Kilimanjaro Shira route

9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro, starting at a high altitude on the 6-day Lemosho-Shira Route

From $2272 USD* / Park fees / 9 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)

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9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro, starting at a high altitude on the 6-day Lemosho-Shira Route

The Lemosho-Shira route starts on the Western Site of the Kilimanjaro. It is almost the same as the Lemosho route. But on the first day you ascent to the 2nd camp of the Lemosho route. Only after that the two routes correspond.

Tanzania Specialist offers a unique service throughout the climb

Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge! Little details can make a world of difference, which is why with us, you climb with professional guides, porters, and a cook. They take care of you during your ascent via the Lemosho-Shira route, by checking your health twice a day and serving you delicious food. Sounds like a bit much? Not if you want to reach the top! Because we know that altitude sickness can creep up on you unnoticed and that proper nutrition* is essential to keep you going during a strenuous climb. 

Besides, we offer a comprehensive information package to help you prepare for your climb via the Lemosho-Shira. It gives information about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, how to best prepare and what materials to buy or rent. And did we mention that we are a partner of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO)? That means we take care of our crew and the mountain during our climb, making sure you can climb with a clear conscience. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience? 

*If you would like to see the menu, we can send it in advance.

How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho-Shira Route?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent and different temperatures. During an average climbing day you will walk six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek.

  1. It’s important you take your time. Don’t hike too fast so your body has time to adapt and acclimatize.
  2. Prepare. Being in good shape also makes the climb much easier. Go hiking a few months before the climb, especially multiple day hikes are excellent training. But also running and aerobic exercise are a good preparation.
  3. Add an extra day. It is always difficult to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness. By adding one extra day to your climb, you will reduce this risk. Since you spread the climb over more days and your body gets more time to get used to the higher altitude. We do really advice to do this to increase the chance of making it to the top.

If you like advice on how to prepare yourself for climbing Kilimanjaro, you can always contact us or read our blog How to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Specialist

At Tanzania Specialist, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
  • Day 2: Lemosho-Shira Route (1/6) | Drop off (3,500 m/11,483 ft) - Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m/12,762 ft)
  • Day 3: Lemosho-Shira Route (2/6) | Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m/12,762 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)
  • Day 4: Lemosho-Shira Route (3/6) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)
  • Day 5: Lemosho-Shira Route (4/6) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)
  • Day 6: Lemosho-Shira Route (5/6) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)
  • Day 7: Lemosho-Shira Route (6/6) | Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel
  • Day 8 - 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Day 2: Lemosho-Shira Route (1/6) | Drop off (3,500 m/11,483 ft) - Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m/12,762 ft)

Your guide picks you up in the morning and takes you on an approximately 4-hour drive to the Londorossi Gate, the west entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park. The road leads through a beautiful tropical rainforest. You arrive at the drop-off point at 3,500 meters where you can enjoy an amazing view of the Shira plateau for the first time. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and acclimatize to the high altitude while you prepare for an exciting adventure.

Day 3: Lemosho-Shira Route (2/6) | Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m/12,762 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)

On this second day on the mountain, the Lemosho route joins the Machame route. The hike leads from Shira 2 Camp to the beautiful Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,190 ft). This part of the climb has many ascents and descents but offers beautiful views along the way. It is a long hike and you may start to feel a bit uncomfortable because of the height. It is therefore important to find the right pace for your body to adjust to the altitude. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp at the foot of Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Lemosho-Shira Route (3/6) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)

For many people, this is their favourite part of the climb: going from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall. Once there, you have a spectacular view of the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru.

Afterwards, a more difficult hike starts to reach Karanga Camp. This route has many ascents and descents, so keep the right pace. You have lunch at the camp and after a rest, you can take an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp.

Day 5: Lemosho-Shira Route (4/6) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)

After breakfast the hike to Barafu Camp starts. This is the starting point for your ascent to the Uhuru Peak - the top of Kilimanjaro! You arrive at the camp around lunch. Have a rest and after you regain your strength, take an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870m) and back. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and experience the thrill of high-altitude camping as you prepare for the final push to the summit around midnight.

Day 6: Lemosho-Shira Route (5/6) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

Today is the day! Around midnight you start from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak. The climb leads over good trails and the most challenging part is the high altitude. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a short time at the top, where you celebrate your ultimate triumph, you descend slowly to the scenic Millennium Camp.

Day 7: Lemosho-Shira Route (6/6) | Millennium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

The Millenium Camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up today, you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit. After breakfast, you take an easy walk to the park exit.

Your driver then brings you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest!

Day 8 - 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Specialist

At Tanzania Specialist, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

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  • 100% specialized in Tanzania
  • Skilled travel consultants living in Tanzania
  • World class safari guides
  • Competitive rates
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