6 Days Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Shira Route – Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

EXPERIENCE

Day 1 Arusha to Shira Gate
Leave Arusha and drive for several hours to the Shira Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro and register with the national park. Begin hiking, through the rainforest on a winding muddy trail up a ridge. Reach the Shira Camp in the afternoon.
Elevation(m): 915m/1387m to 1830 to 3840m – Distance: 18km – Hiking Time: 5-7 hours – Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
After several hours, you walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4630m. Descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp.
Elevation(m): 3840m to 4630 m to 3950m – Distance: 15km – Hiking Time: 7 hours – Habitat: Semi-Desert

Day 3 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start by Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you descend into campsite. From the camp, you can look east and see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jutting into the African sky. Your afternoon is at leisure for resting or exploring
Elevation(m): 3950m to 4200m – Distance: 7km – Hiking Time: 4 hours – Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
In the morning, you hike east which will be your descent route. another hour to the Barafu Hut. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb, and drink a lot of fluids.
Elevation(m): 3200m to 4500m – Distance: 13km – Hiking Time: 8 hours – Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5 Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak descend to Mweka Camp
This will be the longest and most challenging day – through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point you stop for a short rest and a chance to see a sunrise. Here you also join the top part of the Marangu Route, but do not stop here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. From here you hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak – the summit.
3-hour steep descent back to Barafu Camp, where you can have a short rest prior to hiking into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp. This camp is in the upper forest, so you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. The camp office sells drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and a welcoming, rewarding beer (depending upon availability)
Elevation(m): 4500m to 5895m, descend to 3100m Distance: 7km up – 23km down – Hiking Time: 8 hours up, 7-8 hours down – Habitat: Scree and seasonal snow

Day 6 Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
Easy 3 hour hike back to the park gate, successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. so if you were happy with their hard work please remember to tip them once you and all your gear has reached the gate.Back to arusha
Elevation(m): 3100m to 1980m to 890 m/1378m Distance: 15km – Hiking Time: 3 hours – Habitat: Forest

HIGHLIGHTS

Shira Plateaus ridges &moorland comprise one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas.
You may see Elands on the plateau,could come across Buffaloes, Leopards& other
High on the mountain and hike on this iconic World Heritage Site

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