Kilimanjaro Day 3 on the Lemosho Route will cross the Shira Plateau on Kilimanjaro. Day 3 on the Lemosho Route is one of the easier days on the Kilimanjaro climb. This day is designed to make a short jump in altitude from 3,500m/ 11,483ft. to 3,900m/ 12,795 feet. Giving you another day to acclimatize as best you can around this critical acclimatization height, before pushing higher. After lunch in Shira Camp 2, you will take a short hike up to 4,000m/ 13,123 feet for additional acclimatization.
Kilimanjaro Day 3 Lemosho Route
Today is an easy walk across the Shira Plateau. Another massive benefit on the Lemosho Route is that it crosses the medical evacuation road. This road runs right across the Shira Plateau between Shira Camp 1 and Shira Camp 2. If you needed to get off the mountain quickly because of altitude sickness or any medical issue, this route can get you down the mountain fast. This is yet another plus on the Lemosho Route and another reason to choose this Route.
Lemosho Route Day 3
Tonight, you will be sleeping at a new height of 3,900m/ 12,795 feet. If you are staying well hydrated, eating and sleeping, then this is a great sign that you are performing well at altitude. The walk across the Plateau is fairly gradual and a nice relaxed walk into Shira Camp 2. This should only take approximately four hours, therefore you should arrive at lunch time. This gives you a chance to rest, re-hydrate, sleep or hang out and keep acclimatizing. After lunch, the group will take a short walk up to 4,000m/ 13,123 feet, to give added acclimatization. However, this will only take about an hour, round trip. So, you will have plenty of time to relax in Shira Camp 2 for the afternoon.
The Three Volcanoes of Kilimanjaro
As you can see in the video above, the route today is gradual rise as you cross the Shira Plateau. Today only makes a short jump in altitude of 400m/ 1,312 feet. There are three volcanoes that make up Kilimanjaro; Shira, Kibo (the summit) and Mawenzi. Firstly, you should be able to see the Kibo Volcano as you are driving in to Kilimanjaro National Park! It will be in the distance, but still in view if the weather allows. Secondly, you will pass the Shira Volcano today and will get an amazing sunset here at Shira Camp 2. Finally, as you make the way around Kilimanjaro, you will then see the Mawenzi Volcano. This is on the east side of Kilimanjaro, where the Rongai Route heads up Kilimanjaro.
As the sun sets in Shira camp 2 we get great views of the Shira Plateau, Shira Cathedral, and out across the African Plains, toward Mt. Meru in the distance. Looking back towards the hotel in Arusha will show you how far you have come in just 3 days on the mountain.
Don’t Underestimate the Climb
Kilimanjaro is under estimated every year. 40% of people who attempt to climb Kilimanjaro fail to make the summit each year. Climbing Kilimanjaro comes down to two major factors; how you adapt to the lack of oxygen and how much training you have done. Your body needs time to get used to the low levels of oxygen in the atmosphere. Therefore, if you move too high too fast, your body will react poorly. CLICK HERE for information on how you need to acclimatize properly. You should then read more about training for Kilimanjaro. A minimum of 8 days on the mountain is needed to give Kilimanjaro the respect it deserves. Moreover, this will also give yourself the best chance at making the summit. We have a 95% success rate on our 8 day climbs up Kilimanjaro. Follow us on Instagram.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DAY 4 UP KILIMANJARO’S LEMOSHO ROUTE.
Kilimanjaro Day 3 on the Lemosho Route has 4 hours of hiking with a distance of 10km/ 6.2 miles.