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6 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route – Operation Kilimanjaro
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6 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Operation Kilimanjaro / 6 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route

6 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route

per person

Very similar to Lemosho route, however it starts at 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Shira Route

Very similar to Lemosho route, however it starts at 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking. On the first day you begin at Shira Gate to Simba Camp before joining the Lemosho Route on day two at Shira Camp 2. The high starting point is however a major negative for this route as many experience altitude sickness from day one without enough time to acclimatize. The route over the Shira Plateau has several possible variations.After Shira Camp 2 the route joins the Machame Route via Lava Tower, and then descends to the Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit. Ascent to Uhuru Peak is made via Barafu Camp and up the southern slopes of Kibo.

The route is seldom used by other trekkers and so your initial two days on the mountain are less crowded than on most other routes.

  • Duration: 6 – 8 days
  • Difficulty: High
  • Scenery: Excellent
  • Traffic: Medium

Tour Includes:

  • Park fees, camping fees, Hut fees & rescue fees
  • Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope with basic first kit
  • Oxygen Cylinder
  • Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
  • 18% Value Added Tax on tour fees & services
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mat, camp chairs, camp tables, mess tent & cutlery for meals) and 3 Season mountain tents
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • Transportation to & from the mountain gate
  • Medically qualified mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • 3 Meals while on the mountain + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
  • Hot water for washing up daily and treated water for drink while climbing.
  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi. Bed & Breakfast Basis with storage facilities for excess luggage during hikes.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • 4-5 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs of your personal gear.
  • Kilimanjaro certificate for your successful summit attempt.

Tour Exclude:

  • Flights ( International)
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel or Medical Insurance  is required and you should ask for Recommendation
  • Gamow Bag
  • Medication
  • Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
  • Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room

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  • Departure
    Moshi, Kilimanjaro - Airport (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
  • Departure Time
    After Breakfasst at 08:00 AM for a prompt departure at 09:00 AM.
  • Include
    Gate Transfers
    Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
    Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
    All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
    Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
    Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
    Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
    Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
    1.5 liter Drinking mineral water per person per day
    Meals as per itinerary
    Pickup from airport or hotel in Arusha / Moshi
    All accommodations as per itinerary
  • Not Included
    Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
    Tips for porters and mountain crew
    Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
    Domestic & Shared Charter Flights
    Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
    Extra activities
    Soda and Alcoholic beverages
    Extra Personal items
    Travel insurance
    Flights costs/fares
    Tip for the guide
    Government Taxes
    Park entrance fees
    Ground Safari Vehicle and fees
    Professional Cook, if Camping
    Professional Guide/s
1

DAY 1: DRIVE TO KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK SHIRA GATE, HIKE TO SHIRA 2 CAMP

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft

Distance: 8km/5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

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 trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp. An overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

2

DAY 2: HIKE SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO CAMP

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

Distance: 10km/6mi

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

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” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue 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. An overnight at Barranco Camp.

3

DAY 3: HIKE BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 34 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. An overnight at Karanga Camp.

4

DAY 4: HIKE KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 4km/2mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. 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 the summit day. An overnight at Barafu Camp.

5

DAY 5: HIKE BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT, DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP

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

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

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 on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

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. An overnight at Mweka Camp.

6

DAY 6: HIKE MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE, DRIVE TO MOSHI

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

After breakfast we continue the descent down 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 be plenty to wear (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 (about 30 minutes). You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Bristol Cottage.