6 DAYS KILIMANJARO TREKKING VIA SHIRA ROUTE

OVERVIEW:

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.
It is possible that climbers will experience altitude related symptoms on the first day due to failed acclimatization. Climbers using Shira should be confident of their ability to acclimatize.

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

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 atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 1830m to 3850m
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp
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.

Day 2: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3850m - 4600m - 3,900m
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: 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.

Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3900m to 4000m
Distance: 5km/3mi
Walking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: 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.

Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4000m to 4600m
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: 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.

Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4600m to 5895m- 3,100
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
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: 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. 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.

Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

Elevation: 3100m to 1640m
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B

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).