Shira Route starts on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro like Lemosho Route; in fact, these two routes are almost identical. The only major difference is where each route starts; Lemosho Route starts at the Londorossi Gates, while Shira Route starts at the Morrum Barrier(3300m) which is further north and at a higher altitude.
Overview
Tour Itinerary
Shira Route starts on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro like Lemosho Route; in fact, these two routes are almost identical. The only major difference is where each route starts; Lemosho Route starts at the Londorossi Gates, while Shira Route starts at the Morrum Barrier(3300m) which is further north and at a higher altitude.
Shira Route meets Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2 on the second day of trekking. On the first day, climbers trek from Shira Gate to Shira Camp 1; the next day they proceed to Shira Camp 2 where Shira Route meets Lemosho Route.
Although Shira Route is very identical to Lemosho Route, the high altitude starting point is problematic; it gives hikers no chance to acclimatize before reach the high altitudes where the route starts. Some hikers experience altitude sickness from the first day.
After reaching the summit, the descent is usually through Mweka route.
Trekking Time: 2-3 hours (from the Morrum Barrier to Shira Camp 1)
Zone: Montane Forest / Low Alpine
After breakfast and briefing in Arusha, you will be driven to Londorossi Gate, where our guides will help you register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. After registration at the gate, you will be driven to the Morrum Barrier where the hike will begin.
From the Morrum Barrier, you will trek through land dominated by heather and moorland until you reach Shira Camp 1(3500m).
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Shira Camp 1 (3500m).
Distance: ~ 6 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: Low Alpine
On this day the trek will be a fairly easy one; the goal is to help you acclimatize. You will explore the moorlands and volcanic rocks before reaching Shira Cathedral, which is a massive rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. From Shira Cathedral, you will trek to Shira Camp 2 (3840m) where lunch will be served. The remainder of the day will be spent resting.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Shira Camp 2 (3840m).
Distance: ~ 11 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low Alpine / High Alpine
After breakfast at Shaira Camp 2, you will head east past a ridge and then you will head southeast towards the Lava Tower(4630m). As you approach the Lava Tower, the landscape gradually becomes barren. Lunch will be served at Lava Tower.
After lunch, the terrain will descend through the Barranco valley all the way to Barranco Camp(3960m) which almost at the same altitude as Shira Camp 2(3840m) where you spent the previous night. This ascent to the Lava Tower and then descent to Barranco Camp helps your body acclimatize to altitude changes.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Barranco Camp (3960m).
Distance: ~ 5 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High Alpine
After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you will head towards the Barranco Wall which is a steep rock face standing at approximately 260 m. This wall is steep and in some parts of the ascent you may be forced to use all your four limbs for a better grip. After the strenuous ascent up the Barranco Wall, you will be rewarded by stunning views of the southern glacier of Kibo.
The next trek will take you through ups and downs all the way to Karanga Camp(4200m), where you will reach around lunch time. After lunch, you will spend the remainder of the day resting at Karanga Camp.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Karanga Camp (4200m).
Distance: ~ 3.5 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High Alpine
On this day you will trek along a trail that goes through an alpine desert until reaching Barafu Camp(4640m). On this trek, you will experience strong cold winds blowing from the ever closer icy Kibo summit. Lunch will be served at Barafu Camp; after lunch, you will spend the rest of the day relaxing in preparation for the coming summit night.
Dinner will be served early so you can catch a few hours of sleep before midnight. If possible, get to bed around 7 PM because you will be awoken just before midnight to start the final push to the summit (5895m). You should also take some time to prepare your climbing equipment and clothing before going to bed.
Distance: ~ 4.5 km ascent and 11 km descent
Time: 6-8 hours to the summit and then 5-8 hours Mweka Gate
Zone: Glacial, High Alpine & Low Alpine
Around midnight you will be awoken to a cup of hot tea a light snack after which you will start ascending to Stella Point(5739m) which is in the crater rim. The trek to Stella Point is through heavy scree; to increase your chances of making it, you will have to maintain a consistent pace as you push towards the crater rim.
After a brief rest at Stella Point, you will begin ascending through a snow-covered trail until reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m) 1 to 2 hours later. At Uhuru Peak, you will be standing on the “Roof of Africa”. From the summit, you will enjoy stunning views of distant lands below the mountain as the morning sun shines upon them. Take as many pictures as you can, savor the moment and the start the descent.
The amount of time you will spend at the summit is limited; if you stay there long the cold, fatigue and insufficient oxygen levels can make it difficult to start moving again.
From the summit start the descent to Mweka Camp through Stella Point and Barafu Camp. Once at Barafu Camp, you will take a short enjoy a warm meal and break; thereafter descend further to Mweka Camp(3,100m).
Dinner and overnight accommodation at Mweka Camp (3100m).
Distance: ~ 9 km
Time: 3-5 hours
Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast at Mweka Camp, you will embark on a leisurely descent through the rainforest as you head to Mweka Gate(1980m). At Mweka Gate, you will be presented with certificates if you made it to Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
Our drivers will be waiting for you at the gate ready to drive you to your hotel in Arusha where you will take a long warm shower and celebrate your success.
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