BTC 6 – Lemosho/ Shira Route (6 days Trekking)
Areas of Interest: Kilimanjaro National Park, Lemosho Glades, Shira caldera and campsites, Barranco Wall and campsite, Stella Point, Uhuru Peak, Mweka camp and gate
Activity: Game Viewing, Camping, Scenery, Trekking, Photography, Culture, and Bird Watching
Country: Tanzania
Tanzania offers some of the best trekking in Africa. The biggest attraction being the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest volcanoes in the world - Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the highest mountain anywhere that can be climbed by a regular tourist, and thousands of guests attempt to make it to the summit every year. The hike is even more attractive because you can walk all the way to the summit without the need of ropes or technical climbing experience, but you still need the right preparation.
The best time to go trekking is in the dry season, from late June to October when the rains have ended and from late December to February or early March, just after the short rains.
The Lemosho Glades route leads up to the western edge of the Shira Plateau, and the hike across the plateau is said to be one of the most beautiful hikes in Africa. With 7 nights on the mountain, your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very good.
To see Kenya route map click here
To see East Africa route map click here
Day 1 - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)
3-4 hours hike
A three-hour drive from Moshi brings you to the Londorossi Park Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After registration at the gate, you will leave with a ranger who will accompany you, as you might encounter elephants and buffaloes during your trek. You then drive to the trailhead at Lemosho Glades and start your trek through the rain forest.
The flora and fauna are richer here than on the other more popular routes through the rain forest and in places the vegetation is so untouched that it grows right across the narrow track. Your trek today will be along a little used track known as Chamber's Route. In about 3-4 hours you will reach your camp in the rain forest at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) at 2650m/8690 ft.
Day 2 - Shira one Camp (3610M)
5-6 hours hike
After breakfast, start the climb across the remaining rain forest towards the giant moorland zone. Today is a full day trek with an altitude gain of 2,000 ft. A great lunch stop is at the beautiful valley just outside the Shira Crater at around 10,000 ft. After lunch you cross into the Shira Caldera, a high altitude desert plateau which is rarely visited. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro volcanic cones, and is filled with lava flow from Kibo Peak. The crater rim has been decimated by weather and volcanic action. Today you’ll get your first close views of Kibo - the dramatic summit of Kilimanjaro and arrive at Shira one camp in Savannah habitat for the night (3610m/11,840 ft).
Day 3 - Shira two Camp (3840m)
3 hours hike
Full day exploration of the Shira plateau; Trek east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, with the option to visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Trekking time without the optional excursions is about 3 hours. Arrive at Shira 2 camp in mountain forest habitat (Fischer’s Camp); at 12,600 ft/3840m.
Day 4 – Barranco camp 3950m
6 hours hike
After breakfast, your first obstacle is to breach the Barranco Wall, a steep rocky ridge at 14000ft/4270m with an immediate height gain of 700ft. Once over the wall, the climb becomes easier and extremely beautiful with fantastic views of the crags and crevasses of the jagged peaks on your left, Mount meru and the plains below. We arrive at Barranco camp in Alpine Desert habitat (3950m/12,950 ft) where we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation, as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 5 - Uhuru peak (5895m) to Mweka camp (3100 m)
6- 8 hours ascent, 3-4 hours descent
Begin the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. with your guide. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a trail through loose volcanic scree to Stella point by sunrise. Rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi.
Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5895 m); passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. At Uhuru peak you will have reached the highest point in Africa and if the weather is good you will certainly want to celebrate your triumph and take in the breathtaking views.
The descent to Mweka camp (3-4 hr descent) is far less tiring but it is recommended you have a few rest stops along the way. This is an arduous day as you will have ascended 3,600feet and descended 7,200 feet in a period of 12-15 hours!
Day 6 - Mweka gate (1800 m)
3 hours hike
In the morning we walk down to Mweka Gate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to hotel for dinner and well earned celebration!

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