Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 5,895 meters above sea level
Uhuru Peak is the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and the ultimate goal for climbers on the Lemosho Route. Everybody wants to reach this summit point, standing on the edge of Kibo’s crater. Kibo is one of the mountain’s three volcanic peaks, along with Mawenzi and Shira. The name “Uhuru” comes from Swahili and means “freedom.” Kilimanjaro itself has three main cones: Kibo, the tallest at 5,895 meters, Mawenzi at 5,149 meters, and Shira at 3,962 meters. Uhuru Peak, on Kibo, is the highest spot climbers aim for when they take on this mountain. Reaching it is a huge goal for mountaineers everywhere. At 5,895 meters, it’s the highest point in Africa and one of the most famous summits in the world.
At Uhuru Peak, there’s a well-known signpost that leans a bit to one side. This is where climbers snap their proud photos, holding flags, raising their hands, or smiling wide. The sign says, “Congratulations, you are now at Uhuru Peak, Tanzania, 5,895m/19,341ft AMSL, Africa’s highest point, world’s highest free-standing mountain, one of the world’s largest volcanoes, world heritage and wonder of Africa.” It’s not just a sign—it’s a mark of success and a moment of joy after a tough climb. Those wooden planks are famous among climbers globally.
The weather up there is harsh, with icy winds and temperatures dropping below freezing. There’s no rain, and no plants or animals can survive in this cold, snowy place. The peak is surrounded by vast white snowfields and sharp, towering ridges. To get here, climbers pass through five different zones, from lush forests to bare deserts and finally the freezing arctic top.
The name “Uhuru” ties to Tanzania’s history. When the country, then called Tanganyika, was breaking free from British rule, an army officer named Alexander Nyirenda climbed to the top on December 8, 1961. He placed a torch and the new Tanzanian flag there to celebrate independence. At the same time, down at the national stadium, the British flag was lowered. Before that, during German colonial times, the peak was called Kaiser Wilhelm Peak, named by explorer Hans Meyer. It became Uhuru Peak in 1964, three years after independence, and now a sign stands where the torch once did, thanks to the park authorities.
Location & Weather
Uhuru Peak is right on Kibo’s crater rim. The high altitude makes it tricky to tell which way is up because the mountain’s size messes with gravity a bit. That’s why you need skilled guides and porters—without them, you might lose your way, even at the top.
You reach Uhuru Peak by walking, since Kilimanjaro is a mountain you can trek up. There are about eight routes to get there, each different in how hard they are, how busy they get, and how pretty the views are. The Marangu and Rongai routes are the easiest, while Machame, Shira, and Lemosho are tougher. Most routes take 5 or 6 days to reach the summit.
Temperature at Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak is the tallest point on Kilimanjaro and where you’ll end up after your climb. It gets really cold up there! Temperatures can be anywhere from -4 ℃ to -27 ℃, which is about 25 ℉ down to -17 ℉. That’s a wide range, but one thing’s for sure—it’s freezing!
That’s why you should pack everything on our list, no matter when you’re going. Even if you climb in warmer months like summer, it can still snow and feel icy at the top. We also have gear you can rent if you don’t want to buy it all. Our rental stuff is made to handle the cold temperatures we list, so you’ll be safe and warm.
You’ll reach the top at sunrise, when it’s usually the coldest because the sun is just starting to rise. Get ready for that chilly summit night! Our guides and porters will be there to help you stay warm and comfortable. Want to know more about the best time to climb or the weather on Kilimanjaro? Check out our guide for extra details.
Will You See Snow at the Top?
Some people love seeing snow on Uhuru Peak, while others want drier weather. Snow is more likely during the rainy months, November to May, since that’s when the mountain gets wet. But it can still snow even in the dry months, like December to February. Those drier months give you a good shot at a less soggy hike with a chance of snow at the top.
Walking through snow is pretty cool, and lots of climbers think the snowy mountain looks amazing. But more snow can mean more fog, so you might not see much from the peak. Think about what you want most before you book—do you care more about a snowy adventure or a clear view at the summit?
What to Wear
Since it’s so cold, dress smart! Wear a waterproof jacket and pants to stay dry if it snows or rains. Layer up with a warm jacket and a light fleece underneath for extra coziness. Long-sleeve shirts that wick away sweat will keep you feeling fresh. Sturdy, worn-in hiking boots are a must—new ones will hurt your feet. Add thick, waterproof gloves and thin ones for layering, plus a warm hat for the cold and a cap for sun lower down. Sunglasses with UV protection are important for your eyes. A headlamp will help you see in the dark on summit night. Pack all this, and you’ll be ready for Uhuru Peak’s chilly weather!
What it’s like on Lemosho
On both the 7-day and 8-day Lemosho treks, you climb to Uhuru Peak from Barafu Camp. You start in the dark, between midnight and 2 a.m., heading northwest through loose gravel between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. It’s a hard push, testing your body and mind. At Stella Point, you rest briefly and might see a stunning sunrise if the sky is clear. Then it’s an hour more, maybe through snow, to Uhuru Peak. Fast hikers catch the sunrise from the top. After soaking it in, you head down to Mweka Hut, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The descent is steep and gravelly, so poles and gaiters help. At Mweka, in the forest, you eat your last mountain meal and rest.