Kilimanjaro Climb Through Shira Route

DAY 1. Arrive anytime in Arusha, Or Moshi  Tanzania

During the arrival

DAY 2.We take a ride to Londorossi National Park 

• We take a ride to Londorossi National Parkgate 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(11,600 ft).
  [4-5 hours walking]

DAY 3.Walk to the Summit of Shira Cathedral (12,300 ft)

• 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 nearShira Hut(12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds.
  [4-5 hours walking]

DAY 4. Moorland of Shira Plateau

• 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.
  [3-6 hours walking]

DAY 5.  Walking on Lava Ridges

• 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 camp at 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.
  [4-6 hours walking]

DAY 6.  Barranco Valley

• 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 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 Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to the summit.
  [5-7 hours walking]

DAY 7. Barafu Hut

• 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 acclimatisation 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.
  [3-5 hours walking]

DAY 8. Stella Point

• We start our ascent 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(18,800 ft), 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(19,345 ft), 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 refreshments, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite, Millenium Camp(12,500 ft).
  [11-15 hours walking]

DAY 10. Mweka

• A sustained descent on a well constructed path takes us through a lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest.
• Our route winds down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Mweka(5,400 ft); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where we are transferred to Arusha.
  [4-6 hours walking]

DAY 11.  Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

• After breakfast, we can arrange for a private transfer or taxi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Pros:

1. Great scenery
2. Great acclimatization profile
3. High success rate
4. Moderate foot traffic