DAY TRIP VIA LONDOROSO TO SHIRA MT .KILIMANJARO
The day trip via Londorossi Gate to Shira 1 on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a condensed yet exhilarating experience of the mountain’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery. This route begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, which is situated in a more remote and less trafficked part of the mountain. After registration, the adventure begins with a drive further into the park, followed by a trek through the lush rainforest. This section of the trail is rich with biodiversity, where you can spot black and white colobus monkeys and other wildlife while walking under the towering canopy of trees. The trail climbs steadily, but the beauty of the forest, combined with the fresh air and quiet surroundings, creates a peaceful yet invigorating experience.
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MT.KILIMANJARO |
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| Included |
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals |
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Travel Insurance
Flights and Transfers
Visa Fees
Additional Snacks and Beverages |
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Details
As you ascend higher, the rainforest gradually gives way to the moorland zone, characterized by open plains, giant heathers, and a rugged landscape that offers sweeping views of the Shira Plateau. Shira 1 Camp, located at 3,500 meters, marks the endpoint of the day’s journey. From this vantage point, you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the towering peaks of Kilimanjaro and, on a clear day, Mount Meru in the distance. Although this is just a day trip, reaching Shira 1 gives you a taste of the high-altitude environment, providing insight into the beauty and challenges of Kilimanjaro’s higher elevations. After taking in the dramatic scenery, you'll descend and return to your starting point, making this an ideal trip for those looking to experience the majesty of Kilimanjaro without committing to a full summit trek.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. After completing the necessary registration and securing permits, you'll drive further to the Lemosho starting point. The trailhead sits on the edge of Kilimanjaro’s dense rainforest, and this is where your adventure on foot begins. You will be surrounded by towering trees, ferns, and a rich array of flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for black and white colobus monkeys swinging through the trees and hear the call of various bird species as you make your way through this verdant environment.
After a few hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, situated at 2,650 meters. The hike on this first day is relatively short, allowing you to ease into the journey and acclimatize to the higher altitude. The camp is set within the rainforest, providing a serene atmosphere. Here, your guides and porters will have prepared your tents and a warm meal, allowing you to relax and settle in for the night. The cool evening air of the forest offers a peaceful backdrop for your first night on the mountain.
After a restful night at Mti Mkubwa Camp, you’ll continue your ascent, leaving the dense rainforest behind as you move into the heath and moorland zone. The transition in the landscape is dramatic, with the lush forest giving way to rolling hills, giant heathers, and low-lying shrubs. The trail becomes steeper, with the views becoming more expansive as you climb higher. As you ascend, the temperature drops, and the air becomes drier, but the incredible views of the Shira Plateau and the distant peaks of Kilimanjaro make the effort worthwhile.
The day's trek takes approximately 6-7 hours, and you will eventually arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located at 3,500 meters. This camp is perched on the western edge of the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s largest and most stunning high-altitude plains. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including Mount Meru on the horizon if the skies are clear. The camp provides a stark contrast to the rainforest you started in, with open skies and cooler temperatures. As the sun sets, you'll enjoy a hearty dinner and rest under the starry African night sky, reflecting on the incredible variety of landscapes you’ve already encountered.
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