Shira Route Safaris
MMKSM 05KILI 8 Days Mweka Route
Depending on its condition and the weather, this track provides an access
route for 4WD vehicles to within 1 hour of the Shira Hut. The Shira Plateau
is very beautiful with good views of the Western Glaciers. There are several
fine minor summits to be climbed; the Shira Needle can be gained by a
scramble and provides a nice viewpoint.
8 Days / 7 Nights Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Shira Route
Day 1: Nairobi - Arusha
Leave Nairobi for Arusha by shuttle bus arriving in time for lunch.
Afternoon spent at leisure and shopping for the provisions needed for the
mountain. Dinner and overnight in an Arusha Hotel.
Day 2:Londrossi to shira One
Estimated Distance 12 km, Hike time 5-6hours
Final Elevation 3500 m, Elevation changed 1050 m
Breakfast, drive to the Londorossi Park Gate. After paper work at the gate
continue driving up to Mto wa Simba campsite, stopping for lunch. Arrive at
the campsite, during early evening. The drive through the Shira plateau is
one of the best opportunities to see big game on Kilimanjaro Park.
Day 3: Shira (1) to Shira (11) Camp
Estimated Distance 4-5 km, Hike time 2-3 hours
Final Elevation 3800 m, Elevation changed 300 m
Breakfast, begins the short hike to Shira hut campsite. This is usually
takes no more than 2 hours, but this rest is required for adequate
acclimatization. The west face of Kibo volcano (usually referred as
Kilimanjaro) looms above the campsite. Have lunch, rest or take a day hike.
This hike traverses the lower moorland where large shrubs and wildflowers
dominate the landscape.
Day 4:Shira 11 to Baranco Camp
Estimated Distance 8 km, Hike time 6-7 hours
Final Elevation 3950 m, Elevation change 250 m
Breakfast, set off to Barranco (3950 m) skirting just below Lava Tower - you
are now walking at approx altitude of 4000 m around the southern side of the
Kibo. This is a part of acclimatization – walking up to 4800 m and overnight
at 3950 m Once again, pace your self to graduate slowly.
Day 5 : Barranco camp to Barafu
Estimated Distance 8 km, Hike time 8-9 hours
Final Elevation 4600 m, Elevation changed 750 m
Continue from Barranco across and up towards Barafu Hut (4600 m) Today you
cross the Barranco Wall – it's a climb over rock-not technical, but tiring
and hard /long –ending up in the valley for the Heim Glacier view. Learn to
pace yourself with your breathing do not rush to catch up anyone, go at your
own, most comfortable speed and you will arrive at the base camp relatively
comfortably rest. The summit day starts early.
Day 6 : SUMMIT Day to Mweka Hut
Elevation change: + 1300 m, Elevation change - 2800m
Summit time: 7 hours, Estimated distance: 6 km,
Final elevation: Descent time: 6 hours, Estimated distance: 12 km
Views of Mawenzi to the east and Mount Meru to the west as well as the rift
valley are breathtaking and awesome. Kilimanjaro glaciers are as
awe-inspiring as they are pristine. After a rest, descend back to Barafu hut
campsite, break camp and descend to Mweka hut campsite at 9'850 ft
elevation. Set up camp, eat dinner and get some well-deserved rest. A long
day of hiking is approximately 12- 14 hours, depending on the fitness of the
climber.
Day 7 : Mweka hut to Mweka Gate
Estimated time 3-4 hours, Estimated distance 8 km
Elevation change –1600 m, Final Elevation 1500 m
Wake to breakfast, break camp, and begin the short hike won to the park gate
to Mweka Park exit Gate. Drive from park gate back to Moshi hotel.
Day 8: Arusha - Nairobi
After breakfast, leave for Nairobi by morning or afternoon shuttle bus.
Transfer to a Nairobi Hotel of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your
flight back home
