Lemosho-Shira Route — 6 Days

Lemosho-Shira Route — 6 Days · 6 days

Package Overview

On this route a 4x4 takes you most of the way up the western side to the Shira Plateau, so you start walking at around 3,500 m and save the rainforest days. It is a good option when time is tight, but starting high means acclimatization needs care: we only recommend it to hikers who have been to altitude recently or who spend a few nights in the Arusha highlands first.

Highlights

• Drive up to the Shira Plateau
• Plateau views of Kibo from day one
• Lava Tower acclimatization day
• Descent via the Mweka trail

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 • Drive to Shira Gate, hike to Shira 2 Camp

Shira Plateau

A 4x4 drive of about four hours via Londorossi Gate brings you to the plateau at around 3,500 m. A gentle afternoon walk leads to Shira 2 Camp (3,890 m).

Note: Starting this high, walk slowly ("pole pole") and drink plenty of water from the first hour.

Day 1 Accommodation, Shira 2 Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 2 • Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatization, then descend to sleep in the Barranco Valley (3,950 m).

Day 2 Accommodation, Barranco Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3 • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Tackle the Barranco Wall scramble and follow the southern slopes to Karanga Camp (4,040 m).

Day 3 Accommodation, Karanga Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4 • Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

A short climb to Barafu Camp (4,645 m), with time to rest before the summit night.

Note: Early dinner and lights-out: the summit push begins around midnight.

Day 4 Accommodation, Barafu Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 5 • Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Millennium Camp

Uhuru Peak, sunrise

Climb through the night to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise, then descend to Millennium Camp (3,820 m).

Day 5 Accommodation, Millennium Camp Meal Plan: Full board

Day 6 • Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m) for your certificates and the transfer back to your hotel.