Overview

This route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. It offers a chance to visit Shira Plateau (Cathedral peak) and Shira Caldera. The Lemosho Route crosses from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp, in a pleasant hike. Climbers encounter low traffic and scenic views of the other side of the mountain.

Main Highlights

  • Trek via Lemosho Route; hike through Montane Forest with chances to spot Colobus Monkeys.
  • Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s ancient volcanic peaks.
  • Climb out of Moir Valley and explore Lent Hills.
  • Trek through the Alpine Desert.
  • Midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, followed by a descent to Millennium Camp.
  • Descend through Montane Forest to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive their summit certificates.

Itinerary - Daily Safari Information

Day 01: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi.

Elevation: 1,000m to 1,200m.
Distance: 36 km
Driving Time: 45Min
Habitat: Town

African Savannah staff will meet and pick you up from JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for overnight B/B.

Elevation: 1,200 m to 1,950 m to 2,850 m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

We will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Londorosi gate for registration. After this formality, you board the vehicle and drive again to Lemosho glade. From this point you will start the trek across undisturbed Montane forest decorated with Black and White Colobus Monkey to the camp where dinner and overnight will take place.

Elevation(m): 2850m to 3500m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and heather land

This is an acclimatization trek because you will gain over 650m by starting walking across a beautiful valley outside Shira caldera rim (3600m). After few hours you will reach into Shira caldera. A high altitude desert, Shira is the one among the three peaks which erupted in Kilimanjaro ecosystem. The peak ltaer collapsed and formed a crater which eventually became filled with the lava flow from Kibo peak. Its rim is eroded and blasted away by weather and volcanic action. Camp and overnight at 3500m elevation at the Shira one campsite.

Elevation: 3500m to 4155m
Distance: 11km
Hiking time: 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

It is a really good day whereby you will follow the trail to Shira two campsite the Lava Tower (4,542 meters). This day allows you to climb high and sleep low and is critical for acclimatization. Stronger hikes may continue to the ruined camp at Arrow Glacier (4,871 meters). Continue hiking from Lava Tower to Moir Hut.

Elevation: 4155m to 4145m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4 hours.
Habitat: Moorland

Today you will start the hike by hiking out of the Moir Valley. Hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. Continue east through a rock field. Finally reach Buffalo Camp at the end of the day.

Elevation: 3936m to 4717m.
Distance: 8 km.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Begin the day by backtracking yesterday’s trail until the dry riverbed. Head west toward Kibo on a steady upward climb. By the early afternoon, reach School Hut on the eastern slopes of Kibo. The Saddle to Mawenzi lies just a few minutes from the camp. Prepare for your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 3936m to 4717m.
Distance: 8 km.
Hiking time: 5 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Begin the day by backtracking yesterday’s trail until the dry riverbed. Head west toward Kibo on a steady upward climb. By the early afternoon, reach School Hut on the eastern slopes of Kibo. The Saddle to Mawenzi lies just a few minutes from the camp. Prepare for your midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Elevation: 4717m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice.

Due to the steep ascent at high altitude, this is the most challenging day of the ascent. Leave School Hut around midnight to begin your hike to the top of Kibo Crater. It is important to remember to snack during the ascent to keep your energy up. You will likely lose your appetite during this day and begin to feel new effects of altitude sickness. Reach Gilman’s Point on the Crater rim. Continue on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The hike to the summit is slow, and will take approximately 1.5 hours from Gilman’s Point. After reaching the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and brunch. Around 1pm, descend to Millennium Camp. Reach Millennium Camp at approximately 6pm.

Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest.

Today is your last day on the mountain. After breakfast you will descend down to Mweka park gate walking across Montane forest. This descent will take 3-4 hours. Here at the gate you will sign out and get ready to board the vehicle ready for the transfer back to the hotel for your certificate presentation and a well deserved celebration.

Elevation: 1,200m to 1,000m.
Distance: 36 km
Driving Time: 45Min
Habitat: Town

Breakfast followed by transfer from Moshi and transfer you to JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) for your flight. Better still you cam proceed on a Safari for a few days. 

The price for your 10 Days Northern Circuit route climb is US $2,639 per person

  • Accommodation (two nights) at hotel in Moshi.
  • 8 days park entrance fees.
  • 7 night camping fees.
  • 8 days rescue fees.
  • Food 3 meals every day on the mountain.
  • Camping equipment such as tents, tables, chairs etc.
  • Salaries to all porters, Cook, Assistant Guide and Chief guide.
  • Transfer to Lemosho gate and return to Moshi after the climb.
  • Transfer from JRO to Hotel and return.
  • Small company first aid kit.
  • Oxygen tank supply in case of emergence.
  • Oxymeter for checking pulse rate and oxygen saturations
  • Private portable toilet.
  •  
  • Tip for the supporting crew
  • Personal things
  • Food and drinks at your hotel
  • flights

Personal equipments you need to bring:

  • One sleeping bag
  • One sleeping Mat
  • One pair of climbing poles/sticks
  • One large Duffle bag with straps / rucksack
  • One head lamp / Flashlight + Batteries
  • Water bottle 2 liters’ x 2 bottle or camel bag bottle
  •  Camera / sufficent memory
  • Purification water Tablets / Water Pump
  • One pair sunglasses
  • One pair of climbing hiking boots
  • One pair of tennis Shoes to begin climb/side walks
  • Socks thin and thick pairs
  • One warm trousers
  • Woolen Trousers and jacket with zippers
  • Water proof / wind trousers & jackets
  • Warm Sweater for cold nights

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