7-Day Kilimanjaro Shira Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where we complete the entry formalities while the guides and porters prepare the equipment. We then continue up a steep path to Moram, the starting point of the hike. The trek begins through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Shira 1 Camp.

Today is a fairly easy day designed to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the plateau's grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations. Then we take a scenic path to Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.

We continue east up a ridge and then head southeast toward Lava Tower, a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude benefits acclimatization.

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb leads us up to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

We leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day - the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent but short breaks.

Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we descend, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The rocky trail can be 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. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

After breakfast, we descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.