Overview
On the way to Shira, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of Mount Meru, Longido, and the famous Great Rift Valley. On the north side of the road, you’ll also get to experience Shira’s remains of the parasitic cones rising from the plain. You’ll notice the vegetation change constantly as we drive up there. The plateau is almost 10 meters high from the valley cones. The plateau terrain is a moor, heath, and grassland. There is a steep ridge at the west of Shira Ridge that is almost 400 m above the plateau. The southern ridge of Shira has two peaks, known as the Needle and the Cathedral.
ARRIVAL DAY
Arrival at Tanzania
After you arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be welcomed and escorted to your hotel by a staff member. You’ll stay at a hotel in Moshi, where you can rest for the day. Breakfast and dinner included.
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
MOSHI
Make sure to get enough rest at the hotel before you schedule your activities at your lodge. There are several fun activities you can choose from. (All additional costs will be paid directly to the lodge.)
Overnight Stay: Kilimanjaro Luxury Tented Camp
Itinerary
TREKKING DAY 1
Shira Gate
Soon after breakfast, you’ll get a short briefing from our staff members. You’ll leave your hotel at Moshi for Shira Gate, which is a few hours’ drive on the west side of Kilimanjaro. Once you arrive, you’ll have to register with the national park. Soon after the registration, you will enter the lush rainforest, where you’ll commence hiking. You’ll walk for a few hours to reach up a ridge. The hiking trail is expected to be muddy. You’ll need trekking poles and gaiters while hiking at lower elevations. We’ll enjoy lunch break halfway through the hike before reaching the Shira Camp. You’ll have some time to rest and unpack your gear. You can also enjoy a hot beverage. Dinner will be served around 7 PM.
TREKKING DAY 2
Barranco Camp 3,950/12,960 ft
The next day, we’ll head east after breakfast. The hike up east toward high vegetation is expected to be steep and abrupt. You’ll be expected to hike through rocky and edgy land before you reach the Lava Tower. Acclimatization is the key to success on this route as the Lava Tower is Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft. You’ll also find the remains of Kilimanjaro’s first volcanic activity right below the volcanic trails. We’ll stop over at Lava Tower for a lunch break. If you’re up to it, you can climb on top of the Lava Tower. It’s a short but rocky climb at over 4695 m. You’ll also have sufficient time to take photos and make memories on this hike. After a quick lunch break, we’ll head over to the Western Breach and Western Wall below the lower cliffs. Your camp is pitched below the Barranco Walls, where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views while waiting for your dinner. Be aware of any altitude sickness symptoms.
TREKKING DAY 3
Karanga Valley Campsite
The next day, you’ll have your breakfast and then continue your hike up to the Great Barranco Wall. The climb up to rocky ridges may seem challenging, but if you’re up for it, it’s easier than it looks. Once you get on top, you’ll get to experience the strikingly beautiful view of Kilimanjaro, just below the Heim Glacier. You’ll then continue to descend into the thick Karanga Valley, where your campsite is located. Your camp view will oversee the spikey peaks of the stunning Mount Mawenzi. After lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to yourself. You may choose to rest or explore the site on your own. This stay is important to acclimatize the next day safely.
TREKKING DAY 4
Barafu Hut
The next day, you’ll head over to Barafu Hut from the Mweka route. The term Barafu comes from the Swahili language, means ‘ice.’ It will be a descent route. You’ll be hiking through a scanty landscape for a few hours before you reach Barafu Hut, where you’ll stay briefly for a lunch break. Remember, there would be no running water available at Barafu Camp. The last route you’ll find running water would be Karanga Valley. You will be camped on an edgy and narrow ridge at Barafu Camp. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the landscape to avoid any accidents. You will then have some time to pack all your gear for the summit climb the next day. Get some rest after an early dinner. Stay hydrated!
TREKKING DAY 5
Uhuru Peak
You may expect snow at Uhuru Peak, spending on the season you decide to hike. At the Uhuru Summit, you’ll be able to take photographs and make memories you can cherish your entire life. After your hike to the summit, we’ll head back to Barafu Camp, where you can rest briefly. Once you’re rested, you’ll then pack your equipment and hike down to Scree path and moorland, reaching Mweka Camp. Mweka Camp is at 3,100 m/10,170 ft. It is situated at a high altitude, so you should expect rain or foggy weather in the evening. You can freshen up and enjoy dinner. Our camp office will also be selling treats like soda, chocolate, beer, and drinking water.
TREKKING DAY 6
Mweka Gate
After your breakfast and some well-earned rest, you’ll hike up to the park gate. It’s a brief but scenic 3-hour hike. We’d recommend you avoid tipping your porters until you’ve reached the Gate Park safely, along with all your equipment. You should then register your name and all details at Mweka Gate. You’ll also receive your certificates at this point. Climbers who successfully hiked to Uhuru Peak will receive a gold certificate. Others who climbed successfully to Stella Point will get green certificates. You’ll walk all the way to Mweka Village on a 1 hour (approx. 3km) trek. If the roads aren’t too muddy for vehicles, you’d be escorted down there by our staff. All climbers will return to Moshi, where they will shower and be served a hot meal before retiring to bed.
NOTE:
- Personal Porter: $420
Single accommodation rate: $550
Photos
