7 DAYS SHIRA ROUTE

Difficulty: Medium

Scenery: very good

Traffic: Low

The Shira route partly because of its remote location, is one of the least used ascent routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro for initial stages. The climb begins at a high elevation, Morum Barrier Gate at nearly 12,000 ft. (3600 m). Thus, you have to start slow and easy on this route. You bypass the wet forests in the lower reaches and start the trek in the heather zone. On the first day itself, you find yourself on the Shira Plateau.

The first day of your Kilimanjaro climb is simply short to begin the acclimatization process. You spend the next two days hiking across the plateau, which is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. The plateau itself is grassland, heath and moor, and is home to especially large senecias (up to 10 meters high). On the plateau, one can often see elands, sometimes buffaloes, leopards and other animals. The Shira Cone, which is an ancient crater, rises about 200 meters above the plateau. Along the southern ridge of the Shira Plateau there are two dramatic peaks, Cathedral and the Needle. All of these create fantastic scenery to enjoy on this route.

The Shira route goes on to join Machame Route on the third day of the trek. From this point onwards, both the trails lead to Lava Tower before going down into the Great Barranco Valley. This is the point where Umbwe route joins in from the southern section.

You have to take a 4-WD vehicle to get to the starting point of Shira Route from the park gate and it becomes almost impassable during the wet season during which (when it might be necessary to start from a lower point). The drive to the trailhead itself offers fantastic views of the Great Rift Valley and the surrounding highlights which include Mt. Meru and Longido. It follows the ancient Shira rift zone, an array of parasitic cones on the flank of the volcano. The vegetation changes dramatically along the way are striking.

Day 01 : Londrosi Gate (2,250m)- Shira 1 Camp (3505m)

Distance: 3km

Environment: Heather and Moorland

Time: 1 to 2 hours

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel in Moshi and transferred to Londorossi gate which takes about 3 hours, where you will complete Kilimanjaro National park entry formalities. Afterwards continuedrive for 1 hour to Morum Barrier Gate. Where you will have your lunch. Thereafter you begin your 1 to 2 hours trekking through heather and moorland to the first camp. You will find that the views over to Kibo across the Plateau are breathtaking. Dinner and Overnight at Shira 1 camp.

Day 02 : Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) - Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)

Distance: 7km

Environment: Moorland

Time: 4 to 5 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. The giant Lobelias which are distinctive in this area dot the moor landscape. Walking for few more hours will get you to Shira 2 Camp where evening meal will be served and you’ll have your overnight stay.

Day 03 : Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) - Lava Tower (4,640m)-Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Distance: 12km

Environment: Semi desert

Time: 6 to 8 hours

From Shira 2, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we ascend further, our direction will change to the south east and we’ll head towards the Lava Tower which is also known as “Shark’s tooth.” After making it to the tower, we’ll come across a second junction which will lead us further to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000 ft. From here we’ll descend down to 13,000 ft and reach the stunning Barranco camp. Dinner and overnight at this camp. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 04 : Barranco Camp (3,960m) - Karanga Camp (4,035m)s

Distance: 7km

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 05 : Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Distance: 6km

Environment: Alpine desert

Time: 3 to 4 hours

You’ll be awakened with the sunlight dancing off the summit of Kibo. After having your morning breakfast, you’ll set off to today’s destination, Barafu Camp. Much of the time today will involve walking through the dry deserted terrain of the mountain with Kibo present on your left side. After trekking continuously for 3 to 4 hours, you’ll reach Barafu Camp and have an early dinner and overnight. The main highlight of your trip is just few miles away.

Day 06 : Barafu Camp (4,640m) - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) -Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 20 km

Environment: Alpine desert/stone scree/ice-capped summit/Montane forest

Time: 14 to 16 hours

After sipping some hot tea with some snacks, you’ll start trekking at around midnight. With aid from torchlight, you’ll climb the heavily screed surface of Kibo. Ascending for 5 to 7 hours in the dark will lead you to Stella Point. Trekking for another 1 or 2 hours along the crater ride will take you to Uhuru Peak which is the summit at 5,895 meters. This point is known as the roof of Africa and from here, you’ll get to experience Kilimanjaro and all its glory and enjoy a 360° view over the landscape. After taking pictures and celebrations, you’ll descend down the same route. Shortly before midday, you’ll arrive at Barafu Camp for your lunch. After having a warm meal and a break of few hours, you’ll head towards Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters where you’ll have your dinner and well-earned rest.

Day 07 : Mweka Camp (3,100m) - Mweka Gate (1,630m) -Moshi

Distance: 8 km

Environment: Montane forest

Time: 3 to 4 hours

The final ascend of your amazing Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins after breakfast with 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. He will take you back to the Hotel in Moshi and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.