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This route starts at Londorossi Gate. From
the trailhead, the trail heads East across the center of Shira
Plateau, where it is often likely to spot big game, such as
elephant and buffalo. The route then joins up with the Machame
Route at Shira Camp and approaches the summit via Stella Point,
descending via Mweka Camp. Overnight are in camping tents. The
Shira Plateau is very beautiful with good views of the Western
Glaciers. There are several fine minor summits to be climbed;
the Shira Needle can be gained by a scramble and provides a nice
viewpoint. This route is sometimes used to drive up to a high
altitude on the Shira Plateau. The roadhead at about 3600m is
about 6-7 hours drive from Moshi (depending on weather
conditions, if it is wet the track beyond the Londorossi
National Park gate, 2250m, could become impassable.)
Day 1: Mti Mkubwa campsite 2100- 2750m, 3 hours) Drive from
Moshi or Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate (2250m, 2 hours).
From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to
Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes or more if you want or
have to walk) and a possible campsite. Continue along muddy
forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3
hours).
Day 2: Shira Hut/cave 2750m to 3800m About 4
hours We continue along the moors; depending on the schedule,
fitness and acclimatization we can sleep either at the Shira 1
campsite (3500m), the Shira Cave (3600m or at the Shira plateau
(3800m) . This day can be cut into 2 separate days for an easier
climb with better acclimatisation.
Day 3: Barranco Hut 3840m to 3860m About 6
hours From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east, passing
the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our
direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower,
called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to
the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at
an altitude of 4,876 meters. We now continue down to the
Barranco Hut at an altitude of 3,860 meters. Here we rest, enjoy
dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same
elevation as when you started, this day is very important for
acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Day 4: To Karanga Valley 3860m to 4200m About
4 hours After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a
steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, which requires scrambling
but is not too technical. We continue through the Karanga Valley
(4200m) where our camp will be located.
Day 5: Barafu Hut 4200 to 4600m About 4 hours
We pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We
continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of
4,600 meters. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers
views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make
camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The
two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.
Day 6: Summit and Mweka Hut 4600m to 5895m
(and down to 3100m) About 11 hours Early morning, we continue
our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,985 meters. This part
of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night
at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the
hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.
At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount
Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see
the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our
descent continuing straight down to the Millennium camp at 3800m
or the Mweka Hut camp site at 3,100 meters. This part of the
descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking
poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we
enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut --
the only place on this route.
Day 7: Moshi 3100m to 1830m About 4 hours
After breakfast. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park
Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and
trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be
plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A
vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to
hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and
porters. End of tour
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