Nesa Africa Safaris | Best Operator In Tanzania

7 Days Shira Route Kilimanjaro

DESCRIPTION
ITINERIES

The Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and geologically fascinating areas on Mount Kilimanjaro. Located on the western side of the mountain, this expansive plateau offers panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and the surrounding highlands. Known for its dramatic landscapes and unique vegetation, Shira is a hidden gem for trekkers seeking a remote and rewarding experience.

The Shira Route is recommended only for hikers who are already acclimatized to 4,000 meters, as the journey begins at a high elevation. Depending on weather and trail conditions, trekkers may either hike or drive by 4×4 vehicle for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach Shira Hut (4,000 m), the first campsite on this route.

What's Included

All park entry and conservation fees
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Pre & post-climb accommodation in Moshi
Quality mountain tents and sleeping mats
Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
All ground transfers as per itinerary
Clean, purified drinking water
All government taxes and levies
Summit certificate

What's Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Tanzania visa
Personal trekking gear
Tips for guides and porters
Items of personal nature
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Additional accommodation before/after climb
Sleeping bag and personal equipment

Itinerary (7 days)

Day 1

Day 1: Airport pick-up - Drop off at hotel

You will be picked up by the staff of Nesa Africa from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.

Tips:
Accommodation: Moshi Hotel | Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2

Day 2: Lodge to Shira Two Camp

After breakfast, we start a long drive to Lemosho Gate where you will complete the necessary registration. Afterwards, we continue our travel up the Shira Plateau to the trailhead. You will have a short hike through the rain forest to Shira Two Camp where your tent will be pitched.

Tips:
Hiking: 1 hour | Elevation: 1,500m to 3,850m | Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 3

Day 3: Shira Two Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

From Shira Camp, the route turns east towards Kibo and you will find yourself hiking through semi-desert up to the fairly rocky conditions that surround Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,100 ft). After lunch, we descend approximately 650 meters to Barranco Camp. Along the way, you will have good views overlooking Western Breach and Breach Wall.

Tips:
Hiking: 7 hours | Distance: 14-15km | Habitat: Semi-desert and rocky terrain
Day 4

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

This is a short day meant for acclimatization. We take on a route that heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water available at Barafu camp.

Tips:
Hiking: 4-5 hours | Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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.

Tips:
Hiking: 4-5 hours | Elevation: 13,100ft to 15,300ft | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6

Day 6: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

At 2am, we start our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.

Tips:
Hiking: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent | Elevation: 15,300ft to 19,345ft to 10,000ft | Habitat: Arctic
Day 7

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Arusha

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village where our vehicle awaits to drive us back to the Hotel in Arusha.

Tips:
Hiking: 3-4 hours | Elevation: 10,000ft to 5,400ft | Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

3 Reviews

Tom Sawyer
Jana 10 2020

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1. John Doe
  Jana 10 2020
  
  Officia amet posuere voluptates, mollit montes eaque accusamus laboriosam quisque cupidatat dolor pariatur, pariatur auctor.
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Jaan Smith
Jana 10 2020

Officia amet posuere voluptates, mollit montes eaque accusamus laboriosam quisque cupidatat dolor pariatur, pariatur auctor.
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