Shira route 6 days climbing

Shira route 6 days climbing: 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

Day 1 : Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp

The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft, Distance: 8km/5mi, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: LD

Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp

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

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.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft, Distance: 10km/6mi,Walking Time: 5-6 hours,  Habitat: Semi-desert

 Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp

Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

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.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft, Distance: 5km/3mi, Hiking Time: 34 hours, Habitat: Alpine Deser

 Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp

Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft, Distance: 4km/2mi, Hiking Time: 3-4 hour, Habitat: Alpine Desert

 Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp

Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

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.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft, Down to 3090m/10,150ft, Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp

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

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 gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft, Distance: 10km/6mi, Hiking Time: 3-4 hour, Habitat: Forest

Meals: B

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