SHIRA ROUTE
6 days Itinenary
Very similar to Lemosho route, however it starts at 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking.On the first day you begin at Shira Gate to Simba Camp before joining the Lemosho Route on day two at Shira Camp 2. The high starting point is however a major negative for this route as many experience altitude sickness from day one without enough time to acclimatize.
The route over the Shira Plateau has several possible variations. After Shira Camp 2 the route joins the Machame Route via Lava Tower, and then descends to the Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit. Ascent to Uhuru Peak is made via Barafu Camp and up the southern slopes of Kibo. The route is seldom used by other trekkers and so your initial two days on the mountain are less crowded than on most other routes.
Duration: 6 – 8 days.
Difficulty: High
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Medium
Day 1
DRIVE TO KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK SHIRA
GATE, HIKE TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft,
Distance: 8km/5mi
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp. An overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 2
HIKE SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO
BARRANCO CAMP
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft,
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours, Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. An overnight at Barranco Camp
Day 3
HIKE BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Hiking Time: 34 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft,
Distance: 5km/3mi
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. An overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 4
HIKE KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Altitude gain: 627m
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. An overnight atBarafu Camp.
Day 5
HIKE BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT, DOWN TO
MWEKA CAMP
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down,
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft,
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter 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 continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. An overnight at Mweka Camp.
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Day 6
HIKE MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
DRIVE TO MOSHI
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Forest
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft,
Distance: 10km/6mi
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Bristol Cottage
INCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE
- Professional Kilimanjaro Guides & Internationally
- Government taxes
- Adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters,
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International
- All park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and team
- Transfers to and from the route gate(s) (2 transfers)
- Sleeping mattress pad(s), dining tent(s), sleeping
- All guides, porters, and cooks wages
- Food and drinking water
- Portable toilet for the trek
- Complimentary oxygen cylinder
recognized Wilderness First Responder and CPR
certification
and cooks for your group
Airport (2 transfers)
fees 18% VAT
tent(s), and crew’s equipment
EXCLUDED IN TREKKING PACKAGE
- Gamow bag
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended 20%)
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you
- should ask for Recommendation
- Tanzanian VISA
- Medication
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Personal gear including personal rain gear, trekking
- National/International flights
- Additional nights if decent early from the mountain.
poles, sleeping bags, etc.
