General Information: The Shira volcano has been considerably eroded, and only the western and southern rims remain. The north and east sides of the collapsed crater or caldera are covered by later material from Kibo. The cone probably reached to over 4,900 m before it collapsed to form a caldera, which was probably about 3 km in diameter. The ring fractures with this collapse provided means of outlet for later lavas which welled out onto the caldera floor. Through these lavas an inner core of doleritic agglomerates was extruded which in turn has been intruded by dolerites and basic rocks. The most prevalent rock-type on the Shira ridge is trachybasalt, characterized by abundant plates of feldspar and consisting of two series separated by ultrabasic lavas, which contain olivine and abundant augite phenocrysts. Towards the south-eastern part of calderas rim, trachybasaltic lava-breccia becomes more abundant and spectacular.

 

Accommodation: All huts along this route are unfurnished uniports which each sleep 6 people. There are stream water and platform toilets from first hut to other upper huts. But, the huts are not good for clients to stay, so we strongly recommend clients to stay in tents for all nights they spend on the mountain.

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS CLIMB - SHIRA ROUTE

Day 1:Driving Moshi - Londrosi gate 2 hoursLondrosi gate (1800m) - Simba Camp (2500m. Hiking time : 2hours driving and 3 hours Hiking Distance : About 28 kms Habitats : Montane forest Arrive in a 4 wheel drive vehicle to the Londorossi Gate. Introduction to your Guide/Porters and after registration drive further in your vehicle for another approx. 2 hrs drive (approx. 50 kms) to Simba River where you commence your climb on foot (trekking hiking) for approximate 3 to 4 hrs with picnic lunch enroute through giant Savannah and vegetation before reaching the Simba Camp Site for your dinner and overnight. Simba Camp Site (2500m).

Day 2: To Shira 1 Camp Simba Camp (2500m) - Shira camp (3800m). Hiking time : 3 hoursDistance : About 7 kms Habitat : Moorlan Today's trek takes you slowly up the edge of the Shira volcano. As you gain altitude so the vegetation thins and different species are encountered. Shira 1 is situated near the rim of the ancient volcano and provides a good opportunity t get the first direct views of Kilimanjaro's peak on your climb. Overnight Shira 1 Damp at 3800m

Day 3: Fischer camp (3895m) - Baranco camp (3950m). Hiking time : 5 hoursDistance : About 10 kms Habitat : Moorland From Shira Camp 1 we trek across the Shira Plateau to Fischer's Camp at 3895m. weather permitting. The views can be breathtaking - the Shira Plateau itself is an expanse of hearth land and the rim provides an attractive backdrop where the clouds often melt down towards the plateau floor. Kibo also shines with a silvery luminance as the glaciers reflect the strong sunlight. At times there can also be mist covering the plateau - views can be revealed or lost very quickly. The final section to Fischer's is fairly steep and can be tiring, but a warm drink and your camp await you.

Day 4: To Baranco Hut (3950m) - Karanga valley (400m). Hiking time : 3 hours Distance : About 7 kms Habitat Alpine desert. Today you will walk for 5 - 6 housrs, enjoying sightings of the typical Kilimanjaro vegetation (Senecios, Lobelia, Helichrysum) and reaching a high point of around 4600m before descending to the Barranco Valley. On clear days Lava Tower can be seen as well as some distant glaciers. The path down to Barranco Valley can be particularly rewarding and the view of Kibo Peak is especially spectacular. In the evening the blanket of cloud often hangs just below the valley. We are lower than the height reached during the day, at around 3950m.

Day 5: Karanga valley (4100m) - Barafu Camp (4600m). Hiking time : 2 hours Distance : About 6 kms. Habitat : Semi desert and ice sometimes From the Barranco Hut you ascend up the Barranco wall and walk across scree and ridges to Karanga Valley (4100m) with breathtaking views of the West Breach and the southern glacier. Lunch is often taken here, depending on progress. The afternoon can be spent on an accilimatisation hire, before spending the night at Karanga Valley.

Day 6: Karanga Valley to Barafu. Barafu Camp (46000m). Hiking Time: 2 hours Distance: About 6 kms Habitat : Semi desert and ice sometim. After a relaxing start, about 2 hours from Karanga you will come out on the Barafu path (part of the Mweka Trail). It is a further 1 - 2 hours to Barafu. The last stage to Barafu camp is quite steep, and as always we advise taking it as easy as possible. This is the day that leads to the final ascent and so being as relaxed as possible, both mentally and physically, is the best advice. In the evening you will be briefed for the final ascent.

Day 7: SUMMIT ATTEMPT. Barafu camp (4600m) - Uhuru Peak (5896m) - Mweka camp (3100m) Hiking time: 12 hours. Distance: About 4 kms ascent and 15kms descent. Habitat: Stone scree and ice capped summit. You rise in the middle of the night and are assigned your guide. This is to ensure that everyone can make it to the top or return as required in complete safety. The going is slow, and often quite frustrating on the scree, but persistence ensure steady progress. At Stella Point you can then choose to return you are, after all, already higher than any point in Africa. However, you and your guides will most probably continue to Uhuru Peak (5896m). If progress is good you can watch the sunrise from the rooftop of Africa. There is less than half the oxygen than at sea level here, and we soon start our long journey down. We stop briefly at Barafu before descending to Mweka Hut at 3100m.

Day 8: Final Descent Mweka Camp (3100m) - Mweka Gate (1980m). Hiking Time : 4 hours. Distance : About 9 kms. Habitat: Montane Forest The final descent takes you through the lower heath section that quickly turns into rainforest. Your time on Kilimanjaro ends at Mweka gate, where you will be picked up transfer you back your hotel for overnight