Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira-Mweka Route approaches the mountain from Kilimanjaro through forest and moorland from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira volcano and exploring the rock formations of the plateau, before traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo. We make our final ascent by the Barafu route. The seven-day itinerary gives the maximum possible acclimatization and also gives us plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery.
The views of Kibo in the sharp light of morning and early evening are often stunning and the Lent Hills, close to the western flank of the summit cone, is very rarely visited. Shira is a little-used approach route with time to enjoy this unspoiled wilderness, before the convergence with other routes in the later stages of the trip.
Day 1 – Nairobi – Moshi
We pick you up at 7:00 am from your hotel to join a sharing shuttle bus to Tanzania via the Namanga border, Arusha then Moshi. The expected time of arrival is 16:00hrs. Overnight at a hotel on {B/B} bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2 – Moshi to National Park Gate to Shira One Camp
A long day of walking begins at the Londorossi National Park gate (2,250 m.). We walk through farmland and plantations and continue climbing steadily on a broad track through shrub forest and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (3,350 m.) The views across the surrounding plains open out as we climb and the area is home to a variety of game including buffalo. Our first camp is in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m.) (6-8 hours walking)
Overnight on the mountain on an {F/B} full board basis.
Day 3 – Climb to Shira Hut Camp
An easy day to help acclimatization, with time to explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (3,750 m.), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here (especially when the afternoon mists come in!) and the views from our camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m.) of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. (4-5 hours walking)
Overnight on the mountain on a full board basis.
Day 4 – Climb to Moir Hut Camp
We explore beneath the northern icefields, an area almost totally unvisited by tourists. Here there are unusual views of Kibo. The excursion can be either a steady climb to reach the ridge above Moir Hut (4,200 m.) or a more strenuous walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (4,700 m.). The remainder of the day is free to rest and enjoy our peaceful campsite. (4-8 hours walking)
Overnight on the mountain on an {F/B} full board basis.
Day 5 – Climb to Barranco Camp
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction, (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs. Here there are extensive views of the plains far below. (5-7 hours walking)
Overnight on the mountain on an {F/B} full board basis.
Day 6 – Climb to Barafu Camp
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley. After lunch, the terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m.) by mid-afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. (6-8 hours walking)
Overnight on the mountain on an {F/B} full board basis.
Day 7 – Summit Day! Then descend to Mweka Forest Camp
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags. It’s slow but steady and takes us to Stella Point (5,735 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.
Those who are still feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers, and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. (11-15 hours walking)
Overnight on the mountain on an {F/B} full board basis.
Day 8 – Descend to National Park Gate – Moshi
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m.) (4-6 hours walking) When we finish the climb, there will be a vehicle waiting to meet you and transfer you back to Moshi.
Overnight at a hotel on {B/B} bed and breakfast basis
Day 9 – Depart Moshi
After an early breakfast, you will be picked for 6:00 am on the shuttle to Nairobi, or transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport or connect to your onward arrangements.
You may choose to extend your stay in Tanzania with a safari or relax on the beach in Zanzibar. We can help with those arrangements.
Options are of course many and varied and in many cases, we can be flexible about the itinerary for accommodation facilities and the extension of the safari destinations.
Sleeping bag; one rated four (4) season is fine. The bag should be a snug fit since if it is too large there will be more cool air for the body to warm
- Rain Trouser
- Rain Jacket [Poncho]
- Balaclava [Hat Woollen]
- Warm Clothes down jacket
- Thermal underwear
- Fleece Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Gloves
- Walking Sticks
- Head Torch
- Sunglasses
- First Aid box
- Ruck Suck 65L (duffel bags are unacceptable) to be carried by porters
- Day Pack 35 [For your personal effects]
- Optional comfort accessories;
Walking poles, hot water bottle, Bivy bag
Wet wipes; ideal for those who want to stay fresh but are unable to bear dips in the freezing mountain weather
4: Passport/Identification Card {ID}
5: Personal travel/ medical insurance