Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: 8-Day Trek to Uhuru Peak via Shira Plateau
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
7–8 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and experience with long day hikes; ability to carry a daypack and hike 6–12 hours comfortably.
Overview
An 8-day climb from Lemosho Gate up the Shira Plateau to Uhuru Peak, the Lemosho Route is a gradual, scenic path that maximizes acclimatization and camp comforts. Expect forest trails, alpine desert, a late-night summit push, and a deep connection with the mountain’s guides and porters.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route: 8-Day Trek to Uhuru Peak via Shira Plateau
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You step out of a cool Moshi morning into a land that changes with every hour: banana farms blur into cloud forest, which gives way to moorland and then an austere alpine desert that dares you forward. On day one the drive from Springlands Hotel to Lemosho (Londorossi) Gate is a quiet introduction—porters shoulder woven duffels, guides unfold maps, and the forest swallows the trail behind you. By evening a chef’s stew steams beside the tents and the night sky over Kibo feels close enough to touch.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Climb slowly, breathe deliberately
Use the ’pole pole’ (slowly slowly) pacing common on Kilimanjaro—steady steps beat fast bursts at altitude.
Hydrate and snack often
Aim for 3–4 liters of fluids daily and eat small salty snacks to maintain energy and electrolyte balance.
Break in your boots
Stiff, untested boots increase blister risk—100+ km of pre-trip walking will pay dividends.
Bring a quality headlamp
Summit starts at midnight; a dependable, bright headlamp is non-negotiable.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black-and-white colobus monkey
- Rock hyrax
History
Kilimanjaro formed from three volcanic cones—Shira (ancient), Mawenzi, and Kibo (dormant)—with Uhuru Peak crowning Kibo as Africa’s highest point.
Conservation
Glaciers on Kibo have receded dramatically in the last century; choose operators that employ ethical porter practices and support local conservation and community programs.
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Adventure Hotspots in Moshi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated, waterproof trekking boots
Support and dry feet on muddy forests and scree; wide toe box for summit crampon fit.
Layered clothing system (base, insulating, shell)
Temperatures swing from hot valley hikes to freezing summit conditions—layers adapt fast.
3–4 L hydration system + water purification tablets
Reliable hydration on long days and contingency for water points is essential.
Warm sleeping bag (rated to -10°C) and liner
Night temps at high camps drop well below freezing—insulation matters for rest and recovery.