Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Shira
The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across Shira Plateau make this trek truly special when climbing Kilimanjaro. Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used and we start slow and easy. The trail later merges with the Shira and Machame Routes, eventually joining the Umbwe route. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this Mount Kilimanjaro trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker.
- Tour name: Climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Shira
- Price Range $2625 US
- Duration: 9 days (7 climbing)
- Country(s): Tanzania
- Tour Type: Private
- Start & Finish: Arusha
- Tour Code: TKLEM
- Activities: Mountain Climbing
Pricing per person and is subject to change.
- 2 people climbing – $ 2625 US
- 1 person climbing – $ 3295 US
Included:
- 2 nights hotel, 7 nights tents
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
- Ground transfers to and from Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport
- Climbing permit
- Mountain guide
- Porters
- Park Entrance fees
- Safety equipment
Not Included:
- Visas, medical insurance, climbing equipment, sleeping bags, hyperbaric chamber, oxygen tanks, toilet tent, tips, beverages, and items of a personal nature.
Options:
- Upgrade to deluxe or luxury trek
- Extra day on the mountain $260 US
- Hyperbaric Pressure Bag $35 US per day
- Chemical toilets $30 US per day
- Oxygen Cylinder $25 US per day
- Other trekking gear can be rented
- Add on Safari in Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda
Lemosho Shira Itinerary
Day 1 Moshi
Pick up in Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi. The town is located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro so you can begin preparations for climbing. Dinner and overnight is at a base hotel.
Day 2 Lemosho Trailhead (2375m) – Forest Camp (2895m)
Firstly, complete entry formalities, then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Commence climbing Kilimanjaro through undisturbed forest, about 3-4 hours. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the overgrown trail.
Day 3 Shira Camp (3720m)
Take a steep track into a savannah of tall grasses, ascend through the lush rolling hills below the Shira plateau, finally reaching camp after 5-6 hours of trekking. Relish the view of Kibo across the amazing plateau.
Day 4 Shira 2 Camp (3950m)
Full day exploration of the Shira plateau, followed by trekking east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak. There is an option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes.
Day 5 Barranco Camp (3950 m)
Proceed steadily upward over expansive ridge lines of high desert to Lava Tower. Then, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set in a valley enclosed on three sides with the massive valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Trekking time today is 6-7 hours.
Day 6 Barafu Camp (4630m)
Scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’, then traverse up and down the slopes of valleys. Kibo’s glaciers loom above. We reach the Karanga Valley after 3-4 hours of trekking where the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse.
Day 7 Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3110m)
A midnight wake-up call is the start of an epic day, 12-17 hours of trekking. The winding path of switchbacks will take you to the edge of the crater after about 6 hrs. From here, there is a gentle slope, followed by about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit, the trail descends steeply back to Mweka Camp for the night and well deserved rest.
Day 8 Mweka Gate (1830m) and Moshi
Descend straight to the gate for 2 – 3 hours, after which you’ll have lunch and be awarded climbing certificates. Transfer to base hotel to relax, enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9 Moshi – Airport or Arusha
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Above all, take with you lifelong memories of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
