8 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route- Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

8 Days Kilimanjaro 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

Contact +255 653 679 958 OR +255 692 436 113

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8 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Day 1 – Mosh

You are met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International airport and transferred to the Hotel in Moshi. We shall meet for equipments check and climb briefing.  If arrival is late evening, the briefing is held the next morning .Overnight at your Hotel on bed and breakfast basis. 

Day 2 – Moshi to National Park Gate (approximately 2½ hours) Climb to Shira One Camp

A long day of walking that begins from Londorossi National Park gate (2,250 m). We walk through farmland and plantations and continue climbing steadily on a broad track through shrub forest and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (3,350 m). A first camp is in the center of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m) (6-8 hours walking) overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Day 3 – Climb to Shira Hut Camp

n easy day to help acclimatization, with time to explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (3,750 m), and the views from our camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m) (4-5 hours walking)Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.  

Day 4 – Climb to Moir Hut Camp

The excursion can be either a steady climb to reach the ridge above Moir Hut (4,200 m.) or a more strenuous walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (4,700 m). The remainder of the day is free to rest and enjoy our peaceful campsite. (4-8 hours walking) Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis. 

Day 5 – Climb to Barranco Cam

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction, (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs. Here there are extensive views of the plains far below. (5-7 hours walking) Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Day 6 – Climb to Barafu Camp

 Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley. After lunch, the terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m.) by mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. (6-8 hours walking) overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Day 7 – Summit Day! Then descend to Mweka Forest Camp

We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 am so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags. It’s slow but steady and takes us to Stella Point (5,735 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two 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. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. (11-15 hours walking) overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.

Day 8 – Descend to National Park Gate – Moshi

A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m.) (4-6 hours walking) When we finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you back to Moshi. You can choose to have a safari/day tour/Zanzibar beaches after completing your Shira route 8 days. Also you can choose to view Tanzania on foot with Africa natural Tours.

For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com