Upon your arrival, our driver guide will be there to welcome you and transport you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved rest. Your guide will provide you with a detailed overview of your itinerary and make sure you are fully prepared for your ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro the following day. Your journey is about to unfold!

Note:Accommodations before and after the trek are not included. You can set up your lodging or allow us to take care of your accommodation and airport transfers.

The Shira Route departs from the far west side of Mount Kilimanjaro, where you will complete entry formalities at Londorossi Gate. Next, you will drive to the Shira Gate trailhead, where the hike will start. The trek begins with a traverse through shrubs and giant heather, leading us to Simba Camp.

Elevation: 3,600 meters to 3,680 meters
Elevation Increase: 80 m
Distance: 7 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 2–3 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Simba Camp (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: Heath

Today is a relatively simple day to aid in acclimatization. We start our journey by delving into the lush moorland and the striking volcanic rock formations that adorn the plateau. Next, we embark on a picturesque route to the Shira Cathedral, an impressive formation of rock encircled by towering spires and peaks, before arriving at Shira 2 Camp. The plateau offers a variety of hikes, providing an ideal opportunity for acclimatization.

Elevation: 3,680 meters to 3,850 meters.
Elevation Increase: 170 m
Distance: 6 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 2–3 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: Moreland

We proceed to the east, ascending a ridge from the Shira Plateau, passing the junction, and continuing toward the Kibo Peak. Shortly after passing the tower, we come across a second junction that leads us to the Arrow Glacier. It is now time to descend to the Barranco Hut. This is where we recuperate, savor dinner, and spend the night. Although this day concludes at the same elevation, it is essential for acclimatization and preparation for the summit day.

Elevation: 3,850 meters to 3,900 meters
Elevation Increase: 50 m
Distance: 10 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 6 – 7 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: Semi Desert

After a relaxed breakfast in the morning, start the day by making your way down to the entrance of the Great Barranco, a sprawling gorge. After that, you will begin a steep climb known as the Breakfast Wall (Barranco Wall), which separates you from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The ascent involves navigating over rocks, yet it is not particularly technical. After navigating beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, make your way to the Karanga Valley Camp for an overnight stay.

Elevation: 3,900 meters to 3,995 meters
Elevation Increase: 95 m
Distance: 5 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 3 – 4 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. This day is relatively straightforward and restful, and we also demonstrate the use of safety equipment such as the Gamow (hyperbolic) bag and oxygen. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. From this position, we can see the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.

Elevation: 3,995 meters to 4,680 meters
Elevation Increase: 685 m.
Distance: 6 kilometers
Duration of the hike: 3 – 4 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp (2 guests in 1 tent)
Habitat: High Alpine Desert

We start the seventh day at midnight, fuelled by hot tea and biscuits, and begin our ascent towards the summit. The objective is to arrive at the peak as the sun rises, allowing for an awe-inspiring experience of the panoramic vistas from above. In truth, variations in hiking pace, stamina, and altitude adjustment lead to a multi-hour window during which the majority of climbers arrive at the summit.

Following approximately 4–6 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Stella Point (5,739 meters), where you can take a moment to relax and witness the dawn illuminating the horizon. Having some hot tea or chocolate at this moment is a wise choice, as you’ll want to gather the energy to keep hiking for another 1–2 hours.

From Stella Point, it’s only about another hour until you arrive at Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro. At last, as the initial beams of sunlight emerge from the horizon, we arrive at the peak and are filled with a profound sense of achievement and wonder at the stunning scenery enveloping us.

Following a summit celebration and photo opportunity, we commence our descent down the mountain, absorbing the breathtaking views and contemplating the remarkable journey we’ve just undertaken. The descent is significantly faster than the ascent, yet it still demands attentive footing and focus to maneuver through the rugged landscape. We will pause at Barafu Camp for lunch and to rejuvenate our fatigued legs before proceeding with our descent to Mweka Camp, where we will spend the night. As we go deeper, the air grows denser, and our bodies start to acclimate to the reduced elevation.

Elevation: 4,680 meters to 5,895 meters to 3,100 meters
Elevation Increase: 1,215 m.
Elevation Loss: 2,795
Distance: 4.5 km up and 11 km down
Duration of the hike: 6 – 8 hours up and 5 – 8 hours down
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka or Millenia/camp (2 guests in 1 tent
Habitat: Stone Scree and Ice-caped summit

After breakfast, we make our way down to the trailhead (Mweka Gate) to finalize park formalities and obtain the certificate of completion for successfully reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. This is the moment to bid farewell to your guides and porters, who have played a crucial role in your journey to the summit. It is standard practice to settle your gratuities with your trekking team prior to returning to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Afterward, make your way back to Arusha or Moshi, where you can indulge in a refreshing shower and enjoy a couple of cold beers to unwind.

Be aware that at lower elevations, conditions may be damp and muddy. Using gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. Ensure you have your rain gear and warmer clothing readily available.

Elevation: 3,100 meters to 1,640 meters
Elevation Loss: 1,460 m.
Distance: 10 km down
Duration of the hike: 2 – 3 hours down
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Habitat: Rain Forest

We will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will fly back home or proceed with your onward travel plans. We hope you had a wonderful Kilimanjaro experience and will treasure your memories. As you journey back home, we encourage you to share your adventure with friends and family and inspire others to embark on their own Kilimanjaro expedition. Thank you for choosing us as your guide on this incredible journey. Safe travels!