Mount Kilimanjaro The Shira Route TTSL 040

Altitude: 2,700 m - 3,840 m Hiking distance: 6 km Hiking time: 4-5 hours After breakfast and a briefing from your guide, leave Moshi and drive to Londorossi National Park Gate in order to complete the necessary registration formalities before we drive a short distance to Shira Gate (9,200 ft) where we begin our trek. Your walk through the rainforest is on a winding muddy trail up a ridge. At these lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Stop halfway for lunch, and reach the Shira Camp in the afternoon. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee.

Altitude: 3,840 m – 3,950 m Hiking distance: 11 km Hiking time: 7–8 hours The route now turns east into a semi desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). Definitely the toughest day so far. After lunch, you will descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear. This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Altitude: 3,950 m – 4,010 m Hiking distance: 5 km Hiking time: 5 hours After breakfast we leave Barranco camp, hiking up Barranco Wall which takes about an hour. Continue to Karanga Camp with numerous ascents and descents. Enjoy an afternoon acclimatization hike.

After breakfast enjoy acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp. Later return to Karanga Camp for dinner & overnight. This offers you excellent acclimatization offering you even higher chances of reaching the summit.

Altitude: 4,010 m – 4,650 m Hiking distance: 5 km Hiking time: 5 hours Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep for not more than 5-hours.

Altitude: 4,650 m – 5, 895 m – 3,100 m Hiking distance: 17 km Hiking time: 15+ hours. You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour walk to Stella point is for many climbers, mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5685m) 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 will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

Altitude: 3,100 m – 1,800 m Hiking distance: 10 km Hiking time: 4-5 hours After Breakfast, From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy and long hour walk. In the Mweka village drive to your Lodge and you will be served a delicious hot lunch and a long overdue hot shower & Overnight.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight back home. END OF SERVICES