Climb Kilimanjaro on Shira Route (Londrossi Route)

Shira route (also known as Shira Plateau or Londrossi route) is the oldest western approach route for mount Kilimanjaro trekking. On a 6 day Kilimanjaro climbing vacation on Shira route, the vehicle ascends on a rough track through the forest to the trail head at 3,500m. From the starting point it is a short 2 to 3 hour hike to reach the first camp (3,550m).

Kilimanjaro trekkers on Shira route transverse the Shira Plateau to join the south circuit route (Machame). The summit ascent is via Barafu camp and Stella Point.

Climbing Kilimanjaro on Shira route over six days means missing out much of the forest. You will start your climb at a higher elevation. If you have time (and for better acclimatization), consider climbing on Lemosho route over seven days.

For Shira route climbers the decent is via Mweka route.

Shira route: 8 days / 7 nights (6 mountain days)

Tour Ref: CP 5

Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro for overnight in Moshi.

Day 2: Drive from Moshi though western Kilimanjaro to the National Park gate at Londrossi. After registration, you rejoin the vehicle to drive slowly up a 4X4 track within the montane forest. The trail-head for the start of the Shira route climb is just below the Moram Hills. A short hike will take you on to the plateau and to Shira 1 camp site for dinner and overnight (Plateau, 3,658m).

Day 3: Continue on Shira route to transverse Shira Plateau (passing the junction for Lemosho route climbers) to reach Shira 2 camp. Arrive around lunch time. Rest or explore the plateau. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp (3,840m).

Day 4: Kilimanjaro trekking continues on a rocky path from the Shira Plateau to eventually ascend to the base of the Lava Tower for lunch (4,630m - 5 to 6hrs). The trail then descends (680m) to Barranco Hut camp, located in a valley below the Western Breach and the Great Baranco Wall. (Baranco Hut 3900m, 4 to 5 hours hiking).

Day 5: The challenge for the day is climbing 'breakfast', the local name for the steep rocky wall you have to climb to get out of Baranco valley. It looks harder when viewed from the camp than it actually is. Topping Baranco Wall takes you high enough to see rock icicles and views of the southern ice fields. Continue on a rugged trail to pass through the Karanga valley. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position. Continue hiking to reach Barafu hut for dinner and rest. (4600m, 4 to 5 hours hiking). Your guide will join you after dinner for a final summit briefing and preparation.

Day 6: Expect a midnight wake-up call from your guide in preparation for the summit ascent. Start hiking in the dark while the scree (small stones) is still frozen. It will take approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Stella Point and, if legs are still functioning, another 1 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak. Enjoy a quick (and cold) celebration, photo's, energy snacks, brief rest etc on 'the roof of Africa'. Descent to Barafu for breakfast and a short rest before continuing the ascent to reach Mweka Hut for dinner and a final night camping in the rainforest. This is a long hike (approx 12hrs), starting during the night and continuing into the morning (Stella Point - 5,700m. Uhuru Peak – 5,895m. Mweka Hut - 3,100m).

Day 7: After breakfast, continue the descent to reach the National Park Gate at Mweka (3 to 4 hours hiking). Successful climbers will collect their summit certificates before joining the waiting vehicle for the return drive to the hotel in Moshi.

Add an acclimatization day on your Shira route climb. On day 5, end the day in Karanga Valley Camp after a short hike from Baranco. On the following day continue to Barafu camp to rest before the summit ascent.

To book your Shira / Londrossi Kilimanjaro climb, complete the Enquiry Form and request Tour Ref: CP 5

Read Kilimanjaro Climbing Service for more details of the standards you can expect from Kilitreks and Safaris.

For an enjoyable and successful Kilimanjaro climb read our Fitness Preparation tips.

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Page update 06/06/2012