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Tanzania · Trekking
The journey
Trek the Shira Route on Mount Kilimanjaro for a rewarding climb to Africa's highest peak. This 10-day adventure begins in Arusha and follows a scenic approach across the Shira Plateau, with acclimatization stops at Moir Hut, Barranco Valley, Karanga Camp, and Barafu Camp before the summit push to Uhuru Peak. Along the way, enjoy majestic views of the Kibo Icefield, Shira Cathedral, Lava Tower, the Great Barranco Wall, and sunrise over Mawenzi. With expert mountain guides, camping support, meals on the mountain, and airport transfers included, this trek is designed to give you the best chance of a successful summit.
A steady pace will bring you to the rim of the main crater at Stella Point, 5,735 m, where you can rest for a few minutes and enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Stay at Arusha Safari Lodge, a beautiful hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Meru and a perfect place to prepare for the adventure.
Gather in the evening at 5:30 pm for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check. Confirm that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.
After breakfast at the hotel in Arusha, drive for approximately 2 hours through the rural countryside to Londorossi Gate. Complete the necessary park registration formalities at the Londorossi National Park gate, then drive a short distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations to the start of the Shira Route.
Begin your ascent through shrub forest with your mountain guide as the trail climbs steadily, offering wide views of the Kibo Icefield before reaching the rim of the Shira Plateau.
Londorossi Gate to Shira One Camp (3,550 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Today, follow an easy path to the summit of Shira Cathedral before continuing to the next camp at Shira Hut. As this camp is quite exposed, it can be substantially colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping well below freezing.
Shira Camp One to Shira Hut (3,840 m): 4-5 hours walking.
In the morning, cross part of the plateau through lush heather and moorland, then continue into the expansive high savannah desert before reaching Moir Hut in the alpine zone. For extra acclimatization, you can take a walk to the higher ground around the camp, where the views are superb. Lunch will be served at Fisher Camp.
In the afternoon, take an acclimatization walk up onto the Lent Hills, whose summit stands at 4,700 meters.
Shira Hut to Moir Hut (4,200 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Today, walk on a gentle ascent and enjoy panoramic views. Traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing beneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After a hot lunch, continue to the bottom of the Lava Tower at 4,600 m.
Descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco Valley at 3,900 m.
Moir Hut to Barranco Valley (3,900 m): 5-7 hours walking.
A steep climb up the eastern wall leads you just below the Heim Glacier, where you may have spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Then take the steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates this area from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, followed by a steep climb up to Karanga Camp.
Barranco Valley to Karanga Camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Today, take the Traverse Route up the Barafu Ridge and walk quite slowly to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Wake up before midnight under the cover of darkness. Begin a steep climb over loose volcanic scree with well-graded zigzags. A steady pace will bring you to the rim of the main crater at Stella Point, 5,735 m, where you can rest for a few minutes and enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those still feeling strong can continue slowly along the crater rim to the main peak at 5,895 m, making the two-hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After a few minutes to appreciate your accomplishment, descend quickly to Barafu Camp and stop for some refreshment.
Continue descending to reach Mweka Camp.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
Take a gentle walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Successful climbers will receive their summit certificates.
After lunch, drive back to Arusha Safari Lodge.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Safari Lodge: bed, dinner, and breakfast included.
After saying goodbye to your team of guides, take your private departure transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight, unless you choose the option of a short safari or another extension.
Where this trip takes you
Shira Plateau, Kibo Icefield, Lava Tower, sunrise over Mawenzi
The route
The fine print
Tanzania VAT on tourism activities and park fees
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha and from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included (double occupancy)
Bed, dinner, and breakfast included
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only - not as a summiting aid)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables, and sleeping mattress)
Water for washing up daily
Porter to carry your duffel bag (maximum weight 15 kg / 32 lbs) from one camp to the next
Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt
A comprehensive Climbing Kilimanjaro travel info pack
Flying Doctor Service
Flights and airport taxes
Items of a personal nature
Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cook (average tip is anything from US $230 to US $300 per hiker - depending on the number of days, how many hikers are in the group, and the route chosen)
South African passport holders do not require a visa for Tanzania; however, most other nationalities require a visa for Tanzania
Health requirements (Yellow Fever compulsory if travelling to Tanzania; recommended)
Highly recommended travel and medical insurance
Personal hiking/trekking gear - some gear can be rented from our equipment store in Tanzania
Optional, but highly recommended, portable toilet
Snacks, personal medicine, and water-purifying tablets
Meals and drinks not specified, and snacks
MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREKKING ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
Solid hiking boots - Boots should have high ankle support with a solid Vibram®, or equivalent, sole. Gore Tex®, or other waterproofing, is recommended for wet days as well as added insulation. Be sure to break your boots in at least 4 weeks prior to departure. Additionally, bring a spare set of laces.
Sun glasses - Your sunglasses should have 100% UV protection and should reduce glare as well as visible light. The frames should be lightweight with a wrap-around design for enhanced grip and staying power. Additionally, side shields are recommended to block peripheral light.
Day pack - The most important things to look for if you need to purchase one are size (30L is good), hydration pack compatibility, hip and chest straps, an internal frame, good padding on the shoulder straps, and water bottle holders.
Water/windproof jacket - Your water/windproof jacket is your outer water-repellent layer. Gore-Tex, seam-sealed fabric is recommended, as well as a hood for added warmth.
Water/windproof pants - Your water/windproof pants will be worn on summit day as well as on rainy afternoons. These pants are essential for warmth and should be Gore-Tex lined and have lower leg zips.
Water/windproof mittens or gloves - These are used for extreme temperatures and are primarily worn on summit day. Be sure your gloves or mittens have a wrist cord as well as a reinforced palm to maintain grip during wet conditions. A removable liner is essential for drying, washing, and replacing.
2 large duffel bags - One will be left at the hotel in Arusha to store non-essential gear when on the mountain, such as clean clothes for changing when off the mountain and for onward travel, and the other will be carried by the porters on the mountain.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT THE ESSENTIALS
Look for items that will add less volume to your overall pack. We will be using porters to carry our equipment; however, they are limited in the amount each can carry. Heavy synthetic materials will be very limiting and could cause issues when packing for the hike.
2 pairs of synthetic warm-weather trekking socks - These socks are for trekking in the warmest part of the day since they are made of Coolmax® fabric. Coolmax® wicks moisture, dries quickly, and breathes well, keeping your feet dry and helping to prevent blisters.
4 pairs of heavier synthetic or wool-blend socks - Your wool socks are ideal for around camp when the temperature drops, as well as on cold mornings. Merino wool is very comfortable and dries quickly with fewer odours than synthetic blends.
2 pairs of long underwear tops - This will be your base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days when the temperature drops considerably. The material should be lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.
2 pairs of long underwear bottoms - This will be your bottom base layer for colder mornings, evenings, and days when the temperature drops considerably. The material should be lightweight, tight-fitting, moisture-wicking, and comfortable.
Warm pants - These pants are ideal for evenings around camp and cold days on the trail. Typically made of lightweight fleece and Wind Pro material, they should offer added warmth in case of cold nights or high winds on the summit.
Fleece top - This Polartec® 200-weight top will provide added warmth during the evenings as well as on cold morning starts. Please look for fleece material and stay away from cotton sweatshirts. Ideally, this item is worn over the thermal base layer and underneath your water/windproof jacket.
2 pairs of shorts/pants for hiking - These convertible shorts/pants will be what we hike in every day. They should be made of lightweight, quick-drying nylon material. Some come with UPF protection and mosquito protection.
2 pairs of long- or short-sleeve shirts for the trail - Your trekking shirt is what you should wear early in the climb in warmer climates. The shirt should be moisture-wicking, lightweight, and designed for multi-day hikes.
Mid-layer top - This shirt is a long-sleeve version of the one provided above. The long-sleeve trail shirt offers added warmth, more protection from the sun, and an additional layer for evenings and early morning starts.
Warm hat - This fleece or wool hat is ideal for evenings and will be valuable in cold weather and on the summit. The hat should be tight-fitting with minimal loose ends.
Lightweight gloves - Fleece gloves are essential. Look for gloves that are Polartec® 200 weight with a leather-reinforced palm. For more protection, windproofing is available and will add an extra layer of warmth.
Balaclava - The balaclava provides added warmth on summit day and during colder evenings. It should be made of synthetic or wool material, lightweight, and close-fitting.
Sun hat - Your sun hat should be worn at the lower camps and should provide ample coverage for the face. A full-brimmed hat is good for added shade and increased sun protection. Additionally, a neck scarf should also be considered to protect the back of the neck.
Waterproof breathable gaiters - Your gaiters should be lightweight and durable. Look for Gore-Tex lining with the ability to fit over your boots. Velcro or adjustable sides for easy access are recommended.
Down jacket - An 800-fill down jacket will add much-needed warmth for cold evenings as well as extra layers for summit day. Down is recommended for its compressibility and comfort around camp in the early nights of the climb. Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Marmot, and North Face are brands the guides wear.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
Head lamp - Petzl® and Black Diamond® make several models of small and efficient headlamps. Look for ones that have multiple lighting levels, LED bulbs, and use AAA batteries.
Please bring at least 3 sets of spare batteries to ensure ample lighting on your summit attempt.
Camp shoes (Teva, Crocs, sandals) - These are great for around camp after a long day on the trail. They can also be used for creek crossings that may be higher than the boot. Flip-flops work well in warmer climates but are not as effective during cold nights.
Hydrator - Hydrators are ideal when hiking for several hours because they enable you to drink slowly and frequently. A 2-3 litre size is good and should fit easily into your pack. All Camelbaks® come with a bite valve, or on/off switch, as well as a large access port for filling. You must bring a neoprene sleeve for the hose to prevent freezing.
Bug spray - DEET-based products work well, and we find that spray-on versions last longer and are less messy. Repellents of 4-6 ounces that are perspiration- and splash-resistant are great.
Sun screen - SPF 30 or higher is recommended, as well as waterproof and sweatproof protection. 8 ounces will be plenty, and we typically carry one with 45+ SPF for our faces and 30 SPF for other exposed areas. Banana Boat, REI, Kinesis, and All-Terrain are good options.
2 wide-mouth water bottles - A 1-litre water bottle is essential for hydrating at lunch, around camp, and refilling throughout the day. Stay away from glass and heavy metals, and look for lexan® for durability.
For males, a third water bottle should be considered for use as a potty at night and must be labelled accordingly.
Pillow - A Thermarest® pillow that compresses down or folds into itself is ideal. A good benchmark for size and weight is 18 x 14 inches and 9 ounces total.
Dry bag - A 20 litre+ dry bag is great for ensuring your personal items are safe in case of rain. Cameras, wallets, money, and any other valuables can be kept dry at all times.
Pack cover - The pack cover is an additional item we recommend everyone carry in case of heavy rain. It should have a drawstring cord and elastic edges to fit firmly over your bag. A 40-litre cover will work well on any day pack.
Trekking poles - Collapsible poles are great for steep downhill terrain and assistance uphill. If you have knee problems, they reduce the impact on your joints by 20-30%. A nice soft foam grip will help prevent blisters, and poles with an aluminium shaft are durable and lightweight.
Camp towel - The camp towel should be made of a polyester-nylon blend that dries quickly and compacts tightly in your pack. The large size (50 x 27 inches) is a good option and can be used to wash up at the end of the day. Stay away from house or beach towels.
OPTIONAL ITEMS:
Camera
Paperback book
Journal with pen or pencil
Personal first aid kit (band-aids, moleskin or second skin, Ibuprofen, Aspirin)
Hand sanitizer
Sani-wipes
Hand and feet warmers (2X) - Gel/air activated are best
Bandanna
Cell phone with solar charger, for example a solar monkey charger, since tri- and quad-band phones work on Kilimanjaro
Flavoured chocolate/energy bars for snacks
A supply of rehydrate sachets
2 extra garbage bags for waterproofing and separating dirty laundry
Earplugs
iPod or MP3 player
Pocket knife
Water-flavouring to mask the iodine taste in the purified water
All airport transfers are part of the package, and no extra fees are required.
THE BEST MONTHS TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO.
Normally, March, April, and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided.
November usually has short rains, but it does not often rain every day, so climbing is possible.
The best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February, and also August and September.
July can be colder, and November to December can be wet.
January to February are the warmest months, with skies almost clear of clouds each evening and morning.
The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top.
SUMMIT SUCCESS RATES: GILMAN'S POINT (98%). UHURU PEAK (96%).
Logistics
Your 10 days finish where they began, in Arusha.
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