Description
Kilimanjaro Trek Shira Route Highlights
The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Lemosho is an improved variation of Shira, which was the original route. But because Shira starts off at high altitudes, it is less preferred over its successors by tourists even though it is a varied and beautiful route. Following this route, many trekkers have reported of having experienced altitude related problems on the first day itself while camping at 11,800 feet. Shria approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the western side which begins with a long drive from Arusha to the 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.
Route Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival : Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Tulia hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night will do this briefing depend on your arrive time accommodation will be at https://www.tuliahotelandspa.com/
Accommodation:Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa
Day 2: Shira Gate to Simba Camp
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
- Meal Plan: Full Board
- Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
- Distance: 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
- Meal Plan: Full Board
- Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
- Meal Plan: Full Board
- Elevation : 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance : 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
- Habitat : Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp,
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
- Meal Plan: Full Board
- Elevation : 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance : 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
- Habitat : Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Meal Plan: Full Board
- Elevation : 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance : 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time : 7-8 hours
- Habitat : Arctic
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha. Accommodation at https://www.tuliahotelandspa.com/
End of our Kilimanjaro Trek Shira Route
- Meal Plan: Lunch on route either hot lunch or packed lunch.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Accommodation:Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa
Price for Kilimanjaro Trek Shira Route includes:
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Arusha.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Arusha .
- Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees,
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
- 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain, hot drinks and snacks
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (TLTO And TATO)
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Portable flush toilet from Group of 4 if your less than 4 you will pay extra 95$
Price for Kilimanjaro Trek Shira Route doesn’t Include
- Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Surcharge for online payment of balance (5%)
- Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php
Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group ( per climber):
• Guides ,Cook and Potters – From 270 $ per climber per trip
Thanks for choosing Signature Safari as your Adventure Experts in Africa.
