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Kilimanjaro Shira Route climb

country:Tanzania
location:Kilimanjaro
trip type:High altitude, moderate / strenuous trekking holidays
departures:2008: 4 Jul, 11 Jul, 18 Jul, 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct, 24 Oct, 31 Oct
price:From £1230 (10 days) excluding flights. Includes park fees, transfers, hotels in Arusha & Nairobi, group camping & catering equipment (sleeping bags & mats not provided). We can arrange flights from the UK
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
Approaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by the challenging Shira Route is an exhilarating option for walkers keen to explore less trodden trails and who are comfortable in variable mountain conditions.

From the forest and moorland to the caldera of Shira volcano, we explore the fascinating rock formations on the Shira plateau before traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo.

We enjoy stunning early morning views of Kibo and our day spent in the rarely visited Lent Hills will be a highlight before we join the main route to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5896m) on the crater rim.

The eight day walking itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatisation and flexibility to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery that extends from the volcanic summit to the vast African plains.
what's included on our Kilimanjaro Shira Route climb
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners, Park entrance fees, accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotel in Arusha, all group camping and catering equipment on the Kilimanjaro climb (sleeping bags and mats are not provided).
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:Join Arusha, trip briefing, rest of day at leisure
Day 2:Drive to Londorossi, commence climb to "Shira One" (3550m)
Day 3:To Shira Hut Camp (3840m)
Day 4:To Camp near Moir Hut (4200m)
Day 5:To Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)
Day 6:To Karanga (4000m)
Day 7:To Barafu Campsite (4600m)
Day 8:Ascend to summit, return to Mweka (3100m)
Day 9:Descend to Mweka gate and on to Arusha
Day 10:Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport where trip concludes
travellers' tales
The most memorable part of the climb was probably the feeling of accomplishment when reaching the peak. I felt like I could accomplish anything in life now that I had made this trek successfully.  (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
Of the 30,000 trekkers on Kilimanjaro each year, only 5% use the wonderfully remote Shira route. By choosing this route not only will you avoid the crowds on the busy Machame and Marangu routes but also help to limit the over exhaustion of the mountain's natural resources.

On Kilimanjaro, like any other mountain, we do not believe in taking shortcuts. On this ascent you will find an extra day trekking which is 2 days more than a standard climb so your ability to maximise your acclimatisation and increase your enjoyment of the wild scenery on this remote path to the summit.

Without compromise, all cooking is on kerosene stoves rather than wood fires and all rubbish is carried off the mountain. Unfortunately it is possible to cut corners on Kilimanjaro by rushing the time spent on the ascent to save on expensive park fees and porter fees. It is our careful attention to the treatment of our local staff that makes us stand out from other tour operators. We pay one of the highest salaries in full immediately on exit from the National Park and ensure that they are well supplied with food, fuel and tents.

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