8 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing, Shira Route

Day 1:   Registration Procedure At Londorossi  Gate

After carrying out the essential registration procedure at Londorossi gate, we will take up a steep path within the national park to reach Shira Barrier (3,300m) where the hike starts. We will go on to the the Shira Plateau with outstanding outlook across to the main top. Our first camp is in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m.). [2 – 3 Hrs]

Day 2:   At Shira Hut (3,840 m.) [4-5 Hrs]

We will explore the lush moorland and the volcanic rock formations of the Shira plateau and hike to the summit at 3,750 m, a huge structure of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here (especially when the afternoon mists come in!) and the views from our camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m.) of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 Hrs]

Day 3:   At the Little Lent Hill  (4,375m.) [3-6 Hrs]

We explore lower part of the Northern Icefields, an area almost totally unvisited by climbers and with extraordinary views of Kibo. 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 (4,200 m), there is the option of a more strenuous  afternoon walk to reach the summit of the Little Lent Hill at 4,375m. Few visitors get to this remote corner of Kilimanjaro. [3-6 Hrs]

Day 4:   At the old hut at Arrow Glacier (4,800 m).[3-6 Hrs]

We will have a morning of tender climb plus panoramic outlook, pass through the lava ridges under the glaciers of the Western Breach. Later after lunch we will walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach to reach the ruins of the old hut at Arrow Glacier (4,800 m). This afternoon excursion is highly recommended both for acclimatization purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach. [3-6 Hrs]

Day 5:   At Karanga camp (4,000 m), [5-7 Hrs]

We will drop into the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m), sorrounded by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. A short climb up the famed Barranco The wall will then guide us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. 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 (4,000 m), the last water point on the approach to the summit. [5-7 Hrs]

Day 6:   At the South-East valley (4,800 m). [3-5 Hrs]

We will follow an simple trail on compacted scree with large views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800 m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. [3-5 Hrs]

Day 7:   To Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), descend to Millennium campsite (3,800 m) [11-15 Hrs]

We will start our climb by torchlight about 1 a.m. 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 and a slow but steady pace will take 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 (3,800 m) Millenium. [11-15 Hrs]

Day 8:   To Mweka gate [4-6 Hrs]

We will at last steadily drop down via a well developed path through a tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. The route will wind down to the Mweka gate (1,650 m); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. The shower, the beer, and the swimming pool are tantalizingly close! [4-6 Hrs]