The Route is a little-used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route, with Shira being the original and Lemosho the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than Lemosho due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. Climbers may experience altitude-related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat for overnight accommodation. Tulivu is a quiet, spacious, clean, and comfortable boutique hotel in Kilimanjaro. The lodge offers an incredible, relaxing, and beautiful getaway. Your head guide will then meet you for your briefing, gear check, and arrangement to hire any necessary equipment.
This Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rainforest 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. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
The Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east and up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast 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 significant for acclimatization. It will help your body prepare for summit day—an overnight at Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft Distance: 5km/3mi Hiking Time: 34 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
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—an overnight at Karanga Camp.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft Distance: 4km/2mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here, we camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day—an overnight at Barafu Camp.
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
Summit Day: Midnight to 2 am Departure
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly 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 be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
Ascent to Uhuru Peak
You may encounter snow on your one-hour ascent to the summit from Stella Point. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
Descent to Mweka Camp
We descend from the summit to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Because of the loose gravel, you may want gaiters and trekking poles. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain—an overnight stay.
Hike Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate, Drive To Moshi
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Descent to Mweka Park Gate
After breakfast, we will descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be sufficient to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!
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