8 Days Shira
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
The Lemosho Route is relatively new. It starts on the Western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira Route which begins at a higher, more challenging altitude.
The Londorossi Gate is a fair drive from the town of Moshi, and considerably further from Arusha. At the gate you will register with the authorities before being driven a further 12km/7miles to the starting point.
The Lemosho route is approximately 70 km/43 miles from gate to gate and it require 7 to 8 days to complete. It is suitable for physically fit people as it connect with challenging baranco at one point.
This route is considered the most scenically beautifully of all the routes on the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
The Western side of Kilimanjaro is still very wild and if you are lucky may get to spot large antelopes, buffalo and even elephants.
The Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower and heads down towards Baranco Valley via the Southern Circuit. As with the Machame Route, Lemosho trekkers need to transverse the Baranco Wall and then Summit from Barafu Camp. Descent is via the Mweka Route
Day 1
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
| From Shira Gate | To Simba Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,597m = 11,800ft |
3,597m = 11,800 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
4 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
1 – 3 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 2
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
| From Simba Camp | To Shira 2 Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,597m = 11,800ft |
3,810m = 12,500ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6 km = 4 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
2 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 3
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
| From Shira 2 Camp | To Lava Tower | To Barranco Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,810m = 12,500ft |
4,630m = 15,190ft |
3,976m = 13,044ft |
|
Distance Covered |
7 Km = 4miles |
3 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4– 5 Hours |
2-3 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Alpine Desert |
Day 4
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
| From Barranco Cam | To Karanga Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,976m = 13,044ft |
3,995m = 13,106 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 5
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
| From Karanga Camp | To Barafu Cam |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,995m = 13,106ft |
4,673m = 15,331 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
4 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4-5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 6
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
| From Barafu Camp | To Uhuru Peak | Mweka Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,673m = 15,331ft |
5,895m = 19,341 ft |
3,068m = 10,065 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 Km = 3 miles |
12 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
7-8 hours |
4-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Rain Forest |
Day 7
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
| From Mweka Camp Camp | To Mweka Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,068m = 10,065 |
1,640m = 5,380 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km = 6 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3-4 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.