Featuring impressive canyons and stunning vistas, the 8 Days Shira Route initiates near the iconic Shira Ridge, carving a path towards the pinnacle of Africa's renowned summit.
This journey approaches Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing from the west, initiating a noteworthy trek from the Shira gate to the Shira camp. Ensuring a diverse experience, the path gracefully spans the entire Shira Plateau, moving from its western edge to its eastern frontier.
Progressing further, trekkers navigate beneath Mt Kilimanjaro’s Southern Circuit, culminating their ascent at Barafu. The return is gracefully navigated via the Mweka route. This route demands resilience and determination and is an integral offering of our Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages. Ultimately, the unparalleled satisfaction of standing atop this majestic peak gratifies every step of the challenge.
Arrival City: Arusha
Departure City: Arusha
Airport: Kilimanjaro Airport
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and completing customs procedures, your Tanzania Tribe Safari guide will greet you and ensure your transfer to an Arusha hotel. This evening, another focus will provide a trek overview and verify all essential equipment. Any missing items can be rented today.
Elevation (ft): 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
Elevation (ft): 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Heath
Today is a relatively easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the plateau's grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a massive rock buttress surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation (ft): 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation (ft): 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Elevation (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Elevation (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We begin our push to the summit early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now descend, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The rocky trail can be challenging on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
After breakfast and rest, we will Transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for those returning home.
Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness which occur the height.
As a perfectly balanced weather, from January.
Tipping is a compulsory tradition on every
Kilimanjaro Porters and Guides have the major role to make your Kilimanjaro.
The base age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for kids trekking.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak and needs.
Despite being the most accessible mountain peak for the summit, many hikers.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro needs the physical fitness and strong willpower.
With our years of mountain experience.
Kilimanjaro Gears plays a vital role in climbing highest.
Summit the majestic Kilimanjaro
Conquering Africa’s biggest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.
Common condition caused by the lack of oxygen.
There’s not a definitive answer out there as to what.
Technical backpacks designed specifically with Climbing Kilimanjaro
Wondering about how to access the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro?
Newbie climbers often have a significant question .
Summiting Kilimanjaro is an adventure full of excitement.
Africa’s biggest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro
As you look at the Kilimanjaro Map unfurled before you
There is a dedicated Kilimanjaro Rescue Team that
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a thrilling experience.
Climbing Africa’s biggest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro
Every hiker in this world dreams to reach the top of Kilimanjaro
Climbing Africa’s tallest Mountain, Kilimanjaro
Resting in the Kilimanjaro Tents is a dream come true
Looking to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro?
Looking to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro?
There are no obligatory Kilimanjaro Vaccinations
Resting in the Kilimanjaro Tents is a dream come true
Be prepared for a trek through a variety of terrains
Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain
Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain
Tanzania Tribe Safari is an exceptional organization focused on delivering a customized Tanzanian experience to its customers. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in traveling to Tanzania in search of a one-of-a-kind experience.
The trip of a lifetime! Tanzania Tribe Safari created a seamless experience for us from wonderful hotels and a tented camp to a safari experience that kept us in awe. Our safari guide Amini wore many hats during our trip and had eyes of an eagle!
Oh my gosh! Where do I start? My three sisters and I booked a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar through Tanzania Tribe Safari. It can be marked as a trip of a lifetime! Our safari guide, Amini was very knowledgeable about the animals and terrain.
