About Shira Route
Shira route is the route that begins from the west part of the mountain and the difficult route because the first section of the trail is not hiked but rather driven – this route is normally offered to hikers who have already acclimatized to 13,123ft. It offers the chance to enjoy the magnificent views of both Mount Meru and the Great Rift Valley (Gregorian Rift) as well as the scenic Shira Plateau.
Day 1: Regal African Safaris welcomes you to Tanzania to discover the wild and rugged country of superlatives! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be met and warmly greeted by Regal African Safaris’ representative who will take you to your place of stay in Moshi for Dinner and an Overnight.
Day 2: Shira Gate to Shira 2 Camp (Elevation: 11’800ft – 12,500ft)
After breakfast and a thorough briefing, you will be transferred to Shira Gate for Park formalities and travel up Shira Plateau to the trailhead. Here you will have a short hike through the montane forest to Shira 2 Camp where your tents will be for the first night on the mountain.
Hiking Time: 1hours, Distance: 3Kms, Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco (Elevation: 12,500ft – 13,000ft)
From the Shira Plateau, you 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, you come to the second junction which brings you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here you rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Hiking Time: 4 – 6hours, Distance: 7Kms, Habitat: Semi Desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (Elevation: 13,000ft – 13’100ft)
Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then transverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley Campsite. This is a short day walk intended for acclimatization.
Hiking Time: 4 – 5hours, Distance: 5Kms, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Elevation: 13,100ft – 15,300ft)
After breakfast, leave Karanga behind and trail up to Barafu Hut, a point that offers stunning views of the summit from various angles. Two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from here and this is where the rest of the day is spent to prepare for the summit on the next day.
Hiking Time: 4 – 5hours, Distance: 4Kms, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
(Elevation: 15,300ft – 19,345ft) – Ascend
Start after midnight and ascend between Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, through heavy screes to Stella Point on the Crater rim. The views are spectacular as the first rays of the morning sun hit the surroundings while you are taking a bit of a break! Another one hour’s walk will take you to the summit and it is possible that you will encounter snow throughout this last hour to the summit, Uhuru Peak. At Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the whole of Africa.
Hiking Time: 7 – 8hours, Distance: 5Kms, Habitat: Arctic
(Elevation: 19,345ft – 10,000ft) – Descend
Descend to Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut for the last night and dinner on the mountain. The camp is situated in the upper forest and therefore mist or rain can be a possibility in the late afternoon.
Hiking Time: 4 – 6hours, Distance: 12Kms, Habitat: Forest
Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate (10,000ft – 5,345ft)
A gentle trek takes you down through the montane forest to Mweka Gate, where you will complete Park formalities and receive Certificates, which you can hang up with pride! Please note that at lower elevations it can be wet and muddy but the gaiters and trekking poles will help. Also keep the rain gears and warm clothes handy. You are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Arusha, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!).
Hiking Time: 3 – 4hours, Distance: 12Kms, Habitat: Forest
Price Per Person
| Number of Pax | Price Per person in US$ |
| 1Pax | 2,650 |
| 2Pax | 2,380 |
| 3 – 5Pax | 2,075 |
| 6 – 10Pax | 1,865 |
| 10Pax and more | 1,790 |
Inclusions
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All Accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A Professional driver/guide
- All Transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- All Airport transfer
- All Meals
- Drinking water
- Camping Equipment
- Porterage
Exclusions
- International Flights (from/to home)
- Tips (Tipping Guideline US$20/Person per day)
- Personal Items (Souvenirs, Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, Alcohol…)
- Rescue Fee
- Climbing Gear – can be hired before the climb
- Sleeping Bag – can be hired before the climb