SHIRA ROUTE OVERVIEW

Shira route approaches from the West of Kilimanjaro and is nearly identical to the Lemosho Route. In fact, Shira was the original Lemosho Route on this western side of the mountain. While Lemosho Route starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 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, (3,500m). The remainder of the route follows the southern circuit route, traversing beneath the Southern ice fields before summiting from Barafu or Western Breach Route.

WHY 7 DAYS SHIRA ROUTE

DAY 0:Arrival
You will be met at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and be driven to your hotel in Moshi. Your mountain guide will give you a briefing of your upcoming climb while at your hotel.
DAY 1: Londorisi Gate to Shira Hut 1 (3610M)
-- Distance: 3 Kilometers.
-- Time: 2 Hours walking.
-- Zone: Moorland.

Transfer from your accommodation in Moshi and drive to Londorisi gate for registration processes and trekking preparations. After signing in the gate you are being taken by car until you reach starting point then you will start walking towards the Shira 1. Start hiking “pole pole” through shrubs and giant heather to arrive at Shira hut 1 in the evening and drink enough water. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.
DAY 2: Shira Hut 1 (3610M) to Shira Hut 2 (3850M)
--Distance: 10 Kilometers.
-- Time: 5 Hours walking.
-- Zone: Moorland.

Climb onto the moorland zone while approaching the volcanic rock formations on Shira plateau. The path passes through Shira cathedral 3872M for acclimatization which finally leads to Shira hut 2. Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.

DAY 3: Shira 2 Camp (3,800m) To Lava Tower To Barranco Camp To (3,950m)
-- Elevation: 3,800m to 3,950m
--Distance: 10km
--Walking Time: 5-6 hours

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”. 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 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) To Karanga Camp (4,235m)
Elevation: 3,950m to 4,235m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Today is short day of trekking. In the morning you will start climbing Barranco wall and reach 4,235m for acclimatization and continue crossing ridges and valleys to Karanga campsite for hot lunch. After lunch you will have a bit of rest and get another acclimatization of trekking up the scree slopes towards the Southern ice field. You will then return to the camp for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5: Karanga Camp (4,235m) To Barafu Camp (4,600) Campsite To Barafu Campsite
--Elevation: 4,235m to 4,600m
--Distance: 8 km
--Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Today trek up to the Barafu ridge campsite is tough because of altitude. The walk takes few hours because of short distance but is steep which need slowly walk so to avoid tiredness. You will completely walk across alpine desert with strong and cold winds blows from the ever closer Kibo peak and its ice. You will have an early dinner at 1700hrs then rest until midnight when we you commence your push for the summit.
DAY 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m) To Uhuru Peak (5,895m) Then Down To Mweka (3,100m)
-- Distance covered: 15.4km / 8.9mi
-- Hiking time: 10 to 12 hours
-- Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m to 3,100m
-- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included --

Wake at midnight to a light breakfast and then prepare for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise. Leave to the peak at 12; 00AM, switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 between 4 and 5 AM. At this point you will be having the views of the fabled crater and its icecaps facing you. Then after 1 hour of hiking along the Kibo crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Kilimanjaro true summit, Uhuru Peak here you will spend some times for taking photo’s. After your summit activities done, you will descend back to the Barafu campsite, for lunch, rest, collect your belongings, and continue down through moorland and heath zone to Mweka campsite. Dinner and overnight at Mweka campsite.
DAY 7: Trek Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
-- Distance covered: 9.1km / 7.5miles
--Approx. time taken: 3 hours
-- Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
-- Habitat: Forest

Your gentle trek will continue down through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate. There, you will sign out of the park and receive your appropriate summit certificate. You will then be driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower and celebrate with cold drinks.
DAY 8: Depart Tanzania
This day will have an open agenda. You may want to simply wind down at the hotel or spend some time exploring Moshi before heading to the airport. As well, you may want to add a safari or a trip to Zanzibar on to your African adventure.
GROUP SIZE AMOUNT(US DOLLAR)
1 Person $2050
2-4 People $1850
5-7 People $1800
8-10 People $1750

PRICE INCLUDES

Transfers:

Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi; Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:

Accommodation at hotel one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season );
Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

Comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
Complete medical kits including Diamox.
Private portable Toilet.

Climbing crew:

Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:

18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy.

PRICE EXCLUDE

International flights;
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);

MAP OF SHIRA ROUTE