Kilimanjaro climbing Shira route 7 days is exclusive moutaineering trip to book. Shira peak is one of the highest plateaus in the world. The Shira plateau was formed from an ancient volcanic crater collapse. We start our Journey in a 4 x 4 jeep, and drive toward West Kilimanjaro. Our 4 x4 vehicle goes through the rainforest vegetation zone of Kilimanjaro to Shira Ridge, the starting point, also known as Morum Barrier. (3,414 m). Also on this western slope of Kilimanjaro, climbers see many birds, baboons, and has a chance to see big mammals like Giraffes, Buffalo, Gazzelles, Impalas, Lesser kudu, Oryx, Zebra, wildebeest. Our car, with guides and porters drive to Lemosho route, do registration and drive more to the forest. The Shira route starts out as a very quiet trail and links up with the popular Lemosho route at the end of Day 2
Daily Trekking Schedule
Day 01: Drive to Londorosi gate
After breakfast and briefing in Moshi/Arusha, you will be driven to Londorossi Gate, where our guides will help you register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. After registration at the gate, you will be driven to the Morrum Barrier where the hike will begin.
From the Morrum Barrier, you will trek for 1.5 hours through land dominated by heather and moorland until you reach Shira Camp 1(3500m).
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Shira Camp 1 (3500m).
Day 02: Trek Shira Camp 1 (3500) to Shira Camp 2 (3840)
- Distance: ~ 6 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: Low Alpine
On this day the trek will be a fairly easy one; the goal is to help you acclimatize. You will explore the moorlands and volcanic rocks before reaching Shira Cathedral, which is a massive rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. From Shira Cathedral, you will trek to Shira Camp 2 (3840m) where lunch will be served. The remainder of the day will be spent resting.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Shira Camp 2 (3840m).
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3960m).
- Distance: ~ 11 km
- Time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: Low Alpine / High Alpine
After breakfast at Shaira Camp 2, you will head east past a ridge and then you will head southeast towards the Lava Tower(4630m). As you approach the Lava Tower, the landscape gradually becomes barren. Lunch will be served at Lava Tower.
After lunch, the terrain will descend through the Barranco valley all the way to Barranco Camp(3960m) which is almost at the same altitude as Shira Camp 2(3840m) where you spent the previous night. This ascent to the Lava Tower and then descent to Barranco Camp helps your body acclimatize to altitude changes.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Barranco Camp (3960m).
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4200m)
- Distance: ~ 5 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: High Alpine
After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you will head towards the Barranco Wall which is a steep rock face standing at approximately 260 m. This wall is steep and in some parts of the ascent, you may be forced to use all your four limbs for a better grip. After the strenuous ascent up the Barranco Wall, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the southern glacier of Kibo.
The next trek will take you through ups and downs all the way to Karanga Camp(4200m), where you will reach around lunchtime. After lunch, you will spend the remainder of the day resting at Karanga Camp.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Karanga Camp (4200m).
Day 05: Karanga Camp (4200m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
- Distance: ~ 3.5 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: High Alpine
On this day you will trek along a trail that goes through an alpine desert until reaching Barafu Camp(4640m). On this trek, you will experience strong cold winds blowing from the ever-closer icy Kibo summit. Lunch will be served at Barafu Camp; after lunch, you will spend the rest of the day relaxing in preparation for the coming summit night.
Dinner will be served early so you can catch a few hours of sleep before midnight. If possible, get to bed around 7 PM because you will be awoken just before midnight to start the final push to the summit (5895m). You should also take some time to prepare your climbing equipment and clothing before going to bed.
Day 06: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp(3,100 m).
- Distance: ~ 4.5 km ascent and 11 km descent
- Time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours Mweka Gate
- Zone: Glacial, High Alpine & Low Alpine
Around midnight you will be awoken by a cup of hot tea and a light snack after which you will start ascending to Stella Point(5739m) which is in the crater rim. The trek to Stella Point is through heavy scree; to increase your chances of making it, you will have to maintain a consistent pace as you push toward the crater rim.
After a brief rest at Stella Point, you will begin ascending through a snow-covered trail until reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m) 1 to 2 hours later. At Uhuru Peak, you will be standing on the “Roof of Africa”. From the summit, you will enjoy stunning views of distant lands below the mountain as the morning sun shines upon them. Take as many pictures as you can, savour the moment and start the descent.
The amount of time you will spend at the summit is limited; if you stay there long the cold, fatigue and insufficient oxygen levels can make it difficult to start moving again.
From the summit start the descent to Mweka Camp through Stella Point and Barafu Camp. Once at Barafu Camp, you will take a short and enjoy a warm meal and break; thereafter descend further to Mweka Camp (3,100m).
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Mweka Camp (3100m).
Day 7: Mweka Camp(3100m) – Mweka Gate(1980m) – Moshi
- Distance: ~ 9 km
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you will embark on a leisurely descent through the rainforest as you head to Mweka Gate(1980m). At Mweka Gate, you will be presented with certificates if you make it to Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
Our drivers will be waiting for you at the gate ready to drive you to your hotel in Moshi where you will take a long warm shower and celebrate your success.
Pricing Terms
The price is as follows
- A – 2 to 4 people, Price = 1980 Per US $ person
- B – 5 to 10 people, Price = 1880 US $ per person
For groups exceeding 10 people, we encourage you to get in touch with us directly so that our knowledgeable Travel experts and experienced Mountain leaders can assist you in securing the most competitive price of a bed and breakfast (B&B) in Moshi available. Let’s start a conversation to explore the best options for your group’s needs and preferences.
The prices include:
- Airport transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport,
- Transport from the Hotel to Kilimanjaro gate,
- English Speaking Guides,
- All park fees,
- Salaries of guides/porters/cooks,
- All meals on the mountain,
- Clean safe drinking water,
- Accommodation equipment,
- A Spanish Speaking guide,
- Government tax,
- Certificate of climbing,
- First aid,
- Oxygen bottle,
- Park rescues fee,
- Transfer to Moshi to rest, shower, and then evening go to Arusha
The Price Excludes:
- Flight to Tanzania
- Entry VISA
- Hotel in Moshi
- Climbing gear (available for rent)
- Tips to guides, porters
- Items of a personal nature
Personal Hiking Gear:
For your preparations, we also attach a list of personal hiking gear to prepare, and you may rent on arrival.
Travel Insurance:
We have emergency helicopter rescue operated by a private company, and we advise climbers/visitors to buy insurance which includes High mountains. (world nomads, IMG, passport card- examples of insurances).
Note:
– Hotel in Moshi is not included so that you have the freedom to choose your style
A – Moderate budget= KEYS Hotel = 60 US $ on B/B
B- 3-star Hotel – Maridadi Hotel/Panama Garden Resort= 100 US $
C – Luxury hotel- Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel – 140 US $
