Kilimanjaro Trekking – Shira Route (6 Days)
1Wonder Expedition
Highlights
Kilimanjaro Trekking
Detailed Itinerary
Elevation: 5,380 ft to 9,350 ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Distance: 11 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain Forest
The drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. As we leave the park gate, we walk through the dense rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Machame Camp.
Elevation: 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Health
We leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path up to a steep, rocky ridge. On the Shira Plateau, we pass through heather and open moorlands, then cross a large river gorge to Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Semi Desert
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for Acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 3 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatisation. Elevation: 13,000ft to 13,100ft Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 3 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Elevation: 13,000 ft to 15,300ft Hiking time: 4-5 hours Distance: 2.5 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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.
Hiking time: 12 – 15 hours Distance: 3 miles to Summit; 7 miles descent Habitat: Arctic
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 (18,600 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.
Elevation: 10,000ft to 5400ft Hiking time: 3-4 hours Distance: 6 miles Habitat: Rain 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, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.
WHATS INCLUDED?
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
WHATS EXCLUDED?
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Local transportation before and after the climb.
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.