Eight Days Shira Route
8 days—Eight Days Shira Route
$2300-3000 USD
pp
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Safari summary
The Shira route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport trekkers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge. On the first day of our 8 days on the mountain, trekkers begin their trek from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and spend their first night at the same elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho and follows the southern circuit route.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Sightseeing | shopping | markets
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- All drinks
- Laundry
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- International flights
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Visas
Itinerary
Moshi - Shira I
Kilimanjaro
Moshi - Shira I Trekking Hours: 5-6 hours We take a ride to Londorossi National Park gate to complete the necessary registration formalities, before driving a short distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations (9,200 ft). We continue trekking steadily on foot through shrub forests and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). The views across the surrounding plains open up as we approach our first camp, Simba Camp
Simba Camp
Shira I - Shira Hut
Kilimanjaro
Trekking Hours: 3-5 hours Today is an easy day to help acclimatization and to explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (12,300 ft), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds.
Moir Hut
Shira Hut - Moir Hut
Kilimanjaro
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours The morning walk is a steady climb away from the moorland of Shira Plateau to reach the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills, with expansive views in all directions. After lunch in our camp close to Moir Hut (13,800 ft), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (15,400 ft). We can explore the area beneath the Northern Ice fields, a remote place rarely visited by tourists, with unusual views of Kibo.
Lower Tower
Moir Hut - Lava Tower Camp
Moir Hut - Lava Tower Camp Trekking Hours: 4-5 hours We enjoy a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our Lava Tower (14,900 ft), there is a steep but spectacular afternoon walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach. This afternoon excursion is highly recommended for acclimatization purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach.
Lower Tower Camp
Lava Tower Camp - Karanga Campsite
Kilimanjaro
Trekking Hours: 5-6 hours A steep descent into the bottom of Barranco Valley (12,800 ft) leads us to the famed Barranco Wall and its steep climb. At the top the undulating trail crosses the flanks of Kibo with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain is volcanic scree, with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. Our next camp is at Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to the summit.
Karanga Camp
Karanga Campsite - Barafu Campsite
Kilimanjaro
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization trek to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,700 ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.
Barafu Camp
Barafu Campsite –Mweka Forest Camp
Trekking Hours: 9–11 hours Start the final ascent around 1:00 a.m., trekking by torchlight toward Stella Point (5,735 m) in time for sunrise. After a short rest and enjoying views of Mawenzi, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m) for those who feel strong enough. Descend to Barafu Camp for refreshments, then continue downhill through the mountain landscape to Mweka Forest Camp, your final campsite.
Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro
Trekking Hours: 3-4 hours A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to Mweka National Park gate.signing out then drive back to Moshi
Moshi or Arusha Hotel
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