Mount Kilimanjaro Londross (Shira) Route 7 Days Moshi, Tanzania
This is probaly the older route up Kilimanjaro just like the Lemosho Route. Accomodation on the Marangu route is in the huts, the Londross route offers strictly tents only. This makes Londross better suited to the slightly more adventures hiker, however rewarding him as scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route, form late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco wall, the Landross route is normaly completed in a minimum of 7 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodigy on the mountain- acclimatization. The Londross Route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630 m) on the day 4 and brings you dawn by 700 m for an overnigth at Barranco Camp Camp (3950 m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization, it is recommended.
1st Day
Londross Gate (1800 m) – Simba Camp (3450 m)
Hiking Time: 3 – 5 Hours
Distance: 15 Km
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 5 -6 Hours. The journey passes through the village of Sanya Juu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Ince you reach the Park gate, climbers are gequested to register for the climb. After that you drive for 2 hours to the starting point Morum Barrier, 11 km Porters will be seen arranging their Packs containing the Food, water and other equpment. Make sure that you hace all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional information. You now trek for 1 1/2 hours through the main forest on a winding trail to the first camp 5 km, which is located at an altitude of 3450 m.
2nd Day
Simba Camp (3000 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3450 m)
Hiking Time: 1/2 hour
Distance: 2 km
Habitat: Heather
After Breakfast, you leave the forest to continue on an ascending crossing through the Heather and Moorland up to Shira 1 Camp at 3500 m, until the ridge ends. Time for rest, dinner and camp overnight at the Shira 1 Campsite.
3rd Day
Shira 1 Camp (3500 m) – Shira 2 Campsite (3840 m)
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Moorland
After Breakfast, you leave the Heather to continue on an ascending path, through the Moorland, until the end of the trek. Time for rest, dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camsite.
4th Day
Shira 2 Campsite (3840 m) – Lava Tower (4630 m) – Barrancu Camp (3950 m)
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, you continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ”Shark’s Tooth”. You now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3950 m. Here you rest, enjoy dinner and camp overnight.
Althrough 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.
5th Day
Barranco Camp (3860 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After Breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (4200 m) and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 m. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers view of the summit from many different angles. Here you camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit night.
6th Day
Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)
Hiking Time: 8 Hours to reach Uhuru Peak
Habitat: Stone scream and ice capped summit
Early morning, you continue your way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. It can be bitterly cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the contingent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. You now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite at 3100 m. This part of the decent takes about 5 hours.
7th Day
Mweka Camp (3100 m) – MMweka Gate (1500 m)
Hiking Time. about 3 hours
Habitat: Forest
After Breakfast, you continue the dscent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will hel. A Vehicle will meet you a Mweka village to take you back to Moshi/Arusha.
Please do not forget to Tip your Guides, Cook and Porters.
Equipment needed, which you can hire if you do not have:
– Sleeping Bag
– Mountain Poles
– Warm Gloves
– Gaiters
– Balaclava
– Water Bottles
– Head Torch
– Rain Mac/ Poncho
– Warm Jacket
– Warm Trousers
– Sunglasses
– Day Pack
– Mountain Boots
– Scarves
– Pairs of Socks