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Kilimanjaro - Shira Route (6 Days 5 Nights).

Duration

6 Day/5 Night

Min Travellers

1+

Tour Type

Kilimanjaro Climb

You Visit: Mount Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak Via Shira Route.

Tour Overview.

The Shira Route crosses the expansive Shira Plateau, a remnant of Kilimanjaro's initial volcanic activity. Older and more weathered than neighboring Mawenzi, it offers stunning scenery with ridges, moorlands, and towering senecios. The drive to Shira presents panoramic vistas of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru, and Longido, while the plateau's parasitic cones dot the landscape. Vegetation shifts dramatically, from grasslands to heath and moor, harboring diverse wildlife like elands, buffaloes, and leopards. Shira Cone and Shira Ridge dominate the landscape, with Cathedral and the Needle peaks adding to its allure. Accessible only by 4-wheel-drive vehicles, the route can be challenging during wet weather. Eventually, it links up with the Machame Route after traversing the plateau.

Included/Excluded

  • Airport pick up and drop off

  • 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi or Arusha is included

  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides

  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees

  • Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents

  • Sleeping Mattress

  • All meals while on the mountain

  • Quality mess tents with table and chairs

  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

  • Clean purified drinking water

  • Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees

  • All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.

  • International or Local Flights

  • Optional activities

  • Alcoholic and soft drinks

  • Visa fees

  • Tips

  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.

  • Travel insurance

Tour Itinerary!

Arrival in Moshi.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the Hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. Dinner and breakfast are included.

Day 1: Moshi to Shira Camp.
After breakfast and a briefing, depart from Moshi and drive to the Shira Gate (3,000 m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Register at the national park and begin your hike through the lush rainforest.

  • Altitude: Shira Camp (3,500 m).
  • Hike Time: Approximately 4-6 hours.

Day 2: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before continuing your ascent towards Kilimanjaro's looming mass. Hike through rocky terrain and ascend to the prominent landmark known as Lava Tower (4,630 m). Descend to Barranco Camp (3,950 m) for overnight stay.

  • Altitude: Lava Tower (4,630 m) - Barranco Camp (3,950 m).
  • Hike Time: Approximately 6-8 hours.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp.
After breakfast, conquer the imposing Barranco Wall, which offers stunning views of Kibo's glaciers. Descend into the lush Karanga Valley (4,200 m) and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Karanga Valley Camp. Rest and acclimatize before the final push to the summit.

  • Altitude: Barranco Camp (3,950 m) - Karanga Valley Camp (4,200 m).
  • Hike Time: Approximately 4-5 hours.

Day 4: Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp.
Begin your ascent towards Barafu Camp (4,600 m), the launching point for the summit attempt. Hike through sparse landscapes and rugged terrain, passing by the famous snows of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Barafu Camp in the afternoon and prepare for the summit climb. Rest and hydrate before an early dinner.

  • Altitude: Karanga Valley Camp (4,200 m) - Barafu Camp (4,600 m).
  • Hike Time: Approximately 3-5 hours.

Day 5: Summit Day and Descent to Mweka Camp.
Wake up before midnight and embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Trek through scree and glaciers, reaching Stella Point (5,685 m) for a spectacular sunrise. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your accomplishment before descending to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Descend further to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) through rock and scree paths.

  • Altitude: Barafu Camp (4,600 m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) - Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
  • Hike Time: Approximately 12-14 hours (Summit Day).

Day 6: Descent to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi.
After breakfast, descend through the forest to Mweka Gate (1,830 m). Sign the register and receive your summit certificates. Continue to Mweka Village for a delicious hot lunch before being driven back to Moshi. Indulge in a refreshing shower and comfortable night at the Springlands Hotel, reminiscing about your unforgettable journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

  • Altitude: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) - Mweka Gate (1,830 m).
  • Hike Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
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