Shira Route - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

Shira Route: Africa Natural Tours

AFRICA NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)

Specialized in: Mountain climbing, Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays

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Shira Route

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Day 1

Shira Gate to Shira Camp

 2300m to 3240m

550ft to 12,600ft

Distance: 18km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain forest /Heather and Moorland

The drive from Moshi or Arusha to Shira trailhead (Morum gate) takes about 4 hours. From Morum we start walk through the heather and moorland zone on Shira plateau, crossing the two big valleys which are seasonal rivers,we keep walking to the beautiful plains to Shira one camp for Dinner and overnight.

Day 2

Shira one Camp to Shira Hut Camp

3240m to 39500m

12,600ft to 12,700ft

Distance: 12 km

Walking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heather and Moorland

From Shira one camp we continue trekking on the plateau to Shira hut, This is very nice day since that we pass to Shira cathedral and Shira needle for acclimatization before we proceed to Shira Hut for Hot Lunch, dinner and overnight.

Day 3

Shira hut Camp to Barranco Camp

3950m to 4200m

12,700ft to 12,800ft

Distance: 16 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: alpine desert/moorland

After breakfast we leave Shira hut and heading to the north east of the mountain, The trail will lead us to Lava tower 4600 m. this is very important day for acclimatization. From Lava tower we descend down to Barranco Camp 3950, The same elevation to Shira hut. Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp.

Day 4

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

3860m to 4600m

12,700ft to 15,100ft

Distance: 13km

Hiking Time: 8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 4200m / 14,770 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. 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. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 5

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)

15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft)

Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent

Hiking Time:6-8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction 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 (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.

 At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the very cold continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. It can be at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. 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. 

Day 6

Mweka Camp to Moshi

3100m to 1830m

10,200ft to 6000ft

Distance: 15 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

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