Kilimanjaro Shira Route (8 Days)

Ilboru Safari Lodge is located at the base of Mt. Meru on the outskirts of Arusha. An oasis after the bustle of the nearby city, this family property is run by a Dutch Tanzania couple, both of whom have been working in the hotel industry for many years. It is a budget lodge, but well-kept, with comfortable accommodation and good food. Guests are accommodated in rondavels, set in the traditional African-style, and each with two large self-contained rooms. Each room has a private balcony looking out on the gardens and swimming pool. Ilboru is booked on half-board basis.

This evening there will be a climb briefing covering kit, camping arrangements, and what to expect on the mountain (climate, altitude etc), as well as tomorrow’s transfer times. This is a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the coming climb, particularly any concerns you have regarding kit.

The eight day itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatisation as well as plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery. The views of Kibo in the sharp light of morning and early evening are often stunning, and the area around the Lent Hills, close to the western flank of the summit cone, is very rarely visited. Shira is a little-used approach route and this itinerary is designed to maximise time in unspoilt wilderness areas before the convergence with other routes in the final stages of the climb. It is also well structured for walkers of all levels of fitness, with plenty of opportunities for additional acclimatisation walks at higher altitudes.

After completing the necessary formalities at Londorossi National Park gate, we drive a short distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations to the trailhead at 2,800m.

The climb begins with a steady ascent through shrub forest and stands of giant heather, taking us to the rim of Shira Caldera (3,350m). The views across the surrounding plains open out as we climb to our first camp in the centre of the plateau, “Shira One” (3,500m). [5 hours walking]

We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (3,860m), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here (especially when the afternoon mists come in!) and the views of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds, visible from our camp near Shira Hut (3,895m), are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]

The morning walk is a steady climb away from the moorland of Shira Plateau to reach the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills, with expansive views in all directions. After lunch in our camp close to Moir Hut (4,150m), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (4,700m), or you can use the time to relax and enjoy our peaceful campsite. Very few visitors get to this remote corner of Kilimanjaro. [4-6 hours walking]

After lunch at our Lava Tower campsite (4,550m), you have the option of a steep and spectacular afternoon walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach to reach the ruins of the old hut at Arrow Glacier (4,800m). This optional afternoon excursion is highly recommended both for acclimatisation purposes and for the superb views of the hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach. From Arrow Glacier, descend back to the Lava Tower campsite for dinner and equally spectacular sunset views. [3-6 hours walking]

From the valley floor, a short but steep climb up the famed Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain is volcanic scree, with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows.

Our next camp is at Karanga (4,100m), the last water point on the approach to Barafu, overlooking a narrow valley. Take the time to rest up, or consider an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp towards the glaciers of the Southern Icefields. [5-7 hours walking]

This afternoon, other walkers will begin to fill the campsite in larger numbers than at previous camps, as the Shira trail converges with the popular Machame Route.

After lunch in camp, there will be the option of a short acclimatisation walk to the plateau at the bottom of the South-East valley (4,800m). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent – a very early night tonight. [3-5 hours walking]

Trekking at a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735m) in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.

Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from Stella Point along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.

From the summit, the descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite, Millennium Camp (3,820m), on Mweka Route. [11-15 hours walking]

We will be met in Mweka and transferred to Ilboru Safari Lodge for a well-earned hot shower, dinner and rest!

After lunch (this can be included with shared day room on request), you will be met by our driver for the transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your homeward flight.