Shira 7 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking

DAY 1: SHIRA GATE (3600 M) TO SIMBA CAMP (3600 M)

Pickup from your accommodation in Moshi and drive to Londorossi Gate for registration formalities and equipment preparation

Proceed with the drive further to reach Shira’s starting point

Initiate the hike through shrubs and giant heather which eventually leads to Simba Camp

Have rest upon arrival while waiting for dinner to be served

DAY 2: SIMBA CAMP (3600 M) TO SHIRA 2 CAMP (3850 M)

Climb through the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations while approaching the Shira plateau

The path cross over Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles

Have lunch enroute and continue climbing to reach Shira 2 Camp in the evening

An overnight stay at the camp

DAY 3 : SHIRA 2 CAMP (3850 M) TO LAVA TOWER (4630M) TO BARRANCO CAMP (3970)

Climb out of the Shira Plateau through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ to approach Lava tower

This is mainly meant for acclimatization which allows your body getting used to high altitude and lower oxygen levels

Reach the tower in the afternoon for lunch and some rest

Descend down to reach Barranco Camp in the late afternoon

Dinner and sleep at the camp

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

Distance: 10km/6mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: BLD

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP (3970) TO KARANGA CAMP (4000 M)

Descend down the base of great Barranco wall for a steep climb up the 900 ft cliff

Proceed walking through hills and valleys approaching Karanga valley

Another short hike leads to Karanga camp for an overnight stay

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP (4000 M) TO BARAFU CAMP (4673 M)

Climb out of Karanga valley to the junction connecting with Mweka trail

Continue hiking to reach the final destination at Barafu camp. At this point, the summit view is clear and can be seen from different positions

Upon arrival, have much rest and drink lots of water as to prepare your body for the next day It’s recommended to sleep early by 07:00 pm

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point of the continent of Africa, meaning top of the Kilimanjaro.

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and 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

Meals: BLD

DAY 6: ASCEND TO UHURU PEAK (5895 M)

Wake up around 11:30 pm for a hot drink and some snacks. Proceed by putting on trekking gears

Leave the camp by torchlight in the final pursue of the summit

Climb from the alpine desert into the volcanic scree as noticing the sudden drop of temperature

The steep climb with short breaks in between leads to Stella point (5756 m) to arrive in time for sunrise

Get time for a little break before making a final round trip to Uhuru peak (5895 m)

Get time for photographs while feeling accomplished standing at the roof of Africa

Proceed with descending down the mountain which is quite fast. The trail finally leads to Mweka camp (3100 m) to arrive in the evening

An overnight stay at the camp

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP (3100 M) TO MWEKA GATE (1640 M)

Have a hot breakfast and initiate the hike walking through the forest to reach Mweka gate

Get awarded with certificates upon the level reached. Green certificates are awarded to hikers who reached Stella and golden ones to those who reached Uhuru

Show appreciation to the crew (guide, porters and cooks) by tipping them

Drive back to Moshi to previous accommodations or airport for departure