6 Days 5 Nights Kilimanjaro Climb Via Shira Route

6 Days 5 Nights Kilimanjaro Climb Via Shira Route

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Itinerary

Day 1: Shira gate-Shira Camp

Pass By: Shira Camp, Tanzania
The drive from Arusha to the trail head takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp.
Meals: LD



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Shira camp

Day 2: Shira camp-Lava Tower-Barranco Hut

Pass By: Barranco Camp, Tanzania
From the Shira Plateau, we 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, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier (15,997 ft / 4,876 m). We continue down to the Barranco Hut (12,664 ft / 3,860 m). Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Meals: BLD


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Barranco camp

Day 3: Barranco camp-Karanga camp

Pass By: Karanga Camp, Mweka Trail, Tanzania
After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite.
Meals: BLD


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp

Day 4: Karanga camp-Barafu camp

Pass By: Barafu Camp, Tanzania
We leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 14,770 ft / 4,200 m) to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from our camp.
Meals: BLD


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Barafu camp

Day 5: Barafu hut-Summit-Mweka hut

Pass By: Kilimanjaro Summit, Tanzania
We leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (lunch at 14,770 ft / 4,200 m) to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from our camp.
Meals: BLD
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Dinner and overnight at Mweka hut

Day 6: Mweka hut-Mweka gate

Pass By: Mweka Trail, Tanzania
After breakfast, we continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy, gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably offer enough warmth (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!


Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.