Kilimanjaro · Routes
Londorossi (Shira) Route, Kilimanjaro – the High-Altitude Start from the West
Duration
7 days (standard)
Distance
~56 km /
~35
mi
Summit Success
≈ 90-95%
Difficulty
Moderate to demanding – a start at 3,414 m and a long day before the summit
Guide ratio
1:3
The Londorossi Route, often called the Shira Route, approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. After registration at Londorossi Gate, a vehicle takes you past the rainforest to Morum Barrier at 3,414 m, and the climb begins directly on the Shira Plateau. The trail is quieter than the southern routes, with open views across the plateau from the first hour.
The high start defines this route. You reach 3,414 m by road, so your body has less time to adjust than on a route that begins in the forest. The first three nights – Shira 1, Shira 2 and Moir Hut – build acclimatization before the route joins the Southern Circuit toward Barranco and Barafu. The route can be climbed in 6 to 8 days; our standard itinerary is 7.
7-Day Londorossi (Shira) Route Itinerary
A 7-day climb from the Shira Plateau to Uhuru Peak, with the descent via Mweka.
Day 1 • Arrival in Tanzania.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), meet your ALPO Guided Expeditions representative and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, a full pre-climb briefing and gear check.
Day 2 • Londorossi Gate → Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for permits and registration, then continue by vehicle to Morum Barrier (3,414 m). From there, a moderate 2–3 hour walk across the Shira Plateau brings you to camp.
Day 3 • Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp (3,750 m).
A gradual 5–6 hour walk east across the plateau, passing Shira Cathedral on the way to Shira 2.
Day 4 • Shira 2 Camp → Moir Hut.
A steady climb into the alpine desert to Moir Hut, at the foot of the Lent Hills. The extra height gained here supports acclimatization for the days ahead.
Day 5 • Moir Hut → Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
Traverse onto the Southern Circuit, climbing beneath the Southern Icefields before descending into the Barranco Valley.
Day 6 • Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673 m).
Climb the Barranco Wall, cross the Karanga Valley and continue up to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push.
Day 7 • Summit night: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp.
Set out at midnight for Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). After sunrise on the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8 • Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate.
A gentle 3-hour descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate and meet your transfer to Arusha.
Month | Date | Route Name | USD / 1 person | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jul-Aug | 27-04 | Londrosi | 2750 | 7 days |
Oct | 20-28 | Londrosi | 2750 | 7 days |
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