6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Via Shira Route.
Duration
6 Days
Location
Mt.Kilimanjaro
Pickup Location
Kilimanjaro Int. Airport (KIA)
Group Size
Unlimited
MOUNT KILIMANJARO SHIRA ROUTE
There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka route
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Shira Route
Very similar to the 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.
- Difficulty: High
- Scenery: Excellent
- Traffic: Medium
Allow our professionals to assist you in planning one of the most unforgettable trips depending on your own interests. Create the tour of your dreams based on your selected destination, time schedule, and budget. Contact us if you want to spend a wonderful vacation on top of the Africa.
Full Tour Itinerary
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will have a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000 ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
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 stay at Shira 2 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” (elevation 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 stay at Barranco Camp.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 34 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 stay at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. An overnight stay at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continued our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through a heavy screen 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 arrived at Mweka Camp and enjoyed our last evening on the mountain. An overnight stay at Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
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.
CERTIFIED ETHICAL CLIMBING
We believe the tourism industry has an obligation and a great opportunity to protect the world’s natural habitats, cultural heritage sites, and communities.
We actively promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
As a Partner for Responsible Travel, we are proud members and active supporters of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, (KPAP) an initiative of the International Mountain Explorers Connection, (IMEC).
KPAP raises public awareness regarding the proper treatment of porters on Kilimanjaro and assists climbing companies with implementing procedures that ensure fair and ethical treatment of their porters.
Every climb is audited to ensure crewmembers are provided proper salaries, tips, food, equipment and sleeping conditions.
Includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary.
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide.
- Proper Ratio of Mountain crew (Guide, Cook & Porters).
- Accommodation Before and After Kilimanjaro Trek (2 nights Bed and Breakfast B&B)
- Airport Transfers.
- Meals according to the itinerary.
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals during your trek.
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT.
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages.
- Gate Transfers.
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder.
- Wine on the last day of the trek.
- Kilimanjaro certificate.
Excludes
- Flights.
- Visa fees.
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation.
- Gamow Bag.
- Medication.
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended).
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain.
Tour Route Map
