6 Days 5 Nights Kilimanjaro Shira Route
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp (LD)
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead 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 climb poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira 2 Camp
Day 2: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (BLD)
From the Shira Plateau, we proceed to the east up a ridge, passing the intersection towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South-East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second intersection which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now proceed down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)
After early breakfast, we leave Barranco and proceed on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp
Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)
We resume up to the Barafu Camp. Here we would have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from different views. Then we make camp here, rest, enjoy our dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp (BLD)
Very early in the morning at around 4 am or earlier commences the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim. As we continue, we now ascend to the Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa also known as the roof of Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn which may also be an amazing place for you to take a picture at the summit to show your family and friends. Then from here, we descend, stopping for lunch and a little bit of rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “twende pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Duration: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi (B)
After an early breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue the descend through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet, muddy sometimes slippery. Gaiters and climbing poles will help greatly. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be okay to wear but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. It is time for a huge celebration for reaching the roof of Africa!
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast