Shira Route

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through the Shira Route tour itinerary, the Shira trail route is an old route which it’s not more popular now days; Shira cross the entire Shira Plateau from west to east, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation, though Shira is a varied and beautiful route.Shira Route

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Shira Route Packages

DAY 1: SHIRA GATE – SHIRA 2 CAMP

Drive to Shira Gate for the start of your Kilimanjaro climb. After registering with the park authorities, hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge to the Shira 2 Camp. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery; gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here.

DAY 2: SHIRA 2 CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP

After breakfast, trek east on the Shira plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for the Machame route. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction who brings us up to the Arrow Glacier from here; we now descend to the Barranco Hut. Although you end the day at almost the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.

DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA VALLEY

After breakfast we leave Barranco camp and continue on a steep ridge passing to the great Barranco Wall, climb this imposing obstacle which turns out to be easier than it looks. You can now appreciate how beautiful Kilimanjaro is. Descend to the Karanga valley where you will set camp for the night.

DAY 4: KARANGA VALLEY CAMP – BARAFU CAMP

We continue our climb to the Barafu camp, hike east over the intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka route which will be your descent route. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner before going to bed early in preparation for summit day.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – UHURU PEAK – MWEKA CAMP

Distance and Hiking Time: Barafu Hut – Uhuru Peak (5 kms, 7-8 hrs) Decent to Mweka Hut (12 kms, 6-8 hrs) Just after midnight, start the ascent 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 (4,200m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to experience. From here a further 50 minutes’ walk leads to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. After a short time at the summit, start your descent to the Barafu camp for a rest and brunch before continuing with the descent to Mweka camp for your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE

After breakfast, continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate. Each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate of achievement for the successful Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. 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 Arusha to end your Kilimanjaro Shira Route.

Shira Route Package Inclusive:

  • All nights’ accommodation in Huts;
  • Professional, experienced, mountain& safari guides;
  • All Park fees and Rescue fees;
  • Camping Equipment’s;
  •  All meals while on the Mountain;
  • Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees;
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food;
  • Clean, purified drinking water;

Shira Route Package Excludes:

  • Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival;
  • Airports transfers;
  • Hotel accommodations;
  • Personal Expenses;
  • Optional Tours;
  • Tips and any items of personal nature;
  • International and Local Flights;
  • Yellow fever vaccinations;

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