Kilimanjaro 6 Days Shira Route
Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania
Kilimanjaro 6 Days Shira Route
Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania
Price
$4300
OVERVIEW
ITINERARY
MAP
EXTRA INFORMATION
FAQ's
PACKING LIST
OVERVIEW
Overview
About the 6-day Kilimanjaro Shira Route
This six-day Kilimanjaro Shira Route is a challenging route that begins in the west at Shira Gate. What is unique about the Shira Route is that the first section of the trail is not hiked but rather driven. Therefore, climbers using Shira will miss out on hiking up one of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones, the rainforest.
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
| 2 pax | 3-4 pax | 5-6 pax | 7-10 pax |
|---|---|---|---|
| US $4,300 | US $4,000 | US $3,700 | US $3,500 |
Included/Excluded
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees
- Camping fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinder
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- All camping equipment
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
- 3 hot meals a day while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) Government taxes
- Ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Nature Horizons team member will be waiting to greet you. We will transfer you to your hotel accommodation for your first night, where you will meet your safari guide that you will be with for the remainder of your tour. Once you are settled in your hotel, you will receive a briefing on our tour. You can now relax at your hotel. Your trek to the roof of Africa starts tomorrow! As always, if you need anything or would like to head out into town, your guide will be there to assist you 24/7. Welcome to Africa!
Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about three hours. We will hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea. We will continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals: LD
- Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we will continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction toward the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the southeast toward Lava Tower, also called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation: 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we will come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is crucial for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 34 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we will make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit, we will begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We will arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: BLD
- Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at the Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: B
Day 8: Departure Day
Today is the day that you say goodbye to your team. Congratulations, you just hiked the highest freestanding mountain on planet Earth and the tallest mountain in Mama Africa. Nature Horizons could not be happier that we lead you to the top. You will remember these memories for the rest of your life. Upon waking up today, your guide will be with you until you need to leave for Kilimanjaro International Airport.
MAP
EXTRA INFORMATION
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Moshi (Before Hike)
Accommodation during hike
Camping/Tents
FAQ's
How Much Time Do I Need To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
You can choose your comfortable and preferred time to climb Kilimanjaro. In case of time required for the summit, you should ask for the Best Route To Climb Kilimanjaro? However, we would highly recommend you to take an 8 days or 9 days itinerary if you are a beginner and 7 – 8 days if you are a professional climber. The extra days will give you time for proper acclimatization and allow you to get adjusted to the climatic and weather conditions on the higher altitude. Hence, prefer 8 – 9 days while climbing Kilimanjaro.
Do You Require Technical Skills For Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is the only highest mountain which allows you to reach its summit Uhuru peak without any technical skills. Climbing Kilimanjaro is easy compared to other mountains, as it has easier terrains than steeps. However, you may need to use your hands while climbing the Barranco wall as it is the only steep wall in the entire Kilimanjaro zone. This is one of the important Kilimanjaro FAQs and has a proper answer.
During wet season you may require hiking poles because the rocks are more slippery. Make sure you wear proper hiking boots or gaiters while you are climbing Kilimanjaro.
What Is The Weather Like While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
The weather in Kilimanjaro is considered as wet season and dry season. Before knowing about Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro”, the weathers and climates are very important to decide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. All the Kilimanjaro routes pass the ecological or climatic zones where the weather tends to change hourly due to the high-altitude condition and the trade winds. The wet season has more rainfall and dry season has lesser rainfall with more dry days. The main climatic zones are: Cultivation zone, Rainforest zone, Heath or moorland zone, Highland dessert zone and Artic zone. Each zone are unique in its own way and also have a distinct weather conditions all the way.
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is a major Kilimanjaro Faq’s asked by most of the trekkers. Mount Kilimanjaro can be ascended year around and all the Kilimanjaro routes will support climbing Kilimanjaro round the year. As Kilimanjaro is near to equator the region experiences a very less extremes of winter and summer weather, rather it has wet and dry seasons. Hence, the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro is dry season which is warm. It is advised to avoid climbing Kilimanjaro during wet season for beginners. However, if you are with a professional climber and have all the safety precautions taken, then climbing Kilimanjaro in wet season would be really adventures.
This also depends on your preference of Kilimanjaro Routes. You will need to choose best Kilimanjaro route and also choose a longer itinerary for better acclimatization.
What Is Provided And What Do I Have To Bring To Kilimanjaro?
You will be provided with tents, camping gear, food, utensils, and guidance. You should bring your own sleeping bag, water system, personal clothing, light duffle bag, and day pack. Hiking poles can be rented. If “What Do I Need To Climb Kilimanjaro?” is your question, the following list is for you.
A packing list is provided to all climbers, along with our pre-departure packet:
- 1 mountaineering sleeping bag
- 1 LED flashlight with spare batteries
- 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots
- 1 towel
- 2 fleece jackets
- 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker
- 1 set of thermal underwear
- 2 pairs of trekking trousers
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers
- 1 sun hat
- 1 pair of sunglasses
What Is The Food Like On Kilimanjaro?
The Kilimanjaro Food during your climb will help you to avoid from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness.
The menu on Kilimanjaro is designed to ensure your food intake matches your level of exertion. It will provide you with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. When you are at altitude you could start to feel uneasy and your appetite may be suppressed, so the meals prepared at high altitude usually contain more carbohydrates and less protein to help you to digest your food. Your meals will be prepared by your cooks on Kilimanjaro and the food will be carried by your porters.
You will be provided with Porridge, Toast, Pancakes, Egg, Smoked sausages, Tea, coffee and Hot chocolate. Sandwiches, Hard boiled eggs, Biscuits, Fruit juice. Soup, Pasts, Rice, Potatoes, Chicken, Beef, vegetables, Salad and Fresh fruits.
What Are The Health Issues On Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro has recorded the highest altitude level and one needs to be physically and mentally fit to summit the highest peak. You will need to have good acclimatization if you are climbing Kilimanjaro. You will need to sleep on the lower elevations and spend more time on higher elevations. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be an achievement as well as more than the failure. The main health issue is related to respiratory problem.
You will have Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, Acute Mountain sickness and also it may lead to High altitude pulmonary edema and also High altitude cerebral edema. However, these are self-diagnosable at the beginning. If you reach the severe condition you will need to descend.
What Kind Of Help Is Available In Case Of Emergency On Kilimanjaro?
The guides and porters are professionally trained to handle the emergency situations. They are equipped with first aid kits and also trained to provide first aid medicines. In case of any severe emergency the recuse team will be available to help you descend through a stretcher or in case of more sever emergency there will be a helicopter rescue team who will take you to the high altitude medical clinic and transfer to the best hospital in the city.
Drinking Water – Is It Safe And Is There Enough For All The Climbers?
Yes, the drinking water is safe and there will be available enough water for all the climbers. We recommend you to carry 2-3 litres of water with you and add water purification tablets to it. This will help to purify the flowing water in the mountains and you will be safe to drink water in the mountains. It is suggested to drink more water to keep yourself hydrated and energised while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Is High Altitude Medication Required To Climb Kilimanjaro?
While it comes to altitude sickness, then the question would be “How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?” The high-altitude level needs physical fitness and mental determination to climb Kilimanjaro instead of high-altitude medications. However, it is your preference to take high altitude medication while climbing Kilimanjaro, one of the tablet is Diamox which will help you control the high altitude sickness. It make you urinate more. So, we recommend to make yourself fit and train for Kilimanjaro and then attempt to the summit.
Do I Need To Get Any Vaccinations Before I Leave For Kilimanjaro?
It is better to check with your doctor or centre of disease control before leaving for any recommendations. This one of the major Mount Kilimanjaro Facts you should take into considerations. However, while entering Tanzania you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate and also malaria vaccination certificate. Apart from these other vaccinations are not compulsory. However, it is better to consult your doctor for Vaccinations for Kilimanjaro if you have asthma or any chronic health problems.
PACKING LIST
Trekking Packing List
Head and Hands:
- Cap or hat to wear while walking in bright sun
- Wool or fleece cap or hat to keep your head warm
- Neck warmer to protect your throat from catching cold
- Uv protection sunglasses
- Warm wind and waterproof gloves
Upper body:
- Dri fit trekking shirts
- Thermals
- Warm trekking shirts
- Hiking hoodie
- Wind and waterproof jacket
- Down jacket
Lower body:
- Trekking pants
- Trekking shorts
- Thermals and inners
- Waterproof pants
- Trekking socks
- Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Slippers or sandals
- Gaiters
- Microspikes
Other items:
- Strong rucksack or large holdall to be carried by porters.
- Day rucksack to be carried personally.
- Plastic bags or stuff sacks to store/separate trekking gear inside your main bag.
- One or two-liter water bottle.
- Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
- Sleeping bag, 4 seasons.
- Torch, ideally head torch.
- Digital Camera and a spare battery and battery charger
- Toilet paper, quick dry towel,
- Toothbrush
- Large handkerchief/bandana for neck
Mountain biking:
- Waterproof/windproof jacket comfortable for riding.
- Long Thermal tops and bottoms for both riding and sleeping
- Fleece Jacket or Jumper
- Cycling Clothing – Long and short sleeve tops, full and half cycling shorts. Arm and leg warmers if you use them, thermal cap for under helmet
- Full Fingered gloves suitable for minus degrees’ temperatures, half fingered gloves
- Warm Hat (for off the bike)
- Buff or Bandana for face protection against dust
- Knee and Elbow Pads are highly recommended
- Helmets are COMPULSORY. We supply if you are hiring from us
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen
- Basic Toiletries, Chapstick, Moisturizer, Hand Sanitizer
- Wet wipes for those times it’s too cold to shower
- A Travel Towel
- Sleeping Bag (Rated 3 Season) Highly recommended from Oct to March. At a minimum a sleeping sheet will be good. Hotels give blankets but don’t always provide sheets. In peak seasons blankets can be limited. Can be hired in Kathmandu
- Socks (thick and thin)
- Cycling Shoes – We recommend mtb shoes with walking soles not stiff ones or any shoe you are comfortable to both pedal and walk in. There are some river crossings where you could possibly get wet feet, so bring some lighter fast drying shoes as there is nothing worse than riding with cold and wet feet! Or pack some flip flops in your day pack.
- Flip Flops or Sandals for around the Teahouses
- Hiking boots or walking shoes (For Throng La Only)
- Waterproof Pack Cover
- Day Pack for carrying personal belongings while riding
- Camelbak (2lt) or Water Bottles
- Head Torch
- Personal Medicines, rehydration salts
Bringing Your Own Bike
We recommend the following specifications: –
- Full Suspension 110mm to 160mm travel all mountain style bikes are ideal for this trip, but one that can climb.
- Tire recommendation is 2.2 to 2.3. Something like a MAXXIS High Roller or Schwalbe Nobby Nic or equivalent is ideal for this trip.
- Tubeless is recommended and we also recommend you bring a little extra Liquid.
- Hardtails are also okay for these trip’s if that is what you ride.
You should provide for your OWN BIKE
- Chain Links, Spare Chain
- Dry Chain Lube
- Mech Hanger or Drop Out for your model of bike
- Brake Pads for your Model
- Brake fluid for your Model of Brake
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Kika C2024-12-16Amazing experience and customer service!!! I highly recommend Dominick with Nature Horizons Tours!! I am a travel advisor who had a bit of a last-minute booking with a family to Peru. I reached out to Dominick immediately, since I knew he’d be fabulous!! He went above and beyond with communication, response, time, organization, and more! He got the very happy clients booked within a few days and I am super grateful for his services!!! he was so kind to start a WhatsApp group chat with me and my clients to answer any and all questions we had! Thank you!!!!Evan L2024-10-29Amazing time at Machu Picchu We had a great time in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco! Great views and excellent guide and transportation. Everything was great!Karen H2024-10-29Excellent experience I have worked with Nature Horizons as a travel advisor and it was an excellent experience. I 100% trust this team to deliver an exceptional trip for my clients. They are quick to respond to questions and the communication while my clients were traveling was outstanding. They had excellent knowledge of the area and were able to provide more local tips and suggestions that I would have been able to provide alone.Highly recommend.Rosie H2024-08-18Epic African Safari to Tanzania My husband and I planned a trip with 2 other couples to go on an African Safari in Tanzania for the Great Migration experience as well as the Serengeti which was epic all by itself. We visited and stayed across Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro area), the North & Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Maynara, nKomazi Black Rhino Sanctuary, Tarangire and probably a few other places I can't recall. We stayed at tented temporary camps to luxury camps. We stayed at Weru Weru lodge, Serengeti Heritage lodge, Central Serengeti Luxury camp, Rhino Lodge, Lake Maynara Safari Lodge and finally at Kilimanjaro Luxury camp. These venues each had their own beauty with furnishings, mosquito nets, traditional African tribal entertainment, good food and amazing staff who catered to our every need and comfort. Even in the bush, we still had access to electricity, hot water, bottled water, showers, toilets and yes of course, the internet but you have to be realistic since the bush is the bush with hyenas, big cats and elephants moving around the property. I really loved the Masai warriors who made us feel safe as they escorted back and forth between tents and the main camp. We were so blessed to experience the BIG 5 largely due to the expertise of our guides Praygod and Victor. They were the best and boy did they make the trip. I was grateful for their knowledge of the terrain, their respect for the wildlife, education and tolerating our 1000s of questions. We had 3 couples plus the owner operator Dominick and we rotated across 2 Land Cruisers. I wouldn't have it any other way, I never felt cramped and being able to pop my head up in the open roof was great for photos and viewing the animals with my binoculars. This was a once in a life time trip that I highly recommend to anyone that has grown up watching animal planet and national geographic as a kids. When you see these animals only feet away from you, the kid in you returns and you will definitely cry at the beauty of these animals in their natural habitat. I highly recommend Nature Horizons since they are well connected across the different operators and local partners. They lodging was great and it provided a little bit of raw nature in the bush, feeling like a roughed it a bit (but not really) to the beauty Kilimanjaro luxury camp the last 2 nights to be at the foot of Kilimanjaro, and being able to see her greatness above the clouds. I have been back a month and I can't stop talking about my experience in Tanzania. I was able to experience the beauty of the people of Tanzania, an actual Masai village, shopping at the awesome African Galleria, and getting souvenir's at the cool places our guides felt were respectable locations for tourists. I am not sure when, but I plan to go back to explore more of Tanzania and Africa.Nikole2024-07-17No Words I feel very fortunate to have gone on this safari with Nature Horizons. I went with a group of people and only knew one. Each place that we stayed at was very special in its own way. Dominick is a very kind, intelligent, fun human. He has built all the right relationships to ensure all of his clients are taken care of. We were able to see all of the big five. Our guides felt like family. I’ve never been on a trip that was so magical and was so hard to leave. It has nearly been half a year and our group still talks with each other. We bonded so much that we committed to going on a trip together every 5 years. If you’re thinking about this, DO IT! Do it with Nature Horizons! They will go the extra mile for you to get the experience of a lifetime. They even made sure we had opportunities to connect with the people of Tanzania.Rebecca M2024-06-23Unforgettable vacation We worked with Nature Horizons for our honeymoon to Peru and it far exceeded any expectations we had! It was the most incredible experience and itinerary they created for us and Deivis was always on top of everything and extremely responsive if we had questions. I give this company my highest/strongest recommendation if you are thinking of going to any of the countries they service!Dream224010839132024-06-12Great Travel Team! I am a travel advisor and just sent my clients on their honeymoon with Nature Horizons. They visited Peru and had the most amazing time. The Nature Horizons team was so easy to work with. listened to my requests, and made all the revisions I needed. They took wonderful care of my clients as if they were their own. I can't wait to work with them again!Noe V2024-06-11Full service trip to Perú We had a wonderful time traveling through Perú for two weeks on an itinerary planned by Deivis, through nature horizons.The experience was so much more than we originally expected. Every detail was accounted for. From private drivers to knowledgeable tour guides, there was nothing lacking.I don't know if we'll ever be able to take a trip like this again, but I'm so glad we did at least once. Thank you so much. I'll never forget these amazing days.Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares.I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!
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