6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climb Shira route is a path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge.
On the first day on the mountain, climbers begin their hike from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and spend their first night at the same elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho at Shira 2 and follows the southern circuit route, traversing beneath the Southern Icefields before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made on the Mweka route.Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, Lemosho is recommended over Shira due to the high altitude of Shira’s starting point. It is possible that climbers will experience altitude related symptoms on the first day due to failed acclimatization. Climbers using Shira should be confident of their ability to acclimatize.
ARRIVAL DAY
On the arrival day, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
DAY 1: MOSHI - LONDOROSSI GATE - SHIRA 1 CAMP
Morning after breakfast we depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. After registration, you continue driving into the National Park via the 4x4 access road through the forest till the Morrum Barrier, where you begin your trek. You may encounter some wild animals on your drive today in the forest reserve. Your hike today is relatively gentle and at a slow pace through the heather and moorland zone towards the Shira Plateau until your first campsite.
Elevation: 11,800ft to 11,800ft
Distance: 4km
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 2: SHIRA 1 CAMP - SHIRA 2 CAMP
Day 2 is a fairly easy to help you with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation: 11,800ft to 12,500ft
Distance: 6 km
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 3: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER - BARRANCO CAMP
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Elevation: 12,500ft to 15,190ft
Distance: 7 km
Lava Tower - Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190ft to 13,044ft
Distance: 3 km
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP - KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp for lunch. We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 13,044ft to 15,331ft
Distance: 9 km
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP - UHURU PEAK
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 15,331ft to 19,341ft
Distance: 5 km
Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341ft to 10,065ft
Distance: 12 km
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP - MWEKA GATE - MOSHI
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 10,065ft to 5,380ft
Distance: 10 km
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
DEPARTURE DAY
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
$2200 per person when 1 person travels alone
$1800 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together
$1700 per person when 5 – 7 persons travel together
$1600 per person when 8 – 15 persons travel together
For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.
• Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi.
• 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb
• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
• Park entry fees, Camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
• 4 Season mountain tents
• Double layered Sleeping Mats
• Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Hot water for washing
• Fair treatment and payment of our crew
• Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
• Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
• Emergency first-aid kit, and Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing