Kilimanjaro Climb - Lemosho Route

This climb is a great Kilimanjaro climb for those wanting a slower climb and a more scenic route. This is also known as the Shira Route but is distinguished by taking in the Lemosho Glades and starting at a lower altitude. Traversing across the Shira plateau can be especially spectacular, and this route also ensures the best of the Machame route is also seen. An extra day is spent at Karanga valley to give the best chance of acclimatising and therefore making it to the summit. We often see more wildlife using this route than any other, particularly eland and buffaloes, and there is evidence of leopard and other animals. This is the longest route on the mountain and that means you have the greatest chance of success.

The guides and crew that we use are excellent. Some of the local guides have climbed and been trained in the USA and on Everest and have years of experience on all the major routes. Some of the guides have summited over 400 times! The guides motivate you and look after your every need - ensuring that everyone safely gets to the top. A high guide & porter to client ratio ensures a safe climb.

Trip information

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Included

Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport, park and climb fees, guides, porters, all camping equipment except sleeping bags, standard mountain rescue fee.

Not included

Flights, visas, travel insurance, tips.

Is it for you?

All Kilimanjaro treks are challenging and you need a good level of fitness. You will need to be ready for very variable temperatures, from hot to extremely cold.

Best time

Kilimanjaro can be trekked all year, with advantages and disadvantages each month. See below for details.

Getting there

Flights will cost from £550-850 depending on season and availability (about £650 is most usual).

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Heavy rain
- Heavy rain
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Sunny
- Rain
- Sunny with Cloud

Min Temp

- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 15
- 13
- 12
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 14
- 14

Max Temp

- 30
- 34
- 30
- 25
- 25
- 25
- 25
- 30
- 33
- 35
- 35
- 35

Spectacular views from the Shira Plateau
More time acclimatising
Wildlife on the lower slopes
Longest route on the mountain

Itinerary

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Duration: 10 days

Day 1:
Moshi. Overnight at the Keys Hotel This evening you will have a climb briefing.
Day 2:
Mti Mkubwa Camp, 2795m. You will be driven via the Londrossi Park Gate (approx. 3 hours) to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades. Today's trek is through the rainforest on a little used track for about 3-4 hours.
Day 3:
Shira 1 Camp, 3505m. Climb out of the forest to the giant moorland zone. This is a full day's trek with an altitude gain of some 610m.
Day 4:
Shira 2 Camp, 3720m. With less altitude gain than the day before this is an acclimatisation day, with excellent views of the plateau.
Day 5:
Barranco Camp, 3865m. This is a superb day's hiking around the southern flank of Kibo. You will cover about 4300m and the walking time is approx. 7 hours.
Day 6:
Karanga Valley, 4100m. Climb Barrance Wall and cross scree ridges to Karanga Valley with great views of the West Breach and southern glacier, arriving at lunchtime. The afternoon can be spent acclimatising.
Day 7:
Karanga Valley to Barafu, 4600m. After a fairly easy 2 hour climb you reach the Barafu path and it is a further 1-2 hours to Barafu. The last part of the climb is quite steep.
Day 8:
To the summit, 5895m, then to Mweka, 3100m. Wake around midnight and a 6 hour plus walk takes you to Stella Point for sunrise. If you feel strong enough continue to Uhuru Peak (a further 1-2 hours), the highest point in Africa. You then start the descent to Mweka Hut, some 304 hours from the top. A long day, taking some 12-15 hours in all.
Day 9:
Final descent. Back to Moshi. Descend through heath and rainforest to Mweka Village (1450m), where you are met and transferred back to the Keys Hotel.
Day 10:
Transfer to airport for onward or return flight.

Pricing guidelines for Tanzania

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £600 to £800 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Tanzania can combine easily with other East African countries.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
1 week high quality safari in the northern circuit (eg with Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Manyara, Tarangire ...)Between £2500 and £3500
2 week southern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar holidayBetween 3000 and £4000
1 week stay on an Indian Ocean island (Zanzibar, Mafia, Chole, Pemba)From £1000 +
1 week Kilimanjaro climbAround £1500

Tanzania