Trip StyleIndependent

Kilimanjaro Trek - Shira Route

8 days ex Moshi

Trip Code: TDTKSN

Mount Kilimanjaro, Mountain Trekking, Stella Point, Uhuru Peak.

A challenge for the mind, body and soul. Take the Shira route up to the highest peak in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting the trek over 3,000m, spending four nights camping at high altitudes before the summit attempt will give you plenty of time to acclimatize. Enjoy the climb across the Shira plateau, through moorland, and emerge into the high alpine deserts as you catch glimpses of immense mountain walls, glaciers and icefields - all en route towards your final goal, the Uhuru peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Day 1 Arrive Moshi

Arrive in Moshi at any time.

Day 2 Shira Gate to Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we drive approximately 2.5 hours to the Shira gate (2400m), where we register and stop for lunch. After a further drive through the montane forest to start today's hike across the Shira plateau, west towards a river gorge, and finally you will reach the Shira 2 campsite. Here, in good weather, you will have views of the distant Kibo peak, your ultimate goal. (Hiking Time: 4-5 hrs)

Day 3 Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp (B,L,D)

Today we turn east and continue to climb “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) through increasingly rocky and barren terrain. We have lunch and ascend the rocky scree path to the Lava Tower (4630m). From the Lava Tower, we descend steeply for 2 hours, more than 600m, into the Great Barranco Valley. This descent affords fantastic views and some great photo opportunities of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. You will also feel the benefits of this acclimatization day as we lose altitude down to the camp, situated at 3950m. (Hiking time: 7-8 hrs).

Day 4 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (B,L,D)

Today we tackle the Great Barranco Wall – an imposing face above your camp. A steady climb up the eastern wall takes us just below the Heim Glacier, where we may have some awesome views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, where we finish this acclimatization day at Karanga Camp at 3900m. (Hiking time: 4-5 hrs).

Day 5 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (B,L,D)

We begin the day trekking through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Here the temperature will grow colder as we follow the trail climbing through this empty and dry landscape up to the Barafu Camp. 
The two peaks Kibo and Mawenzi can been seen from our camp, at 4550m. Here you'll be able to familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark, and prepare your equipment and thermal clothing for the midnight start of the summit attempt. (Hiking time: 4 hrs).

Day 6 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (B,L,D)

Today you will wake up before midnight. In the cover of darkness, you begin the most difficult though most rewarding day of the trek – your hike up to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. After several hours of slow but strenuous hiking, you will reach the rim of the main crater, Stella Point, at 5685m. Continue on the scree and snow-covered trail to Uhuru peak, which is the highest point in Africa, at 5895m. Take a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, and start back down the same trail. Head down the rock and scree path into the Heather zone, reaching the forest, and eventually arriving at Mweka hut in the late afternoon. (Hiking time: 14-17 hrs).

Day 7 Descent - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi (B,L,D)

Enjoy the forest and higher oxygen levels of the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro as you complete this adventure. Upon arrival at the Mweka gate, successful hikers will receive their summit certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village for a hot lunch, and upon arrival to Moshi in the afternoon, relax, or have that much-deserved shower and congratulatory beverage. (Hiking time: 4-5 hrs).

Day 8 Depart Moshi (B)