9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Shira Route

9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro, Lemosho-Shira route in 6 days

9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro via Lemosho–Shira Route

The 9 Days Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho–Shira Route offers a scenic and rewarding journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the remote western side, this route crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau and follows the Southern Circuit, providing excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views. With 6 days on the mountain, this trek balances adventure and comfort, making it an ideal choice for climbers seeking a successful and memorable Kilimanjaro experience.

9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro, Lemosho-Shira route in 6 days!

The 9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho–Shira Route offers a scenic and rewarding journey to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. Beginning from the remote western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, the route passes through pristine rainforest before opening onto the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trek follows the Southern Circuit, providing excellent acclimatization through a gradual ascent and “walk high, sleep low” opportunities, which significantly improve summit success rates. Climbers experience a wide range of landscapes, from lush forest and moorland to alpine desert and glacial zones, while enjoying less crowded trails compared to other popular routes. The adventure culminates with a sunrise ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, followed by a descent via the scenic Mweka Route, making this itinerary an ideal choice for trekkers seeking both breathtaking scenery and a high chance of reaching the summit.

Price Includes

The cost of your Kilimanjaro climb with Rhino Sunset Safari includes:

Transfers & Transportation

Private airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your accommodation in Arusha
2 nights’ accommodation in Arusha (before and after the climb)

Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate

Park & Government FeesKilimanjaro National Park entry fees
Camping feesRescue fees18% VAT on tour servicesAll government taxes

Mountain Accommodation & Equipment

High-quality 4-season mountain tents
Double-layered sleeping mats
Portable flush toilet for groups of 4 people(If fewer than 4 climbers, an extra USD 95 applies)

Meals & Water on the Mountain

Three hot meals daily while on the mountainHot drinks (tea, coffee) and snacks
Sufficient treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing

Professional Mountain Crew

Friendly and experienced licensed mountain guides
Professional cook and porters
Fair wages for all crew, compliant with:

Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA)

Tanzania Local Tour Operators (TLTO)
Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO)

Safety & Medical Equipment

Portable oxygen tanksPulse oximeter
Fully equipped emergency first-aid kit

Not Included

Lunches, dinners, and drinks at the hotel before and after the climbInternational and domestic flights
Travel and medical insuranceLaundry services (available at the hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Online payment surcharge for balance payments (5%)
Tipping Guidelines (Per Group, Not Per Climber)
Tipping is customary and appreciated on Kilimanjaro:
Guides: USD 20 per guide per day
Cook: USD 15 per day
Porters: USD 10 per porter per day

9 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro – Lemosho–Shira Route (6 Days Trek)

This itinerary combines the scenic Lemosho approach with the Shira Plateau, offering remote trails, beautiful landscapes, and good acclimatization in a shorter 6-day mountain program, with arrival and departure days included.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha (approx. 1 hour). Rest and prepare for the climb.

Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Londorossi Gate – Forest Camp

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) for registration, then continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Begin trekking through pristine rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and rich birdlife, to Forest Camp.

Elevation: 2,100m → 2,750m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Forest Camp

Day 3: Forest Camp – Shira 1 Camp

The trail leaves the forest and enters open moorland with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock formations. Ascend gently onto the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of Kibo Peak.

Elevation: 2,750m → 3,540m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

A key acclimatization day. Walk across the plateau to Shira 2 Camp, then ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp.This “walk high, sleep low” approach greatly improves summit success.

Elevation: 3,540m → 4,600m → 3,950m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After breakfast, climb the famous Great Barranco Wall, a fun but non-technical scramble. Continue through the Karanga Valley before ascending to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt.Early dinner and final summit briefing.

Elevation: 3,950m → 4,600m
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Around midnight, begin the summit ascent. Climb steadily through scree to Stella Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.After photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4,600m → 5,895m → 3,100m
Distance: ~7 km up / ~23 km down
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours up / 6–7 hours down
Habitat: Arctic zone & rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate:Gold Certificate – Uhuru PeakGreen Certificate – Stella PointTransfer back to Arusha for a well-earned shower and celebration.

Elevation: 3,100m → 1,980m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

Day 8: Free Day in Arusha

A rest day to relax after the climb. Optional activities include:

Arusha city tour
Coffee plantation visit
Cultural experiences

🌍 Safari or Zanzibar beach add-ons available on request.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Departure from TanzaniaTransfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight home.

Meals: Breakfast