Kilimanjaro Trekking 8 Days Shira route via Barafu Camp
A spectacular scenic that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west transports
us through a rich, lush rainforest until we arrive at the ridge of the Shira
Plateau, where our expedition begins. We trek across an alpine plateau and
traverse the great Southern Icefield, before summiting from Barafu Hut. The
Shira route is ideal for those with backpacking experience and those seeking a
more challenging adventure.
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange
a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha, We will
gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Shira One” (3,550 m); 5-6 hours walking.
We take a ride to Londorossi National Park gate to
complete the necessary registration formalities, before driving a short
distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations (9,200 ft). We
continue climbing steadily on foot through shrub forests and stands of giant
heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). The views across the
surrounding plains open up as we approach our first camp, Simba Camp
Day 3: Shira Hut (3,840 m); 3-5 hours walking.
Today is an easy day to help acclimatization and to explore the grassy
moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit
of Shira Cathedral (12,300 ft), a huge buttress of rock
surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of
wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp
near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views
of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds.
Day 4: Moir Hut (4,200m); 3-4 hours walking.
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 (13,800
ft), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walk to reach the summit
of the Lent Hills (15,400 ft). We can explore the area beneath
the Northern Icefields, a remote place rarely visited by tourists, with unusual
views of Kibo. Few visitors get to this remote corner of Kilimanjaro.
Day 5: Lava Tower camp (4,550 m); 4-5 hours walking.
We enjoy a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava
ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our Lava
Tower (14,900 ft), there is a steep but spectacular afternoon walk on
the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach. This afternoon excursion is
highly recommended for acclimatisation purposes and for the superb views of
hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach.
Day 6: Karanga campsite (4,000 m); 5-6 hours walking
A steep descent into the bottom of Barranco Valley (12,800
ft) leads us to the famed Barranco Wall and its steep climb. At the top the
undulating trail crosses the flanks of Kibo with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. 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 Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the
approach to the summit.
Day 7: Barafu campsite (4,600 m); 3-4 hours walking
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains
altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for
lunch. There is a short acclimatization hike to the plateau at the bottom of
the southeast valley (15,700 ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in
preparation for the early morning final ascent.
Day 8: Mweka forest camp (3100 m); 13-15 hours walking
We will start our ascent by torchlight at 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 Mweka
forest camp.
Day 9: Mweka forest camp to Mweka Gate (1,650 m); 3-4 hours walking.
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to
Mweka National Park gate. After signing out at mweka gate transfer to Moshi and
overnight at Arusha.
Day 10:
Transfer from moshito Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Private
departure transfer is included.
Inquire prices for Shira Route 8 days itinerary.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Includes:
- 2 Nights accommodation in Moshi
- Private professional mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Government taxes, VAT and all relating service charges
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Emergency Oxygen
- Walking Poles
- Emergency Evacuation by Flying Doctor
Excludes:
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
- Tips and any items of personal nature.