8 Days Shira Route Itinerary

8 Days Shira Route Itinerary : Africa Natural Safari

AFRICA NATURAL SAFARI (The best tour company in Tanzania)

Specialized in:  Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism , Beach holidays and

Mountain climbing

Contact +255 653 679 958

Email-info@africanaturaltours.com

Shira Route 8 Days

 Is a spectacular scenic that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. A 4×4 vehicle transports us through a rich, lush rain forest until we arrive at the ridge of the Shira Plateau, where our expedition begins. We trek across an alpine plateau and traverse the great Southern Ice field, before summiting from Barafu Hut. The Shira route is ideal for those with backpacking experience and those seeking a more challenging adventure.

Day 0: Arrive in Moshi

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi to the Lodge, We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance

Day1: Shira One” (3,550 m); 5-6 hours walking.

We take a ride to Londorossi National Park gate to complete the necessary registration formalities, before driving a short distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations (9,200 ft). We continue climbing steadily on foot through shrub forests and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). The views across the surrounding plains open up as we approach our first camp, Simba Camp

Day 2:Shira Hut (3,840 m); 3-5 hours walking.

Today is an easy day to help acclimatization and to explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (12,300 ft), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds.

Day 3: Moir Hut (4,200m); 3-4 hours walking.

The morning walk is a steady climb away from the moorland of Shira Plateau to reach the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills, with expansive views in all directions. After lunch in our camp close to Moir Hut (13,800 ft), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (15,400 ft). We can explore the area beneath the Northern Ice fields, a remote place rarely visited by tourists, with unusual views of Kibo. Few visitors get to this remote corner of Kilimanjaro.

Day 4:Lava Tower camp (4,550 m); 4-5 hours walking.

We enjoy a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our Lava Tower (14,900 ft), there is a steep but spectacular afternoon walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach. This afternoon excursion is highly recommended for acclimatization purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach.

Day 5: Karanga campsite (4,000 m); 5-6 hours walking

A steep descent into the bottom of Barranco Valley (12,800 ft) leads us to the famed Barranco Wall and its steep climb. At the top the undulating trail crosses the flanks of Kibo with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain is volcanic scree, with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. Our next camp is at Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to the summit.

Day 6: Bara campsite (4,600 m); 3-4 hours walking

We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. There is a short acclimatization hike to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,700 ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.

Day 7: Mweka forest camp (3100 m); 13-15 hours walking

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 zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take 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 Mweka forest camp.

Day8: Mweka forest camp to Mweka Gate (1,650 m); 3-4 hours walking.

A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to Mweka National Park gate.

Day 9:

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Private departure transfer is included

Included

• Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
• 18% VAT on tour fees & services
• 3 Season mountain tents
• Double layered Sleeping Mats
• Transportation to & from the mountain gate
• Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain
• Filtered water throughout the trek
• Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the Parkview Inn
• Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
• 2- way private airport transfers

Not Included

• Flights
• Tips to mountain crew
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry Services
• A doctor for the group
• Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$70 per toilet + toilet tent)

For more information visit www.africanaturaltours.com