This route is less used and a stunning way up to the Shira Plateau. On this route, you will be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Dells are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife.
Meet on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport. Transfer to Tulia Boutique for dinner and overnight BB. (45 km, 50 minutes)
Overnight BB
ACCOMMODATION: Mvuli hotel
Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
After breakfast and briefing, you will drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). You proceed to Lemosho Glades with a 4WD vehicle and start a walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
After breakfast at Mti Mkubwa, we continue as the trail slowly steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams cross, we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Here, our path changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which prolong to the Arrow Glacier and continue further down to the Barranco Camp.
After breakfast at Barranco, we begin a day up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
After breakfast at Karanga Camp, we proceed to Barafu Camp and here you will have completed the South Circuit which offers views of the summit from many different angles. We then have a full relaxation, rest, enjoy dinner under the African sky, and prepare for the summit day.
Very early in the morning (Midnight to 2 Am), we linger our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Here, you will have head in a northwest direction and ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most outstanding sunrise you are ever likely to see.
From Stella Point, you may come across snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the rooftop of the African Continent.
From the summit we begin to descent straight down to the Mweka Camp with one stop at Barafu camp for lunch. Here, you may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel walking down to Mweka camp. Arrive at Mweka Camp on time and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
After breakfast at Mweka camp, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your award (Summit certificate).
Joagro Safaris Tanzania vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
