6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Shira Route
Overview
The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Full Itinerary
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: montane forest
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rainforest 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. Overnight at Shira 2 camp.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: semi-desert
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 southeast 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. Overnight at Barranco camp.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking time: 34 hours
Habitat: alpine desert
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. Overnight at Karanga camp.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: alpine desert
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. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
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
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’s point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella’s 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’s point, you may encounter snow 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 arrived at mweka camp and enjoyed our last evening on the mountain. Overnight at mweka camp.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: forest
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 village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Included
- Transfers
- Entry fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Hiking and safety equipment
- Climbing crew
Excluded
- Airline tickets
- Visa fee
- Personal gear rentals
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Mountaineering insurance
Location
Safari Booking Form
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