The Shira Route is truly picturesque and unspoilt with the possibility of sighting wild game along the forest section. This route is a superior option for trekkers seeking a quiet route away from the crowds.The Shira route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route. A vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge.
On the first day on the mountain, climbers begin their hike from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and spend their first night at the same elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho and follows the southern circuit route.
Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, itsrelaively high altitude of Shira's starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Ultimate Kilimanjaro® offers Shira as a seven or eight day private climb. The eight day variation adds a stay at Moir Hut on day three before going to Barranco Camp on day four.
You must have been thinking, that why travelers chose Tanzania to full fill their trekking dreams? The simplest answer is the grandiose Mount Kilimanjaro and the majestic Mount Meru. As, a climber, here you can get the best opportunity to climb one of the elevated peaks of Africa and experience some of the thrill-seeking activities as well. . Welcome to the magnificent land of Tanzania.
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Hiking time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Habitat: Heath
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
Hiking time: 2 hours
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Habitat: Heath
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down 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 higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
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 up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Hiking time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. 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 are ever likely to 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 now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; 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.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
If you are in the planning of Mount Kilimanjaro then here is the information that you may need. The eastern African mecca Kilimanjaro is the highest peak of Africa and t the world’s largest free-standing Mountain [5895 m]. The time of browsing the list for the trekking, you need to know your requirements first. Then go with your essentials.
Bring your Airline tickets (confirmation and itinerary), International health card (immunizations listed), Passport photos (2), valid passport.
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Heading out for the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro trek is awe-inspiring. Each day hike may be a delightful gift to exploring nature with friends and family, or maybe by yourself. Whether the rocky sleepy routes or the time of daunted decision to take, to travel deep into the mountains or stay closer to home, these places are the one-stop destination. Routes and national parks offer broad networks for trails, and here you can get the opportunity to explore. But the excursion needs some of the important gear to trek.
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Before you head towards the grandiose Mount Kilimanjaro, you need to aware of certain facts. Acute altitude sickness is additionally mentioned as “Altitude Sickness”, and because the name indicates the illness is usually encountered at exceptionally high altitudes, like the summit area of Kilimanjaro. AMS, once apparent, are often most effectively treated by immediately taking the affected person to a lower altitude. You need to consult before the trek. The symptoms of AMS include within the order normally experienced; headaches, nausea, anorexia, exhaustion, lassitude, rapid pulse, insomnia, swelling of the hands and feet and reduced urine output. Here you can take the recommended dosage of Diamox. Climbers can take precautions to a minimum of minimizing the severity of the illness, by maintaining a slow steady pace from day one, including an additional day of acclimatization at a high altitude and by drinking a minimum of 3-4 liters of water a day.
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If you’ll be climbing the highest best peak in Africa. Which is the highest elevated peak of this country? The food that fuels you is an important ingredient in your summit success. Kilimanjaro serves the best at its trekkers. What’s important for your meals on the climb? First, the food should be nutritious. Isn’t it? Meals should be high in calories with the right balance of complex carbohydrates, protein. If you want you can customize the entire food. And therefore the proper of fats to assist sustain your increased level of exertion. Your kind-hearted porters will make you the delicious meals during the excursion. We’ve designed our menus to incorporate the proper nutrition to stay you happening the climb, with three good meals each day, plus tasty trail snacks—the simple sugars in this help provide a lift of energy to stay you going.
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Once you’ll on the Grandiose Mountain of Kilimanjaro, your systematized guides and porters should be essential to your excursion. First is your willpower then you’ll the important factors contributing to a successful summit at such higher elevation are Guides and Porters. For the duration of your Kilimanjaro trek, your guide is going to be your advisor, he will lead you to the summit, and he will bring down safely again. That is the most vital step towards success. It’ll be crucial that you simply work closely with him and follow their notable advice.
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The camping facilities, tents, and toilets on Kilimanjaro are a daunted job to do. If you’re heading toward the majestic mountain Kilimanjaro, then the private toilet camp is necessary. At such higher elevation, you may have faced some health-related issues, while using the public toilet. Then it will be a better idea to bring your own personal, and safe toilet tent. Most of the climbing organizations offer their climbers the option of taking portable loo up the mountain. These are nifty little devices that come with their mini tent, and make your nature’s call easier.
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How can I climb Kilimanjaro?
Trekking to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro will be your one of the finest decision of life. You need to set a date and book your accommodation, flight, and drive, before the trip. Then get connect with the best travel organiser or the trekking company. And from here they will take all your responsibility on the mountain or during the excursion.
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To climb the stunning Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the foremost desired adventures. And if you’re heading towards the mountain, then you need to carry some essential gadgets with you. That is on the highest of the many trekkers and adventure lovers bucket lists. Thus you should focus on your priorities. Kilimanjaro Trekking isn't only something that needs good physical training but also it needs little good preparation before the trek
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Tipping on Kilimanjaro always seems to be a daunted job. The more you get to know more, the more you’ll confuse. You should know one thing that, there is no right or wrong way to tip your guides. Because it varies company to another. The first concern is, why you need a perfect guide on the mountain? And the answer should be the practical one. A leader leads the path. And if you are committed to the summit, then you need the experienced guide. They’ll instruct you the easiest way to reach your destination.
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Tailor-Made tours are bespoke adventures meaning you can choose everything from the level of accommodation you sleep in to how you travel on a tour of your choice.
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