SHIRA ROUTE 7 DAYS

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day

Today you're driven to Londorossi Park Gate, where you're entered in the registry of the Kilimanjaro national park you’re then driven quite a ways to Morum Barrier. Your climb begins here, and you trek through heath and moorland to arrive at Simba Camp, where you stay for the night. Elevation: 3,414 m to 3,500 m Distance: 4 km / 2 miles Hiking time: 2 hours Habitat: Forest

Today your trek takes you past beautiful moorland rock formations and across volcanic rock plateaus. You also cross Shira Cathedral, which is one of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro. Tonight you stay at Shira 2 Camp. Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,847 m Distance: 6 km / 4 miles Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert

Today's trek consists of two parts: the climb to Lava Tower, followed by the descent to Barranco Camp. This plan is in keeping with the 'climb high, sleep low' strategy that allows for good acclimatisation. Part 1 | Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower Elevation: 3,847 m to 4,630 m Distance: 8 km / 4 miles Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Semi-desert Today you hike up to the impressive rock formation called Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,419 ft) above sea level. It takes four to five hours to get there and is a true highlight of the entire Kilimanjaro trek. Part 2 | Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation: 4,630 m to 3,976 m Distance: 3 km / 2 miles Hiking time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Alpine desert After lunch at Lava Tower, you head down to Barranco Camp, a hike that takes about two to three hours. The campsite is located in a valley below the Western Breach and great Barranco Wall

This is a short hiking day of four to five hours that's focused on helping you to acclimatise. After an early morning breakfast, it’s time for you to conquer Baranco Wall Although it may look intimidating at first, trekkers usually report that it turned out to be much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the wall, you're above the clouds and enjoy superb views of the Southern Ice Fields and the summit. The trail then winds up and down until you arrive at Karanga Camp. Elevation: 3,976 m to 3,995 m Distance: 5 km / 3 miles Hiking time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine desert

It’s getting real! You’re now very close to the summit and have some amazing views of the mountain during your ascent of just three hours to reach Barafu Camp, which sits at 4,600 m (15,091 ft). An early dinner is served so you can get some rest before attempting the summit that same night. Before you go to bed, your guide briefs you in detail on how best to prepare for summit night. Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m Distance: 4 km / 2 miles Hiking time: 3 hours Habitat: Alpine desert

Today is summit day! It's time for the big push – to dig deep for everything you have to make it to the summit. Part 1 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m Distance: 5 km / 3 miles Hiking time: 6-8 hours Habitat: Arctic The route ascends northwest into the dark night, and you walk over stone scree. In about six to seven hours, you reach Stella Point on the crater rim, which sits at 5,685 m (18,651 ft) above sea level. It should be around sunrise at this point. You then continue for an hour or so on a sometimes snow-covered trail before reaching Uhuru Peak, which is 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level. Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa! Be prepared to be overwhelmed by your accomplishment and the magnificent views Part 2 | Uhuru Peak and back down to Mweka Camp Elevation: 5,895 ft to 3,068 ft Distance: 12 km / 7 miles Hiking time: 6-8 hours After reaching the summit, you descend to Mweka Camp at 3,110 m (10,204 ft) above sea level. Here you spend your final night on the mountain after having hiked for about 12 to 16 hours today!

Today you do the last bit of hiking down to the foot of the mountain, where your driver meets you at Mweka Gate. for a great celebration and dinner! Elevation: 3,068 m to 1,640 m Distance: 10 km / 6 miles Hiking time: 3 hours Habitat: Forest