8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Shira Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Depart from Arusha or Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours.

• Complete the entry formalities while the guides and porters prepare the equipment.

• Drive up a steep path to Shira Gate, where the hike begins. The trek from the gate to Simba Camp passes through shrubs and giant heather.

• Lunch will be served en route, either as a hot lunch or a packed lunch.

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

• Explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau.

• Take the scenic path to Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles.

• Settle at Shira 2 Camp.

• Lunch will be served en route, either as a hot lunch or a packed lunch.

• Move eastwards along a ridge before turning south towards Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation rising 300 ft high.

• Descend through the beautiful Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 13,000 ft.

Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 2 hours

Habitat: Heath

• Enjoy a gentle ascent and panoramic views while walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach.

• Have lunch at Lava Tower (14,900 ft).

• Walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach.

• This afternoon excursion is highly recommended for acclimatisation and for the incredible views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach.

Lava Tower Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

Distance: 7 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Descend into a ravine at the foot of the Great Barranco Wall.

• Climb a 900 ft cliff, which is non-technical but steep.

• Descend sharply into the Karanga Valley from the Barranco Wall.

• Cross a series of hills and valleys.

• Continue on a steep climb that leads to Karanga Camp.

• Lunch will be served en route, either as a hot lunch or a packed lunch.

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

• Continue up the rocky section to Barafu Hut. This point marks the completion of the southern circuit and offers excellent views of the summit from different angles.

• Make camp, have dinner, and rest for the remainder of the day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

• Lunch will be served en route, either as a hot lunch or a packed lunch.

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km/2 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Head toward the summit around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation can be extreme. Taking frequent short breaks, ascend in the darkness for two, three, or more hours until reaching Stella Point at an elevation of 18,900 ft.

• Witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises over Mawenzi Peak at Gilman Point.

• Descend straight down to the Mweka Hut Camp Site. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

• Stop at Barafu for lunch.

• Enjoy the last dinner on the mountain.

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

• Continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy.

• Head from the gate to Mweka village, which takes around an hour.

• Transfer by vehicle to Moshi or Arusha.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

• Get dropped off at the airport from the hotel.