6
Days / 5 Nights Kilimanjaro Climbing Shira Route
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park
Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike
through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower
elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking
poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we
reach the Shira Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp
Day 2: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing
the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction
changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's
Tooth" (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come
to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue
down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same
elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization
and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge
up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which
connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp
Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down
to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight), we continue our way to the
summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly
direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on
the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging
portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest
and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever
likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour
ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest
point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down
to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters
and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at
Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp
Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate
to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can
be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and
t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer
clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle
will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in
Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B |