This is the unspoilt, remote and little used, beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. It can either be used to gain the Western Breach route or followed by the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route. In the very first day of this route you will be accompanied by an armed ranger because the forest around Lemosho Glades have buffaloes, elephants and other big games animals. This is a very tuogh route and it may not end untill after 8 days. If the group is strong enough they can do 6 days through this route by omitting campsites at Shira 1 and Karanga Valley. It is also possible to go up the Western Breach and complete the trip in 5 days, but this is a very tough option.
DAY 1:
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Park gate (2250m, 2 hours). You need to go by 4WD vehicle to Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes) a point where you can camp. Walk along the forest to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsites (2750m). It is 3 hours from the Lemosho Glades. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2:
After breakfast walk in a gradually steepness and enter the giant heather Moorland zone. Walk pass several streams to the Shira Ridge at about 3600m and descend gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau (3500m). It is almost 5 hours. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 3:
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp (3850m) on Moorland meadows by a stream. It is 1.5 hours walk. Dinner and overnight. There are a variety of walks on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.
DAY 4:
Walk and leave the moorlands and the rocky path leads to Lava Tower where you can camp at the height of 4600m, 4 hours. A strong group may decide to go on the steep path to the site of the Arrow Glacier camp where there are poor campsites (4800m.5.5.hours). Dinner and overnight.
DAY 5:
From the Lava Tower or Arrow Glacier camp, there are steep scree and outputs requiring scrambling to get to the Western Breach to the Crater floor. The route can become icy sometimes so you may need ice axe or ski pole. You can camp anywhere in the Crater floor (5700m, 4.5 to 6 hours) or in a further 2 hours Uhuru Peak can be reached.
DAY 6:
After breakfast, descend to the Marangu or Mweka gate which IS approximately 6 hours. After reaching the park gate you find a waiting vehicle to take you back to your Hotel.
