Kilimanjaro Trekking Shira Route for 8 Days

ITINERARY DESCRIPTION BY DAY

Day 0 : Arrive In Tanzania:

We transport you from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha for lodging An equipment check and pre climb briefing for mountain guides will take place at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at Arusha: BB

Day 1 : Shira One Camp.

We leave Arusha after breakfast and take a two-hour journey across rural terrain to the Londrossi Gate. We drive a short distance on a hilly track through farmland and plantations to the beginning of the Shira Route to complete the required park registration procedures at the Londorossi National Park entrance. We begin our journey through the shrubbery forests, and as we make our way to the rim of the Shira Plateau, we are rewarded with expansive views of the Kibo Icefield.

Londrossi Gate to Shira One Camp (3550 m): 4-5 hours walking

Day 2 : Shira Camp.

Before arriving at the next camp at Shira Hut, we take an easy route today to the top of Shira Cathedral. It can be far colder than the previous night because of how exposed this camp is, with temperatures falling well below freezing.

Shira Camp One to Shira Hut (3,840 m): 4-5 hours walking.

Day 3 : Moir Hut.

Before arriving at Moir Hut in the alpine region, we travel across a portion of the plateau in the morning through luxuriant heather and moorland and then into costly high Savannah desert. One might take a stroll into the higher terrain surrounding the camp for additional acclimatization; the views are breathtaking. The Fisher camp will offer lunch. The acclimatization hike up to the 4,700-meter top of the Lent Hills will take place in the afternoon.

Shira Hut to Moir Hut (4,200m): 3-4 hours walking.

Day 4 : Barranco Valley.

Today’s trek includes a gradual ascent and sweeping vistas. After a hearty lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.), we drop to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley as we travel around the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing beneath the Lava Tower and the last portion of the Western Breach (3,900 m.).

Moir Hut to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.

Day 5 : Karanga Camp.

We arrive right below the Heim Glacier after a strenuous ascent up the eastern side, where we might be treated to some breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley before we take a hard exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeast slopes of Kibo. Finally, we have a tough ascent up to Karanga Camp.

Barranco Valley to Karanga camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp,

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Meal Plan: Full Board
Elevation : 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance : 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka.

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Meal Plan: Full Board
Elevation : 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance : 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time : 7-8 hours
Habitat : Arctic

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.

Departing Day:

If you choose not to take advantage of the included private departure transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight, we will discuss alternate options after you say goodbye to our team of guides.

PRICE INCLUDES

- Oxygen Cylinder
- Medically qualified guides
- Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
- Backpackers accommodations (Camping sites) before & after the climb, bed & breakfast basis, double occupancy
- Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
- Pick up and drop off to the Airport (Private transfers)
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees.
- Government tax (18% VAT ON TOUR FEE AND SERVICE)
- Mountain climbing certificate
- Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
- Fear Wages for the mountain crew as approved by Kilimanjaro national park Authority, and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour operator (KIATO)
- 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs. of your personal gear.
- 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
- Mess tent, tables, chairs and trekking poles.
- All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
- As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
- Hot water for washing up daily.

PRICE EXCLUDES

Airfares and taxes
Tip to your guides, porters and cook.
Lunch, dinner and drinks at hotel
Health requirements (Yellow Fever – compulsory depending on how you travel to Tanzania, Meningitis & Hepatitis A optional but recommended)
Personal travel insurance
Laundry (available at the hotel)
Items of a personal nature
Optional travel insurance
Personal hiking/trekking gear- Some gears available for rent
Snacks and personal medicine

Itinerary Name: Shira Route Trekking, 8 Days

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