Majestic 6 Days Shira Route Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Tours

Very similar to Lemosho route, however it starts at 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking. On the first day you begin at Shira Gate to Simba Camp before joining the Lemosho Route on day two at Shira Camp 2. Since the Shira route begins from a very high altitude, it does not offer the best profile for acclimatization. the 7 day Shira Route itinerary offers a good summit success rate of about 85%. Kilimanjaro’s Shira Route crosses the Shira Plateau and then joins up with the Machame 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” (elevation of  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: 3-4 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 to 2 am), 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. Kilimanjaro climbing 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 the Mweka gate 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

Location

Your trekking will take place on Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania.

Food

Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food will be served for you daily. It includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners. Clean purified 1.5 liters drinking water will also be provided for you every day.