MT. KILIMANJARO SHIRA ROUTE 8 days Activities: Trekking Difficulty: Moderate to Adventurous Max Elevation: 5,895m/ 19,340 ft at summit Meal: Full board on trek Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi/ tent on trek Transportation: Luxury shuttle T: +254-721-762080, +254-734-529094 info@alpineadventures.co.ke www.alpineadventures.co.ke
KILIMANJARO 5,895m/ 19,340 ft TRIP OVERVIEW Mount Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. The view of this majestic mountain's gigantic snowcapped summit dome, rising high above the surrounding savannah is one of Africa's classic images. At 5895 meters (19,344ft), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, attracting trekkers and climbers from every corner of the world. The attraction is even greater because with time and adequate preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical mountaineering equipment or experience. The Kilimanjaro massif has two main peak areas: Kibo, the flat topped dome at the centre of the massif, and Mawenzi a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side. The top of Kibo dips inwards to form a crater which cannot be seen from below. Although Mount Kilimanjaro lies just three degrees south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice. The highest point on Kibo and the whole Kilimanjaro massif is Uhuru Peak. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman's Point, both are goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only. Kilimanjaro has been designated as a National Park by the government of Tanzania.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY FOR 8 DAYS KILIMANJARO (SHIRA ROUTE) The Shira Route is an unspoilt, remote, rarely used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. This route should only be attempted by those who are already acclimatized, or incredibly fit. Climbers using Shira Plateau route often report sightings of elephants, buffalos and other large game. In most cases you will be accompanied by an armed ranger for the first section of the climb due to the presence of wildlife. This route is not recommended by first-time visitors to the mountain. Day 1: Depart from Nairobi for Moshi. Our trip begins with an early start! You will be transferred from your hotel to the shuttle bus at 7.30 am to soon be on the Namanga highway, making our way towards the border. On the way we will pass the Athi river cement factory and various rose and cattle farms at Kitengela & Kajiado. Soon we will arrive at the Namanga border amidst the hustle & bustle. On completion of the formalities, we now drive into Tanzania and make our way to Moshi via Arusha. 6 hours later, we will check in to our hotel in Moshi for over-night stay. After dinner, you will be met by our chief guide for a pre-climb briefing and to attend to any other questions or queries that you may have. Day 2: Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2100m/6,890ft) to Forest camp (2750m/9000ft) Hiking time: 4-5 hrs Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 2-hour drive from Moshi (910m) to Londorossi Park Gate (2100m/6,890ft). By the time we arrive at the park gate, we will have already gained close to 1,110m in elevation. As our porters and guides make their final preparations, you can visit the nearby village for any last minute purchases of mineral water etc. From here, we start our ascent towards the Forest Camp through the lush green forests. After a lunch break and a total of 4-5 hours, we arrive at the Forest campsite (2,750m/9000ft) for dinner and overnight. Your tents will be set up by the time you arrive. You will be served with a cup of tea/coffee as you freshen up. After dinner, we retire into our tents for the night.
Day 3: Forest camp (2750m/9000ft) to Shira Camp 2 (3840m/12,599ft) Hiking time: 6-7 hours After an early breakfast, we continue on the trail ascending to the edge of the forest. An hour into the climb, the trail steepens as we enter the Giant heather moorland. Due to the abundance of the melting water from above, we cross several streams en-route. As the climb eases up, we make our way across the Shira plateau leading to Shira Camp 2. Rising above the clouds, we are now able to see the stunning views of the Western Breach and its glaciers rising mighty in the eastern direction. Upon arrival, you can freshen up as you enjoy the colours at sunset. Due to its exposed nature, Shira Camp 2 tends to be even colder than the previous night so be prepared. Dinner and over-night at Shira camp 2. Day 4: Shira (3840m)/Lava Tower (4630m) to Barranco camp (3950m) Distance: About 15 km, Hiking time: 7 hours After breakfast, we make our way eastwards towards Lava tower standing amidst the rocky semi-desert landscape. A 4-5 hour walk brings us to the base of this tower as we reach an altitude of 4,630, the highest elevation for the day. Here we will stop for lunch and a short rest. Staying true to proper acclimatization, we now make a significant descent of 700m to Barranco campsite. As the path snakes towards Barranco, this 2 hour descent gives you a great time to take some breathtaking photos of the Western Breach. On reaching Barranco camp site, the sheer might of the Barranco wall becomes evident as it prepares you for what s in store for the next day. This campsite, tucked away between the Barranco wall and the Western Breach offers, some great scenic views as we prepare to unwind and rest for the night. Day 5: Barranco camp (3950m) to Barafu camp (4550m) Hiking time: 7 hours, Distance: About 13 km After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall, you make your way up this imposing hurdle which surprisingly for many, turns out easier than what you might have anticipated. Leaving the wall behind, we will now be able to appreciate the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro a lot more. Our trek continues downwards through the Karanga Valley over criss-crossing ridges and valleys, eventually merging up the Mweka route. This is also our descent route after our summit bid. An hour further and we will reach Barafu hut after a fairly steep climb. Despite its name, Barafu (meaning ice in Swahili) is a totally exposed campsite with tents pitched on the stony narrow ridges. At Barafu, one realizes the true scope of Kilimanjaro. We will be making the summit ascent the same night so getting a good night s rest and preparing your gear is imperative. Prepare your equipment, ski stick and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed as early as possible and try to get some precious rest and sleep in preparation for the big night ahead. Day 6: Barafu camp (4550m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Mweka (3100m) About 7 km's ascent - 23 km's descent, Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak,7/8 hours to descend to Mweka You will be woken up by our guides with some tea & biscuits around 11.30p.m as we prepare to leave for the summit. Expect temperatures to be close to freezing. We will make our way up towards Stella point at the crater rim through the heavy scree. This 6-7 hour ascent for many tends to be the most challenging. At Stella Point (5,685m) we will stop for a short rest and witness the most breathtaking sunrise you are ever likely to see. In most seasons, the path from Stella Point to Uhuru is covered with snow. This 1-2 hour ascent to Uhuru is gradual and the sight of the summit board drives us to our goal. We suggest that you keep your time on the summit to a minimum due to cold and fatigue. After much deserved celebrations and photos, we start our descent to Barafu taking around 3 hours. Here, a hearty breakfast awaits you as you catch a short rest, re-pack you gear and prepare to descend to Mweka Hut (3100m). As we descend, the transitions in habitat keep us engrossed as we cross from rock & scree to moorland and further into the rain forest. Mweka camp is
situated on the upper sections of the forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. You can freshen up as our porters prepare a hearty meal for you before you retire for the night. Day 7: Mweka camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m) to Moshi. Distance: Approx 15 km, Hiking time: 3 hours After an early and well-deserved breakfast, we make a 3 hour descent back to Mweka park gate. On arrival, you will be required to sign in and register. Also all successful climbers receive their summit certificates here. At the park gate, we will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to our hotel in Moshi for a much awaited hot shower. Dinner & over-night in Moshi. Day 8: Moshi to Nairobi After a much deserved rest & breakfast, you are picked by our shuttle for departure to Nairobi once again through the Namanga border. Depending on time of departure, we should be in Nairobi in 6-7 hours. From here you are transferred to your hotel as we part ways until our next adventure together. END OF TRIP
IMPORTANT NOTES Our trek is managed by a team of professionally trained leaders/guides who are responsible for all aspects of operation of the trek. We will make every effort to keep the treks as per the proposed itinerary, however as this is an adventure travel, the itinerary will be subject to external factors. Weather conditions and health conditions of members of the trekking team can be a factor compelling us to change the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to the itinerary, but please be prepared to be flexible when and if it is necessary. We always recommend you to have one/two additional nights in Nairobi before/after your trek which would ensure you have adequate time even if your trip delays. If everything runs smoothly as per the plan, you can use these days for additional activities like city tours, visit to the national parks, white water rafting etc according to your interest. An Additional Day for acclimatization can be added to the above itinerary on request. An additional cost would apply.
MT. KILIMANJARO SHIRA ROUTE 8 days COST East African residents: From USD 680* Non-residents: From USD 1530* *Price is based on a minimum of 8 pax. Rates for smaller groups can be availed on request Trip Cost Includes: 2 nights accommodation in Moshi on half board basis Park entrance fees Camping fees Guides and porters All meals on the Mountain on Full board basis Light Dome tents Mess tent (dinning) if 4 pax or more Luxury shuttle to/ from Nairobi Transfers to/ from Moshi to Londorrosi park gate Certificate on completion (upon reaching Stella or Uhuru) Trip Cost Excludes: Tips to guide & porters Mountain Equipment Any items of personal nature such as beverages, laundry, phone calls, insurance International flights, visas & airport taxes (if applicable) Travel and rescue insurance (although we can refer you to a mountain rescue insurer upon request) Any extending trips How to book: In order to confirm your booking, you will be required to pay a 20% deposit of the trip value as it enables us to make pre-trip arrangements on your behalf. The remaining payment will be required before your trip commences. Payment can be made by cash, telegraphic transfer to our bank account or by travellers cheques. Please contact us for more information on your mode of payment. CONTACT US TODAY! Alpine Adventures Ltd P.O. Box: 41452, Nairobi, Kenya-00100 Tel: +254 (0) 721-762080/ 734-529094 sales@alpineadventures.co.ke www.alpineadventures.co.ke T: +254-721-762080, +254-734-529094 info@alpineadventures.co.ke www.alpineadventures.co.ke