planning a trip

Overview

The Shira plateau is less crowded and one of the most fascinating and scenic areas on Kilimanjaro (Shira plateau and western breach wall). It is well worth visit to explore the ridges and moorland. Climbing via Shira Plateau route looks similar to the Lemosho route. The only difference is that you’ll drive from Londorosi gate to Morrum barrier, about 22km, which takes less than 2 hour and the hike can start from there. Also via this route climbing takes 6 to 8 days, but we strongly recommend at least 7days itinerary in order to get more time for relaxation and acclimatization.

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Planning a Trip

9 Days Shira Route

DETALIED VIEW
OVERVIEW
Day 1:

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by our representative and taken to a selected Hotel located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 2: Drop Off Point To Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
Walking Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Walking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Montane forest to moorland

Drive along Moshi – Arusha road to Boma Ng’ombe junction then turn right to Sanya Juu

Shopping centre.  Continue driving on rough road up to Londorosi Park Gate located on the

Western side of mountain (188 km). Today it will be one of your beautiful and very shot hike about 1-2 hours including lunch stop to cover distance of 4km, we will be in the moorland zone and clear mountain streams with its open tussock grassland, lava flows, heather shrub lands, valley bottoms on the west side of the Shira plateaus where you will enjoying the sun and walking slowly more breaks for acclimatization. Dinner and overnight at Shira one camp (FB)

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Today we will hike across the middle of Shira plateau a world heritage site to our picnic lunch at fishers point. After lunch we begin by exploring the grassy moorland zone and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we will take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles before arriving to our beautiful camp.

Dinner and overnight at Shira Two camp (FB)

Day 4: 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

We will start a day by keeping walking on alpine desert and eventually start climbing over steep hills and very few rocks, then steady uphill climb to Lava tower (150m high volcanic plug that juts out the side of the mountain) and stop for lunch around noon. From this point some people might start to get mild headache due to altitude change. From lava tower we will descend about 2 hours through dust and rock trail to Baranco camp. Dinner and overnight at Baranco camp (FB)

Day 5: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. In this wall some section will be steep forcing you to use hands to reach and maneuver yourself around rock boulders like rock climbing, although it is not as challenging as rock climbing. At the top of the wall you can see Baranco valley and the campsite you spent a night before. Then you will walk up and down to Karanga valley which is the last water point to the mountain and on top of the ridge it will be our campsite where we will have hot lunch and night rest. Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp (FB)

Day 6: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day targeting to hit the junction in steep uphill with a lot of boulders and shattered rock crossing upper alpine desert .We will go through a steep ridge until we reach a rocky section more scrambling. Our next camp will be on large rocky with steep faces. Here we will set a camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. Dinner and overnight at Barafu  camp (FB)

DAY 7: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

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 coming over Mawenzi Peak you never have seen somewhere else Finally, we will arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we descend 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. Dinner and overnight at Mweka camp (FB)

DAY 8: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

In the morning you wake to warmer temperatures in Mweka Camp, along with the chatter of colobus and blue-faced monkeys. Continue your descent towards Mweka Gate through the Mountain Forest filled with age-old trees, flowers, birds and butterflies. Sign out at the main gate and collect your climbing certificate. Beyond the gate, you are welcomed by a driver guide and transferred to a selected hotel/lodge for warm shower and overnight rest. (BB)

Day 9: Departure
Planning a trip

inclusions

INCLUDED

All Entrances Fee,Camping Fees,

All Meals As Noted On The Itinerary.

Unlimited Filtered Water Through Out The Trekking,

All Transfers As Per Itinerary.

All Necessary Camping Gear Including Mountains Tents.

Emergency First Aid Kit.

Government Taxes

EXCLUDED

International Air Fair,Or Excess Baggage Charges.

Visa Fees For Tanzania

Gratitude And Tips For Your Team

Personal Expenses Such As Medical Immunizations,Laundry Or Souvenirs,

Optional Tours(Day Trips & Town Trips)

Travel Insurance

Medical Conditions Or Due To Airlines Schedule Changes.

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Jombi’s camp was exceptional and very enjoyable. The attention to detail was amazing and the camp fire was a great touch.
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Visited Tanzania

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