8 Days Shira Route

To Shira Hut Camp (3840m, 4-5 hours) we have an easy day to help acclimatisation and to explore the grassy moorland and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (3750m), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness especially when the afternoon mists come in! The views from our camp near Shira Hut (3840m) of Mt Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. Dinner and overnight Shira 2.

Camp near Moir Hut (4200m, 3-6 hours)We explore beneath the Northern Ice fields, an area almost totally unvisited by tourists and with unusual views of Kibo. The morning walk is a steady climb away from the moorland of Shira Plateau to reach the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills. After lunch in our camp close to Moir Hut (4200m), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (4700m) or enjoy our peaceful campsite. We are privileged as few visitors get to this remote corner of Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Moir Hut.

To Lava Tower Camp (4550m, 3-6 hrs) This morning we enjoy a gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our Lava Tower campsite (4,550 m), there is a steep and spectacular afternoon walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach to reach the ruins of the old hut at Arrow Glacier (4,800 m). This afternoon excursion is highly recommended both for acclimatisation purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach. Dinner and overnight at Arrow Glacier.

To Karanga (4000m, 5-7 hours) a steep descent into the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3900m), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. A short climb up the famed Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields. The terrain is volcanic scree, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered hollows, with a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. Our next camp is at Karanga (4000m), the last water point on the approach to Barafu. There is plenty of time to rest, or for an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp towards the glaciers of the Southern Ice fields. Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Valley.

To Barafu Campsite (4600m, 3-5 hours) A short but steep climb out of Karanga valley, following an easy path on compacted scree that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach the Barafu campsite (4600m) for lunch. During the afternoon, other walkers will begin to fill the campsite for the first time in our trip. There is a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800 m.). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. Dinner and Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Summit (5895m) then descend to Millenium Camp 13-15hrs we will start our ascent by torchlight at midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim for sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags 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 descent to reach our final campsite (3,800 m) Millenium. Dinner and overnight at Millenium camp.

Descend to Mweka 3-5 hrs, then to Arusha we have a sustained descent on a well constructed path through lovely tropical forests alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m) and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. We are met by our vehicle and transferred to Arusha.