6 Days Shira Route

Description

The Shira Route is a path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and 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 rain forest 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. On the first day on the mountain, climbers begin their hike from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and spend their first night at the same elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho at Shira 2 and follows the southern circuit route, traversing beneath the Southern Icefields before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made on the Mweka route. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, Lemosho is recommended over Shira due to the high altitude of Shira’s starting point. Climbers may experience altitude-related symptoms on the first day due to failed acclimatization. Climbers using Shira should be confident in their ability to acclimatize.

Highlights	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.
Includes	Dedicated Customer Satisfaction Associate Airport pick-up and drop-off Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb Breakfast before and after the climb All meals and water on the mountain All park fees and taxes Transportation to and from the hotel and trailhead Tents (3-person mountaineering tent) Sleeping mat Private toilet tent Support team (certified guides, porters, and cooks) Kilimanjaro SAR evacuation insurance
Excludes	Airfare to and from Tanzania Personal travel insurance Visa Tips for the support team Sleeping bags and other personal gear Rental gear Lunch and dinner at the hotel Drinks and snacks

Location Map

Tour Timeline

1

Day 1: SHIRA GATE TO SHIRA 2 CAMP

The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rainforest 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. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5hours

Habitat: Montane Forest
2

Day 2 : 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 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. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert
3

Day 3: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

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. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert
4

Day 4: 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. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 4km/2mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert
5

Day 5: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP

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. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
6

Day 6: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE

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. 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!

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest