Kilimanjaro Shira Trek
Tour Code: KST8
Standing at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and gazing at the African continent is a life-changing achievement that any reasonably fit person can attempt.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Welcome to the start of your journey to the 'Roof of Africa'. Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro, affectionately known as 'Kili', is Africa's highest mountain at 5895m. Kili is also the world's highest free-standing mountain and its towering snow-capped, symmetrical cone is a world-recognised African image. A World Heritage site, the whole mountain is designated a national park and Kilimanjaro National Park covers an area of some 755 square kilometres, consisting of vast areas of montane forest with unique moorland flora and alpine desert at higher altitudes.
Climbing Kili is the adventure of a lifetime for many visitors to Tanzania. As the highest 'walkable' mountain in the world, the trek is not a technical climb but is, nevertheless, a serious challenge. It is undertaken by people of all ages but should not be attempted without some physical training/preparation. Mt Kilimanjaro is situated on Tanzania's northern border with Kenya and while Moshi is the nearest large town, it is also accessible from Arusha (1-2 hrs by road) and Nairobi (6-8 hrs by road).
The mountain consists of 3 extinct volcanoes & Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Kibo is the tallest, its summit named Uhuru, and the destination for trekkers ascending Mount. Kilimanjaro.
The Shira Route
On this trek we take the western Shira Route and ascend Kilimanjaro's summit via the western side of the mountain, past Shira's peak. Shira is the oldest of the three volcanoes and therefore its plateau more eroded that its counterparts. As a result, the plateau supports very rich vegetation and wildlife and is considered one of the most beautiful areas of the mountain. Up here there is grassland, heath and moor as well as populations of eland, buffalo and even leopard. Ascending into the high valleys nearer the cone the unique vegetation of giant lobelia and and groundsel can reach 10 meters high. Above 400m, only mosses and lichens survive and as we near the summit we reach the snowline, an unusual African sight. On descent the Shira route joins the
Machame Route.
The Shira ridge is less popular than others so we will encounter less people as we climb. The road to Shira is only assessable by 4X4 vehicles and can become impassable during wet periods.
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Itinerary / Highlights
DAY 1, Nairobi to MoshiFrom Nairobi travel by shuttle bus to Moshi in Tanzania, via Arusha. On arrival at your hotel our representative will give you a briefing on what to expect over the next few days of trekking the highest mountain in Africa.
DAY 2 - 7, Mt Kilimanjaro Trek - Shira Route
This, the longest trail, begins in the west of the mountain, following a path to Shira, Kilimanjaro's third highest peak, before joining the Machame. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the mountain and on the lower pastures, buffalo, eland and even leopards have been seen. The start of the trail is only accessible by 4x4 and can become impassable during the wet season.
DAY 7, Descent, Moshi
After descending the mountain we reach the park gate, where successful climbers will collect their climbing certificate. After which we return to the hotel in Moshi for a well earned rest.
DAY 8, Moshi to Nairobi
Return to Nairobi by shuttle bus where the tour ends.
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