9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro, starting at a high altitude on the 6-day Lemosho-Shira Route. The Western Site of Kilimanjaro is where the Lemosho-Shira path begins. It’s pretty much the same as the Lemosho path. On the first day, though, you go up to the second camp on the Lemosho path. After that, the two paths will match up.

Tanzania Zanzibar Safari gives a one-of-a-kind service during the climb.

The hardest thing you can do is climb Kilimanjaro. Little things can make a big difference, that’s why we send you up with trained guides, porters, and a cook. The people who work on the Lemosho-Shira road take care of you by checking on your health twice a day and giving you tasty food. Does that sound like too much? Not if you want to get to the top! Because we know that altitude sickness can sneak up on you and that good eating is important to keep you going on a tough climb.

You can also get a lot of information from us to help you get ready for your climb up the Lemosho-Shira. It tells you about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, how to get ready, and what you can buy or rent. Another thing we want to bring up is that we work with the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organization (KRTO). That means that while we climb, we look out for our team and the mountain. This way, you can climb without worrying. Are you ready for an event you’ll never forget?

*We can send you the menu ahead of time if you’d like to see it.

Itinerary Highlights
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

How fit do you need to be to take the Lemosho-Shira Route up Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is very hard to climb because of its high elevation, fast ascent rate, and changing weather. You will walk for six to seven hours every day on average when you climb. It is definitely possible if you are healthy and fit. You can do many things to improve your chances of making it to the top and to make sure you enjoy the hike.

Take your time. Allow your body time to adjust and get used to the altitude by hiking slowly.
Get ready. Also, being in good shape helps a lot with the climb. Hiking a few months before the climb is a great way to prepare, especially walks that last more than one day. But running and other physical activities are also good ways to get ready.

Add one more day. There is no way to know ahead of time who will get altitude sickness. This risk will go down if you climb for one more day. Because the climb is spread out over more days, your body has more time to get used to being taller. We really think you should do this to improve your chances of getting to the top.

Day by day breakdown

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you get to Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Tanzania Zanzibar Safari guide will be there to meet you. After the trip, he drops you off at your hotel where you can rest.
Getting ready for your climb: Before you start your climb, you meet your guide. He tells you about the climb and gives you important tips on what to wear, what to bring, and how to make it as easy 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)

In the morning, your guide gets you up and drives you to the Londorossi Gate, which is the western entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. The trip takes about 4 hours. A beautiful tropical jungle can be seen from the road. Once you get to the drop-off point at 3,500 meters, you’ll have your first great view of the Shira plains. Take in the beauty of nature and get used to the high air while you get ready for an exciting trip.

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)

The Lemosho route meets up with the Machame route on this second day on the mountain. From Shira 2 Camp, you can walk to the beautiful Lava Tower, which is 4,630 m (15,190 ft) high. There are a lot of ups and downs on this part of the walk, but there are also some beautiful views. You might start to feel a little shaky because of the height after a long walk. So, you need to find the right speed so that your body can get used to the higher elevation. You go down to Barranco Camp at the base of Barranco Wall after lunch.

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

Going from Barranco Camp to the Barranco Wall is a favorite part of the climb for many. You can see the Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru in all their glory from that spot.

After that, the walk to Karanga Camp gets harder. Keep the right pace because this path goes up and down a lot. At camp, you can have lunch and then take a break. After some time to get used to the altitude, you can go on a walk to 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)

The walk to Barafu Camp starts after breakfast. This is where you can begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, which is the top of Kilimanjaro! Around lunchtime, you get to the camp. Rest, and when you’re ready, go on a hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870m) and back to get used to the altitude. As you get ready for the last push to the top around midnight, take in the breathtaking views of the nearby peaks and feel the thrill of camping at a high elevation.

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! You start your hike from Barafu Camp at midnight and go to Uhuru Peak. The hardest part of the climb is getting to the top, which is done on good paths. When you get to the top, you can see a stunning sunrise. After a short time at the top, where you can enjoy your ultimate victory, you slowly make your way down to the beautiful 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

There is a tropical jungle where the Millennium Camp is located. Today when you wake up, you’ll feel relieved that you’re not as high and happy that you made it to the top. You walk easily to the park exit after breakfast.

After that, your car takes you back to the hotel so you can rest.

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

It’s time to go home now that your vacation is over. Have fun in Tanzania for a few more hours before our driver picks you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your trip home. Do you still want more? You can also add a few days of hiking or a trip to the beach to your Kilimanjaro trip!