8 Day Climbing Adventure Shira Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation at a hotel/lodge/hostel. Your head guide will meet you for a briefing, gear check, and assist you in hiring any equipment you may need.

After an early breakfast, we depart from Moshi and embark on a scenic three-hour drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate. The route offers breathtaking views as we traverse the diverse Tanzanian landscape, passing through small villages and coffee plantations. Upon arrival at the Shira Gate, we complete the registration process before beginning our trek. The hike starts with a gentle ascent through the montane forest, characterized by its lush greenery and diverse flora. The trail winds its way up a ridge, and as we gain altitude, the forest gives way to the heath and moorland zone. The path can be muddy and slippery at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. We continue hiking until we reach Shira 2 Camp, where we set up camp for the night and enjoy a well-deserved rest under the stars.

• Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft

• Distance: 8km/5mi

• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

Today’s trek takes us from Shira 2 Camp across the vast Shira Plateau, heading east towards the imposing Lava Tower, also known as the "Shark's Tooth." We start the day with a gradual ascent, passing through the unique semi-desert terrain of the plateau. The landscape here is marked by sparse vegetation and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. As we approach the Lava Tower, the trail becomes steeper, and the altitude begins to make itself felt. At 4,650 meters (15,250 feet), the Lava Tower serves as an important acclimatization point. We take a break here to rest and take in the breathtaking views before descending into the Barranco Valley. The descent to Barranco Camp is steep and rocky, but it offers a chance to see the magnificent Barranco Wall up close. We set up camp at Barranco Camp for the night, nestled in the shadow of the imposing wall, ready for the challenge of climbing it the next day.

• Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft

• Distance: 10km/6mi

• Walking Time: 5-6 hours

• Habitat: Semi-desert

After breakfast, we face one of the most exhilarating sections of the trek—the Barranco Wall. The climb up the wall is steep but not technical, and our guides will assist us as needed. As we ascend, we are rewarded with spectacular views of the Karanga Valley below and the surrounding peaks. Once we reach the top of the wall, the trail levels out, and we continue our hike across the undulating terrain of the Karanga Valley. The path takes us through the alpine desert, characterized by its sparse vegetation and rugged beauty. We reach Karanga Camp in the early afternoon, giving us plenty of time to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy the stunning scenery. This camp offers a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro's glaciers and the summit, providing inspiration for the days ahead.

• Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

• Distance: 5km/3mi

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today's hike takes us from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit push. The trail is relatively short but steep, taking us through the alpine desert zone. As we ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly barren, with only hardy lichens and mosses clinging to the rocks. The air is thin, and we take our time to ensure proper acclimatization. We reach Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, where we set up camp and prepare for the summit attempt. Barafu, which means "ice" in Swahili, is a fitting name for this high-altitude camp. The views from here are breathtaking, with the summit of Kilimanjaro looming above us and the plains of Tanzania stretching out below. We have an early dinner and go to bed early, as we will begin our summit attempt shortly after midnight.

• Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

• Distance: 4km/2mi

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We wake up around midnight and begin our final ascent to the summit under the cover of darkness. The trail from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is the most challenging section of the trek, both mentally and physically. We climb steadily through the scree and rocky terrain, with the cold biting at our faces and the thin air making each step a struggle. Our goal is to reach Stella Point on the crater rim in time for the sunrise. The sight of the sun rising over the horizon is a moment of pure magic, providing a much-needed boost of energy for the final push to Uhuru Peak. After a short rest at Stella Point, we continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), we take in the breathtaking views and savor the sense of accomplishment before beginning our descent. The descent takes us back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, then continues down to Mweka Camp. The descent is steep and can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended. We reach Mweka Camp in the late afternoon, where we enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

• Down to: 3090m/10,150ft

• Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down

• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down

• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

After breakfast, we continue our descent through the lush montane forest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. As we descend, the air becomes warmer and more oxygen-rich, and the vegetation becomes more verdant. At Mweka Gate, we receive our summit certificates and celebrate our successful climb. From the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to take us back to our hotel in Moshi. We arrive in Moshi in the afternoon, where we can enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a well-deserved rest.

• Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

• Distance: 10km/6mi

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

• Habitat: Forest

As your adventure comes to an end, it's time to say goodbye. After breakfast at the hotel, you will have some free time to relax or explore Moshi before your departure. Check out of your accommodation by 11 am, and transfer to the airport will be arranged based on your flight schedule. This marks the end of your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure. We hope you had an unforgettable experience and look forward to welcoming you back soon!