7 days Climb Kilimanjaro Mountain via Shira Route

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete
entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive
up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through
shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp

Today is a fairly easy day to help 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: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower/Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 3 km
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300
ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but
beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at
the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 900 ft 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. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
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 (18,900 ft), 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

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 us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi