SAFARI TO SHIRA ROUTE KILIMANJARO HIKING

Shira Route is a stunning and less travelled trail to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting at an altitude of 3,600 meters on the shira Plateau. This route offers diverse scenery from high-altitude desert landscapes to rainforests. More so, this route offers the opportunity to climb one of Kilimanjaro’s highest points that is; the Shira Cathedral which stands at 3,962 meters and provides breathtaking panoramic views. The Shira Route also has the option to combine with the Lemosho Route, which joins at Shira 2 Camp via the southern circuit. Shira has low traffic until it combines with Machame

Beauty of Shira Route

Shira is beautiful because it crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, and then combines with the Machame route to share its viewpoints around the southern circuit. Shira has low traffic until it combines with Machame.

The Shira Route is a scenic and less travelled route for trekkers. It begins on the mountain’s western side. The route starts with a long drive to the trailhead followed by a hike through a rainforest to reach the Shira Plateau. From there, climbers trek across an Alpine desert landscape with stunning views of the western Breach and Lava Tower. Its itinerary usually takes 6 to 7 days

 6 days Kilimanjaro hiking safari Highlights

• Vegetation is rain forest and Alpine desert
• Breathtaking landscapes
• Expansive panoramic views
• Shares its view points around the southern circuit
• Initial solitude compared to other routes

7 Days Shira Route itinerary. Londorossi gate – Shira camp (3600m). shira two camp (3840m). barranco (3950m), Karanga Valley (4000m). Barafu (4600m), Summit Uhuru peak (5895mm)-Mweka camp (3100m). mweka Camp 3,100m/10,170 ft to Mweka Gate 1,980m/6,500 ft to Arusha (890 m/2,920 ft) 15 km, 3 hours forest

7 days kilimanjaro hiking safari detailed Itinarary

Day 1: Londorossi gate – Shira camp (3600m)

Day 1 begins with walking and starts from Londorossi National Park gate through farmland and plantations in the Moorland Vegetation. Here you will complete entry fees whereas guides and porters prepare equipment. Then continue climbing steadily on a broad track through shrub forest and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira plateau where hiking begins from. The views across the surrounding plains open out as you climb and the area is home to a variety of animals for example buffalo, elephant to mention but a few. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until you reach Simba Camp which is the first camp center of the plateau at Shira one. (3,550m), this takes about 3-4 hours on hiking

Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3850m)

After morning breakfast continue hiking Eastwards across the Shira Plateau past the Shira Cathedral towards Shira two camp in a distance of 6 km. You only gain 11,800 feet to 12,500 feet in elevation, this allows you to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. Here, you will explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau and a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles at the Cathedral whereas hiking will take about 5-6 hours. An Overnight stay at Shira two camp (3850m)

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp –  Barranco (3950m)

You will continue to the east up and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation. Then slowly descend into the spectacular Barranco Valley through the strange beautiful forest composed of giant lobelia and special plants. After arriving at your most spectacular campsite, every one stands in awe at the foot of Kibo peak looming high above on your left. Your camp is only 465 feet higher than where you were last night but during the day, you will have climbed to just over 14,000 feet. This is one of your most valuable days for acclimatization. It takes about 7-8 hours hiking in the Alpine desert type of vegetation

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley (4000m)

On the eastern side of the valley across the stream is the Barranco Wall, (950 ft) barrier of volcanic rock. You will climb the non- technical but steep cliff in a distance of 4km within 4-5 hours. Despite the fact that it is tall and looks steep, it is very easy to climb and this is your first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent in this Alpine desert. You will descend sharply into the Karanga Valley, where you will rest up for a night. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barrafu Camp (4600m)

First and foremost, you will be making a steep and tough hike out of the valley in about 3-5 hours. The air starts getting quite thin and you will be running short of breath. It is a tough but rewarding uphill to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles and the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, are clearly viewed from this position. You will have to go to bed early after dinner reason being that you will be woken up around midnight for the final climb to Uhuru Peak

Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka camp (3100m)

You will start your ascent by torch light around midnight to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At this elevation, the wind and cold at this time of day can be extreme. You will ascend for several hours about 5 to 6 while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Those who are still feeling strong can make the 2 hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.

Finally, you will arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast and after some refreshment, you continue to descend to reach your final campsite (3,800 m), Millennium. You will spend your last night on the mountain at Mweka camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp 3,100 m/10,170 ft to Mweka Gate 1,980 m/6,500 ft

After a heavy breakfast, it is a short scenic 3-4 hours hike back to the park gate in this rain forest. You can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1- hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In mweka village, a delicious hot lunch will be served after which you are driven back to moshi for an overdue hot shower and a comfortable night in a nice hotel in Mosh

 7 days Kilimanjaro hiking Safari inclusions:

• Park entrance fees
• Activities (unless labelled as optional)
• Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
• A Professional driver/guide
• Transportation (unless labelled as optional)
• Taxes/VAT
• Meals all
• Drinking water
• Camping Equipment

Exclusions

• International Flights (from/to home)
• Tips
• Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, Alcohol…)
• Rescue Fee
• Climbing Gear – can be hired before the climb
• Sleeping Bag – can be hired before the climb

Drinks (Beers, Champaign)