Shira Route
Kili Wild Expedition will take you there…..(Mountain Tops)
6 DAYS SHIRA ROUTE:
HIGHLIGHTS
- This route is located from the west side of Mount Kilimanjaro and beginnings with long drive from Moshi town to Londososi gate then bypass the forest zone by car to Shira Ridge.
- The route is identical to Lemosho route.
- In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is improved variation to Shira.
- It corsses the Shira Plateau from west to East at flat hike before start getting steeper and then traverse to southern circuit of Branco.
- The route is less preferred despite of its varied beautiful features compare to its successor due to relative high altitudes of its starting point, which is quickly accessible by vehicle.
- It is possible to experience altitude sickness at day one due to quick drive to the very high altitude. But more preferred for those who want to go for 7 days hike in comparison for 7 days of Lemosho route.
Day1: Shira Ridge to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation (m): 3500m to 3595m,
Distance: 4km, Time: 1-2hours,
Habitat: Heath Forest
We begin our journey from Moshi to Londorosi gate where will complete formalities and pack our belongs, then keep driving to Shira ridge where will start our hike. Today the drive will involve a long from Moshi to the park and short walk to reach the first camp. The trail starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Shira Camp one.
Day2: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Elevation (m): 3595m to 3850m,
Distance: 8km, Time: 6-8hours,
Habitat: Heath
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day3: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp
Elevation (m): 3850 to 3940m,
Distance: 11km, Time: 6-7hours,
Habitat: Moorland
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3940 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (m): 3940 to 4200m,
Distance: 5km, Time: 3-4hours,
Habitat: Desert
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3940m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Day5: Karanga Camp to Barrafu Camp
Elevation (m): 4200 to 4600m,
Distance: 5km, Time: 3-4hours,
Habitat: Desert
Day6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Hut
Elevation (m): 4600 to 5895m to 3000
Distance: 16km, Time: 5hours up
3hours down to base camp
4hours down to next camp
Habitat: desert, Artic, Montane Forest
We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Day7: Mweka Campt to Mweka Gate
Elevation (m): 3000m to 1800m,
Distance: 7km, Time: 3-4hours,
Habitat: Montane Forest
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged Hotel
