Shira Route VIP

Day 2: Arusha National Park On day 2, prepare yourself to be amazed by the beauty of Arusha National Park, which is just a short drive away. This park is a symphony of diverse landscapes, featuring stunning natural gems such as the Momela lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the majestic Mount Meru. Your guide will take you on a scenic hike through the park’s lush forests, which are home to a fascinating array of wildlife including bushbucks, duikers, and the elusive colobus monkey, waterbuck, reedbuck, and giraffe. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the park’s 400 species of birds and other wildlife. As you explore this natural wonderland, your guide will provide you with insights into the park’s history, geology, and ecology, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the area’s unique biodiversity. A picnic lunch in a picturesque setting is included, providing a perfect opportunity to rest, refuel, and take in the breathtaking scenery. After a day of adventure in the park, return to the Gran Melia Hotel for a general briefing from your guide regarding your Kili climb. You’ll then pack your bags in preparation for the next day, have dinner, and get a good night’s sleep to prepare for Day 1 of your Kilimanjaro climb. Please note that you are free to leave behind anything that you don’t need to take with you to the mountain. However, do not leave anything in the rooms as you will be checking out today. Instead, hand them to the reception for storage, where you can collect them on your way back. Your DKE guide will be there to assist you with this.

Day 3: Shira Camp
Today at 08:00am you will be leaving the hotel with lunch boxes and drive to Londrosi gate where you will do the registration then proceed to Morum barrier where you will start your hike. Your first day of hiking will begin from the Moreland Zone, one of the four zones of Kilimanjaro, and you will already be inside the Shira Caldera. The terrain is relatively flat all the way to Shira 1 Camp, and the view of the mountain from this route is breathtaking, so be sure to take your time and enjoy it. The hiking time today is approximately 2 to 3 hours. You will have dinner and spend the night at Shira 1 Camp, which is located at an elevation of 3610 meters or 11600 feet.

Day 4: Moir Camp
Today, you will be walking to Moir Camp, which will take approximately 5-6 hours and you’ll reach the camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, your guide will take you on an acclimatization hike to keep you active and practice the “go high, sleep low” technique, which helps your body adjust better to the altitude.
Dinner and overnight will be at Moir Camp, located at an elevation of 3995 meters or 13200 feet.

Day 5: Barranco Camp
Today you will be awakened at 5:30am with a cup of preferred hot drink, then pack up your bags at 6:15am because after breakfast you should be packed and ready to go. Then, you will walk for about 5 hours to Baranco via Lava Tower Camp, where the elevation is 4600 meters or 15000 feet. You will spend approximately 1 to 2 hours at Lava Tower for lunch and acclimatization to help your body adjust to the altitude. Afterward, you will walk down to Baranco Camp for dinner and overnight.
Baranco Camp is located at an elevation of 3900 meters or 13000 feet.

Day 6: Karanga Camp
Today you will be awakened at 5:30am with a cup of preferred hot drink, then pack up your bags at 6:15am because after breakfast you should be packed and ready to go. Then start your hiking towards Karanga camp. On this day, you’ll take a break from the rigorous climb to prioritize acclimatization as we hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. The day starts with an exciting climb up the imposing Great Barranco Wall, a towering lava flow that provides an exhilarating start to the day. Take a moment to catch your breath and marvel at the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape as you ascend.

While many other companies skip this camp and try to complete the trek in a shorter time spending more time at altitude increases the chances of success. So, take your time and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Karanga Valley before settling in for a well-deserved rest.

You will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Karanga Camp, which is located at an elevation of 3930 meters or 13000 feet.

Day 7: Barafu Camp
Today you will be awakened at 5:30am with a cup of preferred hot drink, then pack up your bags at 6:15am because after breakfast you should be packed and ready to go. You will be walking for 3 to 4 hours to reach Barafu Camp, where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, your guides will help you plan and prepare for the summit. You will start the climb from Barafu Camp at midnight and it will take you 6 to 7 hours to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak), so you should wake up one and a half hours early before the starting time.

After lunch and planning, try to get some rest in the afternoon before an early dinner. Then, try to rest again before the summit climb. The elevation of Barafu Camp is 4600 meters or 15000 feet.

Day 8: Mweka Camp
Today you will reach the majestic summit of Kilimanjaro with breathtaking views, after 6 to 7 hours of hiking to get there. Once you have taken your pictures, you will begin your descent back to Barafu camp, where your tent will still be waiting for you. Here you can change out of your summit hiking gear and into your regular hiking gear, pack your bags, have lunch, and proceed on your way down to Mweka Camp. This is usually the longest day of your trip, as the estimated hiking time could be 12 to 13 hours, but it’s also very rewarding.

Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Camp. The camp’s elevation is 3100 meters or 10000 feet.

Day 9: Gran Melia Arusha.
Today, you will wake up knowing that you are returning to civilization and a nice hot shower. After a farewell breakfast, you will have a few minutes to meet the entire team and say goodbye before starting your descent to Mweka Gate, which will take approximately 4 hours. Your driver will be waiting for you at the gate to pick you up and drive you back to the Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha.