6 Day Shira Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Highlights

• Day 1: Drop-off at Starting Point - Shira 2 Camp - (Elevation Gain: 350 m, Distance: 11 km, Hiking Time: 5-6 hours, Difficulty: Easy, Zone: Moorland). Your adventure begins as your guide and team pick you up at the hotel. A 4-hour scenic drive through lush tropical rainforests takes you to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park (2,200 m). From the drop-off point at 3,500 meters, you’ll experience stunning views of the Shira Plateau. The hike to Shira 2 Camp is relatively flat, allowing you to acclimatize to the high altitude.
• Day 2: Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Barranco Camp – (Elevation Gain: 780 m, Elevation Loss: 700 m, Distance: 12 km, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). Today’s journey takes you from Shira Camp 2 to the striking Lava Tower. The trail offers incredible views as you navigate ascents and descents. This is a longer hike, and the altitude may cause discomfort, so plan for a 1-2 hour acclimatization stop at Lava Tower, where you’ll also have lunch. The descent to Barranco Camp showcases unique flora, including towering flowering plants up to five meters high. Barranco Camp is situated at the base of the imposing Barranco Wall, setting the stage for tomorrow’s climb.
• Day 3: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp -(Elevation Gain: 120 m, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). After breakfast, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a favourite part of the trek for many climbers. At the top, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Volcano to the left and Mount Meru to the right. The trail to Karanga Camp is challenging, with frequent ascents and descents. Upon reaching the camp, enjoy lunch and rest. In the afternoon, an acclimatization hike to Barafu Camp is optional, climbing 300 meters before returning to Karanga Camp.
• Day 4: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp - (Elevation Gain: 620 m, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Alpine Desert). Following breakfast, the trek continues to Barafu Camp, your starting point for the final ascent. You’ll arrive around lunchtime, with tents already set up for your convenience. After resting, you may opt for an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) before enjoying a hot meal and preparing for the midnight summit attempt.
• Day 5: Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp – (Elevation Gain: 1,225 m, Elevation Loss: 2,795 m, Distance: 17 km, Hiking Time: 8-14 hours, Difficulty: High, Zone: Arctic). At midnight, you’ll begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! The trail is well-defined, but the altitude makes this section challenging. Each guide is assigned to two climbers to closely monitor their physical and mental well-being. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise and a celebratory moment on the roof of Africa.
• Day 6: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - (Elevation Loss: 1,450 m, Distance: 12 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Easy, Zone: Rainforest). After a restful night at Mweka Camp, you’ll wake up refreshed and energized. Enjoy breakfast before heading to the park exit at Mweka Gate. This final stretch takes you through lush rainforests, and upon completing the trek, the group gathers to celebrate the climb. Your driver will then transfer you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.