10 Days | Shira Route

In the morning, we peak you from your base hotel take a drive across the Masai Steppe to our trailhead at the Lemosho gate at the foot of Kilimanjaro. Do we start climbing through the forest to our private camp? a gentle walk of a few hours to stretch our legs in anticipation of the long climb ahead.
Overnight: Forest Camp 9000ft (FB)

After breakfast in the chattering forest, we start a slow walk to aid acclimatization through the forest and into the Hagenia zone, where the vegetation begins to thin out as we approach the Shira Plateau. Shira is one of the three craters of the Kilimanjaro volcanic massif, the others being Mawenzi and Kibo and from our camp, we have great views of the Shira needles.
Overnight: Shira Camp 11000 feet (FB)

After a spectacular sunrise that reveals the magnitude of the distant snow-capped crater, we slowly climb into the alpine heather zone, approaching the Kibo massif from the west, to our private camp. Today is a shorter walk allowing for further exploration of the lobelias, senecios, and other endemic plants on an acclimatizing walk for those so inclined.
Overnight: Heather Camp 12,500 feet (FB)

As the vegetation slowly thins out, we approach the Alpine Desert Zone, where few things survive except the toughest of lichens and tussock grasses and the temperatures swing between the searing heat of tropical Africa and the freezing extremes of a 19000 ft mountain. We camp in the shelter of the Lava Tower, an imposing monolith from Kilimanjaro’s volcanic past.
Overnight: Lava Tower Camp 14,300 feet (FB)

In the early morning, we have sweeping views of Meru, Kibo Massif, and the Western Breach the imposing wall, which constitutes our climb over the next two days. In order to aid acclimatization, we slow down the pace and walk a short distance to the base of the breach where we make our camp at Arrow Glacier. The afternoon is free for a short walk in the name of? walk high, sleep low? philosophy of sound acclimatization. As the temperature drops, we are treated to one of the finest sunsets in Africa before we climb into our tents for sleep.
Overnight: Arrow Glacier Camp 15,500 feet (FB)

Another early start after a cold night and we face up to the imposing western Breach that looms above us. We take the non-technical ascent route climbing slowly for six hours, our path sometimes covered in the famous snows of Kilimanjaro. As we reach the top of the wall, we slowly traverse a crater before arriving at our own special camp, far higher than any other on the mountain. Here we rest up and prepare for the final push tomorrow.
Overnight Crater Camp 18,300 feet (FB)
Crater Camp ? Summit (19,340 feet)

Thanks to our careful acclimatization and slow ascent to this final camp, we are closer to the summit than any of the other climbers and do not have a grueling final day with only a final two hour hike to the crater summit and a ten minute final stretch to Uhuru Summit, the Roof Of Africa. Arriving at the summit for sunrise, we are captivated by the sweeping vistas in all directions, applauding the sheer magnitude of our achievement before we start our descent. After thrilling scree run for two hours, we follow the Mweka descent path, feeling the air thicken as we descend, as we reach Mweka Camp after a tiring but rewarding seven hour trek and 9000ft. descent. Here we celebrate our achievements amidst the thick forest reliving one of the definitive moments of our life.
Overnight: Mweka camp 10200 feet (FB)

On the final day of the journey, climbers descend from Mweka camp to the base. The descent to the gate will take approximately 4 to 5 hours and climbers usually arrive before noon. Upon arrival at the gate, climbers will be rewarded with certificates attesting their success at climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Thereafter transfer to Arusha.
Dinner and Overnight at Arumeru River Lodge HB