Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
From $. 2,038 USD* / 24/7 service / 7 days + 2 Hotel Nights
Price p.p. incl. guide, Porters, Meals, Transport, Camping equipments, Hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (Based on 6 persons).
"Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Shira Route"
Embarking on the Shira Route to Kilimanjaro offers a unique and memorable experience that is distinct from other popular routes. Here are some of the benefits and challenges of taking the Shira Route:
The Shira Route is one of the most picturesque and challenging ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route starts at the Shira gate, which sits at an altitude of 3,600m (11,800ft) above sea level.
After passing through the Shira gate, trekkers follow a dusty trail that takes them through the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude plain that offers stunning views of the mountain. The plateau covers an area of approximately 30 km² (12 sq. miles) at an elevation of around 3,810m (12,500ft) above sea level. This is the perfect place for trekkers to acclimatize to the high altitude conditions before heading to higher elevations.
As the trek progresses, trekkers will find themselves climbing up to the Shira Ridge, where stunning vistas of the mountain and the surrounding landscape await. At this point, the trail becomes more challenging, as trekkers have to navigate rocky terrain and steep inclines.
Although the Shira Route is challenging, it offers some of the most breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The stark beauty of the Shira Plateau, the rugged terrain of the Shira Ridge, and the sense of achievement upon reaching the summit make this route a favorite among seasoned trekkers.
The Shira Route to Kilimanjaro is a unique and challenging experience ideal for experienced hikers and adventurers. It provides a more gradual acclimatization to higher elevation, access to diverse terrains, memorable experiences climbing the Lava Tower, and a sense of accomplishment climbing the steep summit.
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, take the leap and contact Dahlia Africa for your ultimate journey.
Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town
You’ll meet our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp
• Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
• Habitat: Heath
Drive to the Londorosi gate from Moshi town where the starting point of the Shira Route, the Shira Ridge is located. The drive from Moshi to the Londorosi gate takes approximately 4. Once you reach the gate of Londorosi you will be quired to go through the paperwork to gain entry and double-check your equipment while the guides and porters also prepare the essential equipment.
Proceed to the Shira Gate by driving where the route’s climb officially begins. The trek traverses scattered shrubs and giant heather until it approaches Simba Camp.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
• Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 2 hours
• Habitat: Heath
The second day will make it easy for you as the slope is very gradual, helping with acclimatization. The trail goes through the Shira Plateau, located in the heath and moorland zone. The path is very scenic as it takes you to the Shira Cathedral. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a gigantic rock structure that is surrounded by pyramid-shaped and high pointed rocks, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We wake up early morning and after breakfast, head eastwards towards a rugged ridge and eventually to the lava Tower, a 300ft towering giant made out of rocks with is on the southeastern side of the mountain. A hike to the Senecio Forest is done by descending towards the Barranco Camp. The trip to the Senecio Forest is very scenic at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. This descent after going up is done to help with acclimatization and combating altitude sickness.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km/2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic
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.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
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.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Departing Tanzania or Going to Safari or Beach Extension:
Depending on your flight details, our driver will pick you from the hotel in Moshi and drive you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight back home. / If you choose to extend your Kilimanjaro adventure with Safari or beach extension we will proceed with the plan as your itinerary suggested.
Price per Person in Us Dollars:
Group Size | 8 Days Lemosho Route | 7 Days Lemosho Route |
2 – 3Pax | $. 2,680 | $. 2,399 |
4 – 5 pax | $. 2,377 | $. 2,140 |
6 – 7 pax | $. 2,293 | $. 2,038 |
8 – 10 pax | $. 2,218 | $. 1,965 |
Number of Crew team based on group size
Crew | 2 – 3 pax | 4 – 5 pax | 6 – 7 pax | 8 – 10 pax |
Guides | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Porters | 9 | 18 | 24 | 28 |
Chef | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Total Crew | 12 | 21 | 28 | 33 |
Price Item Includes:
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at the hotel.(3-stars)
- Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
- Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter.
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
- All mentioned activities unless labeled optional.
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the Climb.
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Well maintained Camping equipment’s.
- Water for washing up daily.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
- Accommodation after Trekking
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- All Airport Transfers.
Price Item Excludes:
- International and airport taxes.
- Travel Insurance.
- Passport and travel visa requirements (Tanzania visa is required).
- Customary tips for crew/day from group not from person (average tip is anything from USD $20/Chief guide | USD $15/assistance guide | USD $10/Chef | USD $5/@porter.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Accommodation after Trekking
- Visa fees.- USD. 50/person
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Additional Private portable toilet on mountain – $100/group.
Practical information’s
- Children under 10 years are not allowed to Summit Kilimanjaro.
- The duration of transfers/walking are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions and customers fitness.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
What to Pack:
Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings.
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- Long Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper
- Hiking Pants
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Sport Bra (women)
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons*
- Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
- Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)*
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel Bag, 70L-90L, for porters to carry your equipment
- Daypack, 30L-35L, for you to carry your personal gear (recommended)
Other
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer (REQUIRED)
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional)
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Headwear
- Face Mask (REQUIRED)
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava or Buff (recommended)
Headwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Gloves, light
Footwear
- Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof
- Socks, wool or synthetic
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Paperwork
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available to JRO)
- Immunization Papers
- Insurance Documents
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
- Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
- Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
- Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Ziploc-Type Plastic Bags^ to keep gear dry and separate
*These items can be rented on location – payable in USD cash only.
^There is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, but Ziploc-type bags are permitted for tourists.
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