The Shira Plateau is less crowded and one of the most fascinating and scenic areas on Kilimanjaro (Shira plateau and western breach wall). It is well worth visiting to explore the ridges and moorland. Climbing via the Shira Plateau route looks similar to the Lemosho route. The only difference is that you'll drive from Londorosi Gate to Morrum Barrier, about 22km, which takes less than 2 hours, and the hike can start from there. Also, via this route, climbing takes 6 to 8 days, but we strongly recommend at least a 7-day itinerary to allow more time for relaxation and acclimatization.

INCLUDED

1:   Transport from JRO airport.

2: A warm bed and breakfast for the night before and after the trek 

3: All food on the climb

4: Transfer to and from the gate

5: English breakfast

6: Tents, chairs and tables

7: Mattresses

8: First aid kit

9: Park fees

10: Camping fees

11:  Rescue fees

12:  Forest fees

13:  Guides and porter’s wages

NOT INCLUDED

1:   Transport back to the airport

2: 3 liters of water for the first day

3: Drinks

4: Tips for guides and porters

5: Food for the first and last night

6: Personal equipment for mountain climbing

Drive along the Moshi – Arusha road to the Boma Ng’ombe junction, then turn right towards Sanya Juu Shopping Centre. Continue driving on a rough road up to Londorosi Park Gate, located on the western side of the mountain (188 km). Today, you will have a short and beautiful hike, approximately 1-2 hours, including a lunch stop, covering a distance of 4 km. You will be in the moorland zone with clear mountain streams, open tussock grassland, lava flows, heather shrublands, and valley bottoms on the west side of the Shira Plateaus. Here, you can enjoy the sun and walk slowly, taking more breaks for acclimatization. 

Dinner and overnight at Shira one camp 

Today, we will hike across the middle of the Shira Plateau, a World Heritage site, to reach our picnic lunch spot at Fisher's Point. After lunch, we will explore the grassy moorland zone and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then, we will take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a massive buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles before arriving at our beautiful camp. 

Dinner and overnight at Shira Two camp

We will begin the day by continuing to walk across the alpine desert and eventually start climbing over steep hills with very few rocks. Then, we will make a steady uphill climb to Lava Tower, a 150-meter-high volcanic plug that juts out from the side of the mountain, and stop for lunch around noon. At this point, some people might start to experience a mild headache due to the change in altitude. After lunch, we will descend for about 2 hours along a dusty and rocky trail to reach Baranco Camp. 

Dinner and overnight at Baranco camp 

We start the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Within this wall, some sections will be steep, requiring you to use your hands to reach and maneuver around rock boulders, akin to rock climbing, although it is not as challenging as rock climbing. At the top of the wall, you can see the Barranco valley and the campsite where you spent the previous night. From there, you will walk up and down to Karanga valley, which is the last water point on the mountain. At the top of the ridge, you will find our campsite, where we will have a hot lunch and spend the night. 

Dinner and overnight at Karanga camp (FB)

We begin the day with the goal of reaching the junction, embarking on a steep uphill climb with numerous boulders and shattered rocks as we cross the upper alpine desert. We will proceed through a steep ridge until we reach a rocky section that requires more scrambling. Our next camp will be situated on a large rocky area with steep faces. Here, we will set up camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. 

Dinner and overnight at Barafu camp 

Very early in the morning, around midnight, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise coming over Mawenzi Peak, unlike anything you've ever seen before. Finally, we will arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Dinner and overnight at Mweka camp 

In the morning, you wake to warmer temperatures at Mweka Camp, along with the chatter of colobus and blue-faced monkeys. Continue your descent towards Mweka Gate through the Mountain Forest, filled with age-old trees, flowers, birds, and butterflies. Sign out at the main gate and collect your climbing certificate. Beyond the gate, you are welcomed by a driver guide and transferred to Janibichi Adventures Ltd office.

Day Nine: Departure!