8 DAY 7 NIGHTS SHIRA ITINERARY

Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

We begin the four-hour drive from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi at 8 a.m. to Londorossi Gate, where we will finish the admission procedures. After that, we keep driving up a difficult trail to the hike's starting point, the Shira Gate. The hike begins among enormous heather and plants and ends at Simba Camp.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 2 hours

Habitat: Heath

It's a really easy day today, which is fantastic for acclimatization. We start by investigating the plateau's volcanic rock formations and verdant meadow. After that, we travel along a picturesque trail to the Shira Cathedral, a massive rock buttress encircled by sharp spires and pinnacles, and finally arrive at Shira 2 Camp.

DAY 3: Shira 2 Camp up Lava Tower down Barranco Camp

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 3 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We proceed eastward, climbing a hill before turning southeast to reach the 300-foot-tall volcanic rock structure known as the Lava Tower. We drop to 13,000 feet and pass through the unusual but stunning Senecio Forest to reach Barranco Camp. Even though you start and finish the day at the same height, spending some time at a higher altitude is highly advantageous for acclimatization.

DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We start the day by making our way down into a gully that leads to the Great Barranco Wall's base. Next, we ascend the steep, approximately 900-foot cliff, which is not challenging. We traverse a sequence of hills and valleys after reaching the top of the Barranco Wall before making a dramatic descent into Karanga Valley. We have one more tough ascent to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day designed to help you get used to it.

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Ascending to the rocky stretch leading to Barafu Hut, you will leave Karanga and arrive at the junction with the Mweka Trail. You have now finished the Southern Circuit, which provides numerous perspectives of the summit. In order to be ready for the summit day, set up camp here, take a nap, and have an early dinner. From here, one can see Kibo's peak and Mawenzi's peak.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft.

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest

Very early in the morning, sometime after midnight. Start your ascent to the top. This is the hardest part of the walk, both physically and mentally. At this altitude and time of day, there can be intense wind and cold. You will climb for several hours in the dark, stopping often for brief rests. You will be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you are likely to witness coming over Mawenzi Peak near Stella Point (18,900 feet). Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest peak on both the African continent and Mount Kilimanjaro, at last.

Once you've enjoyed and congratulated yourself on reaching the summit, head straight down to the Mweka Hut tent site, stopping for lunch at Barafu. Trekking poles are useful because the trail can be extremely difficult on the knees and is very rocky. Due to Mweka Camp's location in an upper forest, mist or rain is possible in the late afternoon. You will have your final meal on the mountain later in the evening, followed by a well-earned sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft.

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Proceed down to Mweka Gate on your final day and pick up your summit credentials. It can be muddy and damp at lower altitudes. Proceed to Mweka Village after an additional hour from the gate. You will be picked up from Mweka Village and driven back to your accommodation in Arusha town by a car. END OF THE TREK.

MOUNTAIN TREK PACKAGE INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

The Prices quoted includes:

Day before hike commencement: kit checklist, orientation, and trek briefing
Transportation to and from Arusha to the entrance of Mount Kilimanjaro and back
Government Tax (VAT), entrance permits to Mt. Kilimanjaro Park, costs for camping or huts, park rescue fees, and crew admission fees
Skilled and knowledgeable mountain guides, chefs, and porters
Double-occupancy mountain tents suitable for four seasons.
A 2-inch-thick foam mattress, known as a mountain sleeping pad
Solar lamps, tables, chairs, and tents
During a mountain hike, eat fresh, well-balanced, and nutritious food and meals.

The Price does NOT include:

Travel paperwork, flight tickets, and visa fees
Additional food and beverages served at the hotel during the first evening (lunch or supper)
Additional hotel meals and beverages on the first evening (lunch or supper)
After the hike, giving the climbing workers a tip
After the trek, accommodations and an airport transfer can be scheduled for an additional fee.

Costs of additional services:

The cost for pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport is $30 per person, each trip.
A single addition costs $50 for a single tent.
Extra porter: $20 per day for extra stuff
An additional night in a double room costs $40 or more, depending on the hotel.
Renting a sleeping bag (synthetic, -20F), $50 per trip
Telescopic trekking poles can be rented for $20 per trip.
An oxygen canister with a bottle costs $40 per journey and should only be used in an emergency.