Machame Route    Marangu Route    Rongai Route   Shira Route   Umbwe Route

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.) There are campsites at the roadhead and the Shira Hut, 3840m, on the Machame Route is just 1 hour's walk away. This route is not recommended for walking as it simply follows a road. Beware of starting your ascent of Kili by driving here, you will probably suffer from altitude sickness unless you are already acclimatised.

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 raingear 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. Click here to book this trip!