The Shira Route is a relatively gentle and incredibly scenic route to the Roof of Africa (“Uhuru Peak” Uhuru a Swahili word which mean Liberation). Encompassing the Shira Plateau, this route provides breathtaking views of the African landscape below. Finally, the Western Breach Summit path is a more difficult route to the summit which incorporates some serious scrambling and climbing. It is thus generally favored by those individuals looking to add a bit of an extra challenge to their climbing experience.
Day 01: Board shuttle bus from Nairobi at 08:00am and proceed to Arusha arriving at 14:00pm. Depart for Moshi at 14:30pm arriving at 15:30pm. Overnight at the Buffallo hotel in Moshi.
Day 02: Moshi 915m to Londorossi Gate 2250m then to Simba Caves 3600m
Today is a shoot up to higher altitude straight from Moshi 915m to Londorossi Gate 2250m high for registration before setting foot on the mountain then head to Murram barrier where walk commences to Simba caves 3600m for lunch and overnight for the body to contemplate high altitude gain and adjust.
Day 03: Shira 1 camp (3500m) – Shira 2 camp (3850m) – (11,500ft to 12,600ft)
After breakfast, a gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day. Dinner and overnight at the Shira 2 campsite.
Day 04: Shira 2 camp (3840m) – Barranco Hut (3860m) – (12,600ft to 12,700ft)
Early morning after breakfast the trail takes us to Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, passing the crossroads towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower there will be a little bit of challenges attempting this tower. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters / 15,997 ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters / 12,664 ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 05: Barranco Hut (3,860m) – Karanga Hut (4,200m) – (12,700ft to 13,800ft)
After breakfast, the trail passes Barranco and continues on a steep ridge to the Barranco Wall, and thereafter the Karanga Valley (4,200m / 13,780 ft) campsite. Dinner and overnight at the Karanga Valley campsite.
Day 06: Karanga Hut (4,200m) – Barafu Hut (4,600m) – (13,800ft to 15,100ft)
Early in the morning after having our breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail (basically Mweka is a reserved route for descending from other routes such as Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe and Shira). We continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4,600 meters (15,092 ft). 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.
Day 07: Barafu Hut (4,600m) – Summit (5,895m) & Down Mweka Hut (3,100m) – (15,100ft to 19,300ft) & (down to 10,200ft)
Early morning, you will be awakened by your mountain guide for the preparation of trekking the last part of Kilimanjaro. Normally you will take a cup of coffee/hot chocolate or Tanzania tea with snacks. Around 1:00 a.m, we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters (19,636 ft). This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached 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 campsite at 3,100 meters (10,171 ft). This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. Later in the evening, we enjoy our dinner and a well-earned overnight.
Day 08: Mweka Hut (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,680m) – (10,200ft to 5,500ft) – Moshi
Early in the morning as usual after breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka National Park Gate. A vehicle with tour guide will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel.
Day 09: After breakfast depart to your next destination.
No. Of Pax (sleep in Tents) | Price (USD) |
01 | |
02 – 05 | |
Over 6 Pax | |
An Extra Day For Acclamatization USD$190 PP | |
Return Nairobi – Moshi – Nairobi Shuttle Bus Transfer USD 70 PP
Inclusive; 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi, full board accommodation while trekking – vegetarian & non vegetarian, 2 transfer from Moshi -park gate- return, all government park fees, English Speaking Mountain guides and porters. |