The magnificent 6 day trekking Shira route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, crossing the caldera of the Shira volcano before traversing beneath the Southern ice fields of Kibo to make the final ascent by the Barafu route.
Our route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano before traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo, Kilimanjaro's highest volcano.
The ascent begins with some easy walking through farmland and plantation where coffee and bananas are grown. We ascend steadily to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. This area is home to a variety of game, including buffalo and there are good views of nearby Mount Meru, the second highest summit in Tanzania. We then have time to explore and enjoy the grassy moorland and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau. There is a real sense of wilderness here with the dramatic rocky scenery of the Western Breach rising above us. We can also explore beneath the Northern Icefields, an area almost unvisited by other trekkers and offering very unusual views of Kibo.
8 days trekking through Shira route is recommend and have better experience, while 7 days is also good. Below is a Standard 6 days itinerary which can be taken by any physically fit person. Welcome and Enjoy the Magnificent of Majesty Kilimanjaro -The Roof of Africa!
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Shira Gate to Shira Camp
Elevation (m): 1830m to 3840m
Elevation (ft): 6000ft to 12,600ft
Distance: 18km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours.
We walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, 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.
Day 2: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3840m to 4630m to 3860m
Elevation (ft): 12,600ft to 12,700ft
Distance: 15 km
Walking Time: 5-7 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." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4876 meters (15,997 ft). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3860 meters (12,664 ft). Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4200m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 13,800ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (m): 3860m to 4600m
Elevation (ft): 12,700ft to 15,100ft
Distance: 13km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 14,770 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. 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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)
Elevation (ft): 15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent
Hiking Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
price varies from 6 days to 8 days, ask us for information
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