8 Days Shira Route

Full Itinerary

Price from 3240 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms

DETAILED VIEW OVERVIEW

Day 1

Arrival

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon your arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by your Tanzania Tribe Safari representative who will transfer you to your Hotel in Arusha. In the evening your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Day 2

Shira Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation (ft): 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath

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.

Day 3

Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation (ft): 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Habitat: Heath

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.

Day 4

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Elevation (ft): 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

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.

Day 5

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

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 steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 6

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

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.

Day 7

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 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 (ft): 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

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.

Day 8

Departure

After breakfast and rest, we will Transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for those returning home.

Tour Accommodation

Tanzania Kilimanjaro

Arrival

Overview

A small, intimate camp with just ten large, comfortable safari cabins offering high standards of accommodation and service, Oliver’s Camp is located in the quiet, animal-rich eastern sector of Tarangire National Park. The camp is uniquely licensed to offer walking tours and night game drives (both at additional cost) within the national park for the opportunity of incredible encounters with elephants and other big game as well as the smaller creatures.

The spacious guest tents are furnished in a traditional African style and raised on wooden platforms sheltered under thatch roofs. There are mosquito nets and spray, a radio (to contact reception), a torch, digital safe, solar powered lights and a large canvas wardrobe. Each tent has a private deck with sun loungers and a private bathroom. There is also a special honeymoon and family cabin available. There are no power sockets in the tents: batteries can be charged in the main tent.

Inside the main communal tent is a communal dining table and comfortable lounge area. Meals are delicious and mainly a mix of African and continental dishes.

The lodge also provides a complimentary laundry service and local drinks.

Facilities

Restaurant, lounge, private bathrooms, solar-powered lighting, digital safe, mosquito net and spray.

Local Wildlife

The park is famous for its large numbers of elephant, particularly in the dry season. Buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, greater kudu and eland can also be easily seen here. There is a small population of tree-climbing lion and African wild dog. Leopards are widespread throughout the park. The very rare fringe-eared oryx can be seen on occasion. African rock python is often found resting in acacia trees close to wetlands near Silale: other reptiles include puff adders, Speke’s hinged and pancake tortoises. Birdlife is also impressive and includes secretary bird, martial and crested eagles and the endemic yellow-collared lovebird.

Optional Activities

Game drives and walking safaris, plus optional night drives (at an additional cost)

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Tanzania Kilimanjaro

Shira Gate

Overview

Perched on the rim and affording spectacular views of the world famous Ngorongoro crater floor below, the ivy-clad Ngorongoro Serena Lodge offers good rooms, friendly service, well run facilities and delicious food.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is actually built into the rim of the crater itself, with the foliage-covered native stone of the lodge blending into the surrounding hillside. The views of the crater will certainly take your breath away: the 75 rooms, bar and restaurant all overlook the picturesque valley below. The rooms have attractive wooden floors and are decorated with ancient cave art. Each features modern en suite bathrooms, patios and heating as the temperatures can significantly drop here at night.

The main building contains a large restaurant, bar, gift shop, TV area and an attractive outside decking area, perfect for relaxing while admiring the view. There are buffets for breakfast and lunch but an a la carte menu is available for dinner.

Beside the exciting safaris within the crater, there are numerous walks and activities one can do from the lodge including visits to local tribal villages.

Within Ngorongoro crater is a diverse ecosystem representing nearly every habitat found in East Africa. Open grasslands are inhabited by wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah and black rhino; acacia woodland provides cover for leopards; swamps supply the food for elephants and buffalos; freshwater pools harbour hippos; and a small soda lake is a feeding ground for flocks of flamingos. In addition there are small outcrops of rocks which give shade for lions and even an highly arid area of shifting sand dunes.

Facilities

Restaurant, bar, lounge, TV room, gift shop, heating and private bathrooms.

Local Wildlife

Large game is abundant and includes elephant, black rhino, buffalo, zebra, gazelle, impala, eland, waterbuck, lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena. Smaller species often seen in the crater include serval, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, dwarf and slender mongooses and olive baboons. The crater is regarded as one of the best places in all Africa to see the highly endangered black rhinoceros.

Optional Activities

Game drives within the crater and guided walks along the rim. Cultural activities are also available including visits to local tribal villages.

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Tanzania Kilimanjaro

Simba Camp

Overview

Embodying all that is great in East Africa bush camping, Serengeti Safari Camp is a gem of a lodge. Six beautifully equipped safari tents provide accommodation for just 12 guests creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Candlelit bush dinners, good standards of service and some of the best guides in Africa all go to complete the safari experience. The lodge switches its location throughout the year putting it in the very best position for the migration. For this reason the camp is one of the best options for those hoping to view some of the most spectacular events of the migration such as river crossings.

The camp itself is actually quite simple but the quality of food and service is first class. There are two communal tents, one is a comfortable lounge and the second is the dining tent where delicious and well-presented dinners are taken. Breakfast and lunch are usually taken out in the field. There are six private and spacious guest tents, each with a table and chairs and large double bed. Behind the beds is a changing area, sink, towel rack and bucket shower with hot water available on request. Storm lanterns powered by solar power provide lighting and there is a torch and alarm for emergency attention.

The locations of the camp around the park have to be agreed well in advance with the park authorities – thus the unpredictable route of the migration means that sometimes a drive is necessary to reach the best spots for wildlife observation.

Facilities

Dining room, lounge, private bucket shower (hot water available on request), solar powered lighting and laundry service.

Local Wildlife

Serengeti Safari Camp aims to position itself in the best locations to witness the wildebeest migration during its peak times. The plains of the Serengeti also support an exceptional diversity of other large game throughout the year with elephant, hippo, black rhino, giraffe, buffalo, eland, Thompson’s and grant’s gazelles, Burchell’s zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and many more frequently seen.

Optional Activities

Game drives directly from the camp.

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Tanzania Kilimanjaro

Shira 2 Camp

Overview

With a stunning position on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Indian Ocean and one of the best beaches on the island of Zanzibar, Matemwe Lodge provides exceptionally stylish accommodation and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Each of the twelve large, detached bungalows is exquisitely furnished with local fabrics, wooden floors, king-size beds and handmade furniture. Each has private facilities and a large balcony overlooking the sea with hammocks and wooden chairs. Other room facilities include free Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, tea and coffee facilities, and room and laundry service.

Service is relaxed but efficient and the restaurant serves excellent fresh seafood dishes. There are two swimming pools, a small bar built around an old dhow and well maintained gardens which attract bush babies and many birds. There is also a full service spa on site as well as an array of optional activities. Swimming is good off the lodge’s beach at high tide.

Facilities

Restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming pool, private bathroom, laundry service, free Wi-Fi, spa, gift shop and room service.

Local Wildlife

Zanzibar bush babies visit the gardens after dark and a wide variety of birds and colourful butterflies can be seen during the day. Mnembe Atoll offers outstanding snorkelling and diving with a plethora of hard and soft corals, numerous reef fish, eels, reef sharks and green and hawksbill turtles.

Optional Activities

Excursions to Mnembe Atoll. Cultural activities including visits to local villages, historic Stone Town, the Jozani forest and prison island.

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Route Map

Include

Transport fees to and from Kilimanjaro Airport and your accommodation in Arusha
2 nights of stay at a hotel in Arusha
Transfer to and from the Kilimanjaro Gate
Machameain guides, cooks, and porters who are both professional and friendly
Hot meals served three times per day
Ample amachame of treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Set fair wages for the machameain crew which are approved by the Kilimanjaro Association of
Tour Operators (KIATO), and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro
Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)Government taxes
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit

Exclude

Lunch, dinner, and drink at your hotel both before and after your climb
International Flights
Visa Fees
Vaccination
Laundry
Gear for your climb
A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent. It can be rented at $70 for the entire trek
Items of personal nature

8 Days Shira Route

TourOVERVIEW

Arrival

Overview

Swimming Pool

Air Conditioning

Rooms

Facilities

Local Wildlife

Optional Activities

Shira Gate

Overview

Swimming Pool

Air Conditioning

Rooms

Facilities

Local Wildlife

Optional Activities

Simba Camp

Overview

Swimming Pool

Air Conditioning

Rooms

Facilities

Local Wildlife

Optional Activities

Shira 2 Camp

Overview

Swimming Pool

Air Conditioning

Rooms

Facilities

Local Wildlife

Optional Activities

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8 DAYS SHIRA ROUTE

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7 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE

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