10 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Shira Route
The Shira Route is an incredible, remote, and scenic route to Kilimanjaro’s summit that is a remarkable journey and unforgettable trekking experience. This is a ten-day adventure designed for the ultimate in luxury and comfort as a VIP package that combines all the aspects of adventure, comfort, and a personal touch that you could imagine.
You will visit rich, lush rain forests, large moorlands, and alpine desert, in your time in exclusive camps with premium amenities. The experience is catered toward the travelers that seek to summit Africa’s highest mountain in the most style, comfort, and safety.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to your Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Exploring Arusha National Park.
Day 3: Londorosi Gate to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Day 4: From Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp (4,200 m).
Day 5: From Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m).
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995 m).
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680 m).
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and then Down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Day 9: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive back to Arusha.
Day 10: Departure Day.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to your Hotel in Arusha.
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. A warm welcome from your private guide and chauffeur will make your arrival special, and then you will be transferred in your luxury 4×4 vehicle to your hotel in Arusha, such as Gran Melia Arusha or Legendary Lodge. You will enjoy elegant suites, exceptional cuisine, and first-class hospitality.
At your hotel, check-in, and then your mountain guide will meet you and present a briefing on the upcoming trek by reviewing your gear (that we will have provided to you in advance) and answering any and all questions that you might have. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure; enjoy your hotel’s pool, spa, or stroll in the lush gardens as you gaze at Mount Meru in the distance. A delicious gourmet dining experience will complete your day as you focus on preparing for your adventure ahead of you.
Day 2: Exploring Arusha National Park.
Before your trek begins, you will have the opportunity to spend the day exploring Arusha National Park, which is a stunning reserve featuring picturesque scenery and diverse wildlife. In the park, you can see giraffes, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and flamingos along the gentle momella lakes. You will enjoy a guided game drive and go for a short walking safari with an armed ranger for a closer encounter with the animals. Lunch will be served picnic-style in the park before returning to your hotel in Arusha for a relaxing evening while your team prepares for your trek.
Day 3: Londorosi Gate to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
After breakfast, you will finally drive to the Londorosi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro! Once you have registered your trek and received a warm send off from your crew, your trekking experience officially begins. The trail begins in the montane forest, which will be lush with vegetation and birds. As you ascend the trail, you will enter an entirely different landscape and lastly start to see Kibo Peak and the expansive Shira Plateau.
You will arrive at Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon and find your luxurious tent waiting for you comfortable bedding, warm lighting, and a personal toilet tent are all included in your tent. You will enjoy a private meal prepared by your own chef.
Day 4: From Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp (4,200 m).
Today, our trek crosses the Shira Plateau, recognized as one of Kilimanjaro’s most stunning and dramatic landscapes. The trek features panoramic views of Mount Meru and the valleys surrounding the mountain. You’ll enjoy the trek at a leisurely pace, which will allow for good acclimatization. By mid-afternoon, you will reach Moir Camp, which is a quiet, almost remote campsite tucked in underneath an enormous rock-like ridge. Once at Moir Camp, enjoy warm hand towels, hot soup, and a relaxing massage chair as a part of your VIP service. As dusk approaches, your chef will begin to prepare a three-course meal for you while you relax under the stars.
Day 5: From Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m).
After breakfast, you will embark on a gradual climb to the Lava Tower (4,630 m), a tall volcanic formation that serves as an important point of acclimatization. The group will stop here for lunch and then descend into the beautiful Barranco valley.
The scenery shifts to an area with giant lobelias and senecios uncommon plants only found on Kilimanjaro. By evening you will reach Barranco Camp, with great cliffs surrounding it and greenery all around. After a hot shower, sit down for dinner, and prepare for the exciting climb of the Barranco Wall the next morning.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995 m).
Today begins with the exciting Barranco Wall, which requires a steep but safe rock scramble which treats climbers with great views when you reach the top. Once over the wall, you will traverse several ridges and valleys and reach Karanga Camp before midday for your short day.
This short day gives plenty of time for restful acclimatization. After lunch, you will be given warm tea, snacks, and time to soak your sore feet while your chef prepares dinner. You then will have an evening of relaxation, take pictures, or watch the sunset as it illuminates the glaciers in a golden hue.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680 m).
After a restful night, you will continue on to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The landscape becomes barren and icy, but the views of Mawenzi Peak and the glaciers of the south remain incredibly beautiful.
When you arrive back at your hotel, you’ll be greeted with a welcoming meal and your tent will be ready for sleeping. Your guide will sit down with you and talk about the preparations for your summit climb, which begins just after midnight. After dinner, try to turn in early for a good night’s sleep, as tomorrow is your big day to summit Africa’s highest point.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and then Down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
The summit climb starts before dawn. After getting prepared with your headlamp and mountain guide, you will slowly and steadily climb the steep slopes of Kibo. At sunrise you will arrive at Stella Point and soon thereafter you’ll be standing at the highest point in Africa at Uhuru Peak.
Photos and some quiet time will mark your success on the summit of Kilimanjaro before heading back down to Barafu Camp for breakfast. After breakfast you will head back down to Mweka Camp to join the rest of your team who’ll be waiting at camp holding a warm drink and cheering your safe return.
Day 9: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive back to Arusha.
After breakfast today, enjoy a final hike and the last views of the rainforest with the fresh air and bird songs. Once back down at Mweka Gate, you’ll be excited to receive your summit certificate and say goodbye to your mountain crew. You will be driven back to Arusha in a luxury vehicle, where you will check in to your hotel for a refreshing shower and a celebratory dinner. When you return to Arusha, we recommend you to arrive early in the day, so you have time to rest.
Day 10: Departure Day.
After breakfast, you can shop at the local market in Arusha or relax in the hotel until your private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, depending on your flight time.
Inclusions.
VIP airport transfers and transportation in a luxury 4×4 vehicle.
Two nights in a 5-Star hotel in Arusha (before and after the climb).
One-day luxury safari in Arusha National Park.
Professional English-speaking guides and experienced porters.
Private chef and beautiful cuisine on the mountain.
Deluxe mountain tents with a private toilet and hot shower, or shared tents based on the group.
Oxygen cylinder, medical checks, and first-aid kit.
All park fees, rescue fees, and climbing permits.
Bottled water, soft drinks, and wine with dinner.
Certificate of Achievement to summit Kilimanjaro
Exclusions.
International flights and/or visas.
Personal climbing gear (boots, jackets, gloves, poles).
Travel and medical insurance.
Tip guides and porters (recommended $250-$350).
Extra nights’ accommodation outside of the itinerary.
Alcoholic beverages beyond package.
