten memorable days climbing Kilimanjaro through the
scenic Lemosho Route towards
Uhuru Peak.
Take on Mount Kilimanjaro through the scenic Lemosho Route, a ten-day trek designed for gradual acclimatization and varied mountain scenery. Walk through lush forests, open moorlands and high-altitude terrain as the trail rises toward Uhuru Peak, with guided trekking, carefully planned camps and steady progress shaping each stage of this memorable climb.
Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to your accommodation in Moshi The mostly known town of Moshi is renowned as a city that is close to the mountain before and after trekking and offers attractions and adventures You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear which is missing can be rented on this day. If arrive early, after checking in to your lodge you can stretch up by having a town tour and/or having some time to relax at the lodge and get used to the weather. Overnight at your lodge.
Lodge at Moshi
Day 2
Moshi (1400m) – Londorossi Gate (2100m) – Forest camp (2750m)
After breakfast from your lodge, your guide will brief you on the day. You will drive for atleast 2-3 hours from Arusha (1400m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). In the village near Londorossi where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead) upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Distance: 6 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
Camp Site
Day 3
Forest Camp (2750m) – Shira 1 Camp (3540m)
We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. Hiking time: 5.5 hours Habitat: Moorland Distance: 8 km
Shira Camp
Day 4
Shira 1 (3540m) – Shira 2 (3840m)- Moir Hut (4114m)
This spectacular camp we will be going to today is located beneath the Northern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on 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. Hiking time: 5-7 hours Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers Habitat: moorland
Moir Hut
Day 5
Moir Hut (4114) - Lava Tower (4600)- Barranco Camp (3950m)
From Moir hut, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day Hiking time: 7 hours Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers Habitat: Semi Desert
Barranco Hut
Day 6
Barranco Camp (3950m) – Karanga Camp (4235m)
This is a short hiking day meant for acclimatization. After an early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. You will spend the night at Karanga Camp (3950m) and enjoy dinner and washing at the site. Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: Approximately 5 kilometers Habitat: Alpine desert
Karanga Camp
Day 7
Karanga Camp (4235m) – Barafu Hut (4600)
After breakfast, you will begin your ascent. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00! Hiking time: 3-4 hours Distance: Approximately 4 kilometers Habitat: Alpine desert
Barafu Hut
Day 8
Summit attempt Barafu Camp (4600m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. The Mweka Trail will lead you through the screen and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp. Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 7-8 hours to descend to Mweka Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers ascent and 23 kilometers descent Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Mweka Camp
Day 9
Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m) - Moshi
Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate. The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations
Lodge at Moshi
Day 10
Depart Tanzania
Leisurely breakfast, then drive back to Arusha. on the way you will have an option of visiting Maasai Boma for authentic culture experience or Nature walking safari at Mto wa mbu village where you will interact with locals and experience local life. Proceed to Arusha and drop off back to the airport for your onward flight arrangement.
Kilimanjaro Airport
Includes
- Return airport arrival and departure transfers
- 2 nights' accommodation in Moshi on bed and breakfast
- Private professional English-speaking mountain guides
- All Kilimanjaro park trekking and camping fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the mountain
- Government taxes, VAT and all related service charges
- Guides, porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Comfortable Mountain Hardwear sleeping tent
- Quality dining mess tent
- Table and chairs
- Sleeping foam mattress
- Summit emergency oxygen
- Pulse oximeter and medical first aid kit
- Private portable chemical flush toilet
- Flying Doctor evacuation
Excludes
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
- Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional tours (short safari after your climb, etc.)
- Tips and any items of a personal nature
- Walking poles
- Sleeping bags (recommended not to share)
- Tipping
Descend from Kilimanjaro and continue towards Arusha before your airport transfer, completing your ten-day Lemosho climbing adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Your 10 Days Lemosho Route
Find practical answers about the Lemosho Route, trekking stages, acclimatization, summit day, accommodation, equipment and planning your Kilimanjaro climb.
This itinerary lasts ten days, including arrival and departure days, with seven main mountain trekking days before descending through the Mweka Route.
Uhuru Peak stands at 5,895 metres above sea level and represents the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa.
Yes, the itinerary includes professional mountain guides, porters, cooks, park fees, camping equipment, meals and other specified mountain services.
Yes. The itinerary can be adjusted around your arrival dates, accommodation preferences, additional rest days, transfers and post-climb activities.
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