This route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and is nearly identical to the Lemosho Route. In fact, Shira was the original Lemosho Route in this western side of the mountain. While Lemosho starts at Lemosho Gate and treks through the rain forest to Mti Mkubwa Camp, the Shira Route bypasses this segment 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 (3,400 m) and end at Shira One Campsite, (3,5OO m). The remainder of the route is following the southern circuit route, traversing beneath the Southern ice fields before summiting from Barafu or Western Breach Route.
We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Depending at what time you arrive you will have pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
- Elevation:1200m to 1830m to 3500m
- Distance: 18km
- Hiking Time: 3 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest to moorland and heath vegetation
Drive from the Hotel to the trail-head to Londorosi Gate for registration. Following this you will board a vehicle again and drive further up to Moram barrier. From here you will continue with a trek through the moorland and heather vegetation heading to the east crossing ridges and valley as well as a long flat distance to Shira One Campsite.
- Elevation: 3500m to 3800m.
- Distance: 7km
- Hiking time: 5-6 hours.
- Habitat: Moorland and rock.
This day you will trek to east across Shira plateau visiting Cathedral Peak (3850m) for acclimatization. At this peak you will have great views of both Mt. Meru and Kibo Peak and other many spectacular special features then continue walk to Shira Two Camp where meal and overnight will take place.
- Elevation: 3800m to 3950m
- Distance: 13km
- Hiking time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
This is long but important acclimatization day. You will have an early breakfast then continue trekking east to a junction leading to Lava tower rock (4600m) for acclimatization after you will continue to Barranco Hut Camp for supper and overnight.
- Elevation: 3,900 m to 3,963 m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking time: 3 -4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland and alpine desert
A short hiking day of 3 hours, after a morning breakfast, itβs time for you to climb the Barranco Wall. Although it may look intimidating at first, trekkers usually report that it turned out to be much easier than they anticipated.
At the top of the wall, you're above the clouds and enjoy superb views of the Southern Ice Fields and the summit. The trail then winds up and down until you arrive at Karanga Camp for lunch and rest
- Elevation 3,963 m to Barafu Hut 4,600 m
- Hike time: 3.5 hrs
- Elevation change: +600 m/+1,968 ft
- Estimated distance: 4km/2.5 miles
- Final elevation: 4,600 m/15,091 ft
The trail from Karanga to Barafu reaches the bleak high desert of Kilimanjaro. Barafu Camp is a basic camp geared towards the business of reaching the summit.
After breakfast in the morning, we continue scaling close to the summit and have some amazing views of the mountain during your ascent of just three hours to reach Barafu Camp, which sits at 4,600 m (15,091 ft). Arrive for lunch and take an afternoon siesta following with an early dinner served after summit briefing (details on how best to prepare for summit night) and get some rest before attempting the summit that same night.
- Elevation: Barafu Camp 4,600m/ 15,092ft to 5,896 m/19,343ft and to 3,820m/ 12,533ft
- Summit time: 7 hrs
- Estimated distance: 5km/3.2 miles
- Final elevation: 5,896 m/19,343 ft
- Descent time: 5 hrs
- Estimated distance: 12km/7.5 miles
- Final elevation: 3,820 m/12,532 ft
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is at 4900m where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Stella Point on the crater rim, which sits at 5,685 m (18,651 ft) above sea level, which will be around 5-6 hours after departing Barafu Camp.
Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 1 hour trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.
Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp.
Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.
- Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
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).
Kili Trips safari vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Price From: $ 1540
Price From: $ 1680
Price From: $ 1480