7 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.

Day 1: Starting Point (3,600m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)

Distance: 4km
Environment: Moorland
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Start in the morning from the lodge in Moshi; you will make a way to the Londorossi Gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro (the drive takes 3 hours). Arrive at the gate then complete all the park entry formalities. Enjoy lunch which will be served before continue drive for about 1hrs further up to where you’re hiking trail begins (Starting Point). The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until you reach Shira 1 Camp.

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

Distance: 10km
Environment: Moorland
Time: 5 to 6 hours
On this day, you’ll get to cross the Shira Ridge by traversing its rocky ground, low grasses, and shrubs. You’ll find that the walking is much more easy and leisurely as the terrain is comparatively flatter. You’ll enjoy the views of the Great Rift Valley and nearby Mount Meru.
Reach the junctions between Moir and Shira 2 camp and continue to the main trail and get to Shira 2 Camp.
Arrive at the camp for lunch then depending on the weather, acclimatization hikes can be arranged in the late afternoon followed by dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3850m) – Lava Tower (4,600m) – Barranco Camp (3,900m)

Distance: 12km
Environment: Moorland
Time: 6 to 7 hours
After having your breakfast, you’ll start an important day for acclimatization by ascent to Lava Tower Today. In the distance, you can get sightings of Kibo which will encourage you to continue uphill. After making it to the Lava Tower at 4600 meters, you’ll have lunch break and acclimatize properly with the altitude. Then a downward journey to Barranco Camp will follow.
This method of climbing high but sleeping low allows your body to acclimatize to the differing altitudes and gives you a good idea on how your body reacts to changes in Altitude.
As you ascend, you’ll notice a sharp change in scenery and suddenly you’ll be surrounded by giant Senecias and relatively smaller Lobelia plants.
The Trek will lead you to beautiful and green Barranco Camp. From here, you can get a good view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,900m) – Karanga Camp (4,000m)

Distance: 7 km
Environment: Alpine Desert
Time: 4 to 5 hours.
Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary and your guide will be with you every step of the way to provide a helping hand.
The route with its numerous ascents and descents allow you a chance for further acclimatization, before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy
Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 4 to 5 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,000m) to Barafu Camp (4,670m)

Distance: 4km
Environment: Alpine desert
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Awakening to the sunlight dancing off the Kibo Summit, you will enjoy an energetic breakfast before setting out to today’s destination – the Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry deserted terrain, with Kibo ever present on your left side.
After 3-4 hours you will reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and overnight as the highlight of your trip is only a few short hours away.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,670m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Millennium Camp (3,950m) –Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 18 km
Environment: Alpine desert/stone scree/ice-capped summit/Montane forest
Time: 14 to 16 hours
You will start early, around 11 pm or midnight. Ascend to the Stella Point which is located at the rim of Kilimanjaro’s crater. From there, you can see the sun rise over the peak of Mawenzi, and after a short break, you’ll ascend further to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Descending from the peak will lead you to Barafu camp for a short rest, after the meal and some rest, and then continue down to Mweka camp to sleep overnight.
Depends with how you will be feeling, you will sleep at Millennium camp instead, so less descent today, but means more descent tomorrow.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi (900m)

Distance: 10km
Environment: Montane forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours
The final ascend of your amazing Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins after your last breakfast on the mountain followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 3 to 4 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your transferring driver will be waiting for you to drive back to the Hotel accommodation in Moshi and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.