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Kilimanjaro Summit - The Shira Route

12 days, Guided Groups, Seasonal Weekly Departures

Our magnificent eight day Shira itinerary is totally unique giving you the best possible chance of success with short ascents to camp in the morning and plenty of acclimatisation walks as options in the afternoons. It approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, crossing the impressive caldera of the Shira volcano and the rarely visited area around the Lent Hills. It also takes you beneath the spectacular hanging glaciers of the Western Breach and the ice fields of Kibo. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery which is surely as much a part of being in Africa as climbing the mountain.
Thur and Fri. Outbound
Depart from the UK and fly to Kilimanjaro. Transfer to Arusha.
Sat to Thurs. The Ascent
By avoiding a Sunday start you can enjoy the beginning of the climb without other groups in sight. Easy walking through plantations, climbing steadily through stands of giant heather, brings you to the rim of the Shira Plateau. This area is home to a surprising variety of game, including buffalo. You then have two days to acclimatise, exploring the grassy moor and volcanic rock formations including the steep spires of Shira Cathedral (3750 metres). There is a real sense of wilderness here with the views being simply unforgettable, especially of Mount Meru floating on clouds in the distance. Explore beneath the remote Northern Icefields, with the option to summit Lent Hills (4700 metres). Continue upwards on to the lava ridges beneath the spectacular glaciers of the Western Breach to Lava Tower campsite. Here you can enjoy an afternoon excursion to the Arrow glacier for close-up views of the hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach. A surprising descent leads you to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley, sheltered by towering cliffs followed by a steep climb up the Barranco Wall to the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain changes to volcanic scree with pockets of lush vegetation. On the sixth day you climb steeply out of the Karanga valley to reach the Barafu campsite (4600 metres).
Fri and Sat. The Summit and Down
Your ascent starts by torchlight at about 1am. so that you can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will bring you to Stella Point (5735 metres) in about five hours. Here you can rest and enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. A two hour round trip along the crater rim leads you to Uhuru Peak (5896 metres). The Roof of Africa! The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, you continue down to reach your final campsite in the lovely surroundings of Mweka Forest. Enjoy a well earned celebration in Arusha.
Sun and Mon. Homeward
You will have the option of joining a short safari before flying back to the UK.
Kilimanjaro Summit

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  • Tour grade: D.
  • Cost per person: From £2,095.
  • Single supplement: £110.
  • CO2 offset cost: £14.87.
  • What is included: Flights, accommodation, transfers, park fees, porters, guides, cook, camping equipment, most meals.
  • Accommodation: Hotels, camping.
  • Departure dates:
    Thursdays, end of December to end of February, mid June to end of October.