6 Days Shira Route

Day 2: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Distance: 10km/6mi | Duration: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Semi-desert

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft | Altitude Gained: 150m

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.

Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5km/3mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft | Altitude Gained: 50m

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.

Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4km/2mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft | Altitude Gained: 650m

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.

Day 5: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Summit, Down to Mweka Camp

Distance: 5km/3mi up, 13km/8mi down | Duration: 5-7hrs up, 5-6hrs down

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft | Altitude Gained: 1195m

Descent to: 3090m/10,150ft | Altitude Lost: 2805m

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.

Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Drive to Moshi

Distance: 10km/6mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Forest

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft | Altitude Lost: 1410m

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!!