The Shira Route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it is nearly identical to the Lemosho Route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rainforest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge.

Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, Lemosho is recommended due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, accessed quickly by vehicle. It skips the Rainforest Zone catapults your body to a height of over 11,500 feet (3,500m). Many climbers to experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day.