The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Mount Kilimanjaro Includes
- All transfers, Arrival and Departure
- Two nights accommodation
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Quality mountain hardware tent and mess tent
- All meals while on the Mountain and purified water
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
Excludes:
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc.)
- Tips
Day 1 : Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorosi Gate(Sizing large for the porters), Then drive to Shira 1 Hike to Shira 2 Camp
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We drive 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.
• Elevation: 3610m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
• Distance: 8km/5mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: LD
• Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp
Day 2 : Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
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 4600m/15,250ft) for acclimatization and hot lunch. 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 near the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
• Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 3900m/13,000ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Walking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: BLD
• Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
Day 3 : Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley. On top of Barranco wall you should see beautiful valley for taking pictures and take shortly break then move on to Karanga Camp. At Karanga there is junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
• Elevation 3900m/13,000ft to 3995m/13,250ft
• Distance: 5km/3mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD
• Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp
Day 4 : Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
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.
• Elevation: 3995m/13,250ft to 4673m/15,350ft
• Distance: 4km/2mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD
• Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Day 5 : Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 12:30-03-00 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(elevation 5756m) 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 break 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 45mun-1hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! We should take pictures
at summit and begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for break 1-2hours and 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.
• Elevation: 4673m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
• Down to 3100m/10,150ft
• Distance:7.5 km/4mi up / 17.5km/9.8mi down
• Hiking/Descend Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: BLD
• Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp
Day 6 : Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
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 gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
• Elevation: 3100m/10,150ft to 1800m/5500ft
• Distance: 10km/6mi
• Descend Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: B
Mount Kilimanjaro Includes
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs:
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food:
- Clean, purified drinking water:
- Crisis management and safety procedures:
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters:
- Sleeping Mattress:
Excludes:
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.
