Kilimanjaro Hiking Shira Route 09 Days
The Shira Route is a used path that starts near Shira Ridge. It's very similar, to the Lemosho route with the only difference being that Shira was the trail while Lemosho is a version. While Shira offers an picturesque journey it's not as popular as its successor due to the high starting altitude at Shiras point of entry which can be quickly reached by vehicle. Climbers might experience some symptoms related to altitude on their day of camping at 11,800 feet.
This route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west starting with a drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. By taking this vehicle route you bypass the rainforest zone. Begin hiking on Shira Ridge itself. The Shira route then takes you across the Shira Plateau in an fairly level hike from west, to east. Afterward you'll traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field along a path called the Southern Circuit before reaching the summit via Barafu. The descent is completed using the Mweka route.
DAY 1 – MOSHI – MOUNT KILIMANJARO BASE CAMP (TANZANIA ARRIVAL)
After you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport our representative will transport you to the base camp of Mount Kilimanjaro. During your stay, in Moshi at Chanya Lodge you will receive a briefing for the trek ahead. Sort out your gear. Remember to limit your porters load to 15 kilos (33 lbs). End the day by enjoying a meal, at Chanya Lodge and get some rest before embarking on this thrilling adventure.
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
DAY 2 – SHIRA ONE.
Overnight At Shira One Camp – Altitude: 3500 Meters Via Shira Route
Make sure you have all the items, in your backpack and any extra gear in your porters duffel before you have breakfast. You’ll start early with a drive, to Londorossi Gate, which is located at 2250 meters and offers views of Kibo Crater. Once you’re done with the registration process you’ll hike through the rainforest to reach Shira One Camp, situated at an altitude of 3500 meters. Take some time to settle in for the night and prepare yourself for the trek.
Trekking time: 2-3 hours
Distance covered: 7 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3 – SHIRA TWO
Overnight At Shira Two Camp – Altitude: 3900 Meters
After witnessing a sunrise, over the mountain embark on a three to five hour walk across the Shira Caldera to reach Shira Two Camp situated at an elevation of 3900 meters. Along the way you can even make a stop, at rocks to get a mobile signal. Don’t miss out on the views that become visible as the mist clears as we ascend by 400 meters in altitude today.
Trekking time: 3-5 hours
Distance covered: 6 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
DAY 4 – BARRANCO
Overnight At Barranco Camp – Altitude: 3960 Meters
To help you adjust to the altitude its recommended to climb up to Lava Tower, which sits at an elevation of 4600 meters. From there you can continue on to Arrow Glacier at 4876 meters before descending to Barranco Valley, which is located at 3960 meters and known for its groundsel plants. This particular day brings together trekkers, from the Machame, Lemosho and Umbwe routes. Concludes at Barranco Camp. The trek usually takes around seven to eight hours. Provides views of the sunset. It’s important to inform your guide about any effects you may be experiencing due to the altitude, for safety reasons.
Trekking time: 7-8 hours
Distance covered: 10 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 5 – GREAT BARRANCO WALL – KARANGA (ACCLIMATIZING DAY)
Acclimatization – Overnight At Karanga Camp – Altitude: 4035 Meters
Today your adventure will take you to the Great Barranco Wall. It’s a spot, for climbers from the Lemosho, Machame and Umbwe Routes to acclimatize and connect. Although the initial climb might appear challenging the path gradually becomes more manageable. Rewards you with breathtaking views of the folded mountainside. Afterward you will descend into the Karanga Valley. Find respite, at the Karanga Camp situated at an elevation of 4035 meters. This camp not helps with acclimatization. Also offers awe inspiring glacier vistas.
Trekking time: 3-5 hours
Distance covered: 6 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
DAY 6 – BARAFU
Overnight At Barafu Camp – Altitude: 4650 Meters
Climbing up from Karanga Valley to Barafu the trek, across the frozen desert scenery reaches its peak at 4650 meters at Barafu Camp, where the porters welcome you with their Kilimanjaro songs. It’s important to stay vigilant for signs of Acute Mountain Sickness as the guides will decide if a swift descent is necessary. Spending a night at Karanga guarantees acclimatization and better readiness for reaching the summit, in the midst of the camps challenging landscape.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Distance covered: 4 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 7 – UHURU PEAK & MWEKA (SUMMIT DAY)
Overnight At Mweka Camp – Altitude: 3080 Meters After Summiting Uhuru Peak At 5895 Meters
Climbers start their journey, to the summit after midnight wearing rainproof clothing. They face a climb up Kilimanjaro following the “Pole, Pole” pace. Whether they reach Uhuru Point or decide to stop the experience is truly valuable and worthy of praise. After witnessing the sunrise, at Stella Point some climbers continue to Uhuru Peak to admire the glaciers before carefully descending to Mweka Camp.
Trekking time: 13-15 hours
Distance covered: 19 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 8 – MOSHI – MOUNT KILIMANJARO BASE CAMP.
Last Overnight At Chanya Lodge – Altitude: 890 Meters (SR)
After making your way down through the montane forest you’ll arrive at Mweka Gate. This is where climbers are awarded their certificates of achievement and join in the singing of the Kilimanjaro Hakuna Matata” song. To show gratitude to the support team, a tipping ceremony marks the end of the journey followed by a deserved rest, a refreshing shower and a celebratory dinner, at Chanya Lodge, in Moshi.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Distance covered: 10 km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
DAY 9 – MOSHI (TANZANIA DEPARTURE)
Departure Day – Airport Transfer Or Continue On An Optional Safari With AfricanMecca
Once you wake up at the base of Kilimanjaro have a breakfast. Complete the checkout process. After that make your way, to the airport for your flight. If you’re planning to embark on a safari with AfricanMecca your safari guide will be there to pick you up and continue your adventure, in Tanzania or other parts of Africa.
