WHEN TO GO.
JUNE THROUGH FEBRUARY.
Trekking Summary.
The very popular 37 kilometer Shira trail stretches along the western open plateau of Mount Kilimanjaro. It displays stunning views of the peak and its surroundings. Trekkers start their trekking at 3,407 meters above sea level. The walking trail takes us up and down to acclimate our bodies. Due to its scenic and various formations, Shira is our favorite official trail on Kilimanjaro.
Detailed Itinerary
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha / Londorossi Gate
Trekking distance (1-1:30hr) 7 kilometers. After breakfast, you will leave the hotel and drive to the Londorossi gate. After the gate formalities, you will drive towards the trailhead of 3407 meters. You will start walking across the moorland leading to open tussock grasslands, lava flows, heather shrub-lands, valley bottoms, clear mountain streams and stands of giant heather. You will arrive at the rim of the Shira plateau. The first camp nestled at the center of Shira one. Your overnight stay will be at the same elevation as the starting point. We will acclimate before the next day of climbing.
-Overnight stay at Shira 1 Camp 3407 meters
Shira 1 / Shira 2 Camp
Trekking distance 10km (3-4hrs)
The hiking starts after breakfast towards the rim of the Shira cathedral at 3,740m, where it boasts outstanding landscapes. You will continue until arrival at the camp in the afternoon. After lunch you will overnight stay to acclimate and enjoy the awesome landscape of the surrounding nature far below.
-Overnight stay at Shira two Camp (Altitude of 3840 meters)
Shira 2 / Barranco Camp
Trekking distance 10km (5-6hrs)
After breakfast, another morning of awesome scenery. This track will test your walking boots up to higher elevation. From the Shira plateau passing the eastern breach and to the Lava Tower nestled at 4,550 meters. It’s famously known as Shark tooth. Thereafter you will cross the junction between arrow glacier and Baranco before descending to a spectacle valley. The camp offers an extensive view of the plain far below.
-Overnight stay at Barranco Camp 3,840 meters
Barranco / Karanga Camp
Trekking distance 5-6km (3:30-4hrs)
After breakfast and relaxing. You will leave the last wet area. Passing by a steep ridge, from the Baranco wall to Karanga Valley. You will enjoy the marvelous view of a waterfall below and dramatic glacier above. Then we arrive at camp for lunch and siesta for the rest of the day.
-Overnight stay at Karanga Camp 4,000 meters
Karanga / Barafu 4,600 meters
Trekking distance 4km (3-4hrs)
As morning sets in you will leave the camp after breakfast and head to Barafu. The landscape differs from other camps and also temperatures drop as you hike higher up. By lunch time we a will arrive at the camp and stay overnight; dinner will be served early. In order to avoid exhaustion, we recommend our climbers rest up before encountering summit challenges. By midnight you’ll wake up and get ready to trek to the summit. It takes Approximately 6-7hrs.
Summit / Mweka Camp 3,100m
Trekking distance 12km-(7 hours)
The morning of day 6 displays a spectacular glacier that will never fail to captivate as you stand on top of the roof of Africa! After an awe-inspiring sunrise, you’ll begin your descent via the Barafu camp for a hot lunch and short break. After break, you will continue the descent down towards the spectacular edge of the Mweka forest for overnight stay.
-Overnight stay at Mweka camp 3,100 meters
Mweka Camp 3,100m / Mweka Gate 1,650m
Trekking Time-4-5 hours
After an early breakfast. We’ll take a beautiful descent through the forest to Mweka gate. After the gate formalities, you will be met by our transfer driver and driven back to your hotel in Arusha for overnight stay. More excursion extension can be selected.
You will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to fly out of the country or Arusha Domestic Airport and fly to Zanzibar or join another wildlife safari if extended excursions are selected.
- PRICE FROM: $1,980pps
- Government Taxes
- All National Park entrance fees
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Overnight stay at hotel as per itinerary
- Guide, porter and cook salaries (not including gratuity)
- Crisis management and safety procedures. Rescue fees.
- All three meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner while on mountain.
- All transfers mentioned above, upon your arrival and departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha domestic airport.
- Gratuity
- All Personal Items (Example toiletries, cameras)
- Excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary