The Shira route is one of the older Kilimanjaro routes, and is very similar to the Lemosho route. The only differences between them is the trail walked on first couple of days, and that the starting point of the Shira is higher.
The Shira route approaches the summit of Kilimanjaro from the west, starting at Morum Barrier. It starts relatively high above sea level.
The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, in the south-east. Because the starting point is far from Moshi and Arusha, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate. Scenicaly, Shira is beautiful because it crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, and then combines with the Machame route to share its viewpoints around the southern circuit. Shira has low traffic until it combines with Machame.
WHY RONGAI ROUTE
• Scenery view
• Low traffic
• Higher starting point
ITINERARY OF 6 DAYS OF CLIMBING RONGAI ROUTE
8 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE (6 DAYS CLIMBING+ 2DAYS HOTEL)
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO TANZANIA.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro international airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet 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.
Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nalemoru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife.
The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 3: Simba Campsite - Kikelewa Campsite
Distance: 16 Km. Trekking time: 8 hours.
Elevation: (2671m) - (3600M).
Habitat: Moorland.
Hike from Simba campsite “pole pole” while noticing changes in vegetation. The trail leads to second cave to have a lunch break. Proceed with the climb to arrive at Kikelewa campsite in the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite.
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 4: Kikelewa Camp - Mawenzi Turn Hut.
Distance: 3km.
Walking Time: 2 hours.
Elevation: (3600 m) - (4315 m).
Habitat: Semi-desert.
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Turn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 5: Mawenzi Turn hut to Kibo Hut,
Distance: 9km/5mi,
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours,
Elevation :( 4315 m) - (4720m),
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall.
The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent very early.
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 6: Kibo Hut (4720 m) to Summit and Horombo Hut (3720m),
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down.
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours’ up / 15km/9mi down.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Very early in the morning (midnight about 1 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m). Continuing ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 7: Horombo Hut (3720) to Marangu Gate (1879),
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. 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).
Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your Hotel MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER INCLUDED.
DAY 8: Hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast, you continue with your travel plans or take a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.
Health & Safety is our first priority :
✔ We Climb Kilimanjaro Company we are a local owned company that we
are high consider health and safety of our customer before, during and
after climbing, these are:-
Before climbing:
✔ We book to the hotel that they provide high standard of safety in
terms of human health that is (food and shelter ) and considering
safety costumer’s properties
✔ We make sure that you are health worth for climbing. We check if
there is any medical recommendation from you're doctor so if any
can take special care of you.
During climbing :
✔ Constantly monitor your health: You can be fit and healthy at the
start of your climb, but altitude can affect your health as you
progress up the mountain. That’s why we constantly monitor your
health as you climb. Our expert guides can detect any problems
and take the necessary actions. Always health checks are conducted three times a day to measure
pulse, temperature, blood pressure and oxygen saturation
✔ We provide Nutritious food and safe water: we always follow good
food safety practices — from packing to plating
Good food and plenty of drinking water are essential ingredients,
both physically and psychologically, to make your climb
rewarding. At high altitudes, drinking a lot of water is essential
for your health and helps preventing altitude sicknesses. It goes
without saying that your body will also need plenty of food to
compensate for the unusual physical effort in climbing.
After climbing:
✔ If you will need any assistant after climbing, we are ready to
assist you.
✔ Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
✔ Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.
Accommodation:
✔ Accommodation at 3* hotel (Around Moshi) one night before and one night after the Climbing. You will have all for a
comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
✔ Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);
Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition,
we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.
Meals:
✔ Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
✔ All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus.
Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables.
Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
✔ All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
Hiking and safety equipment:
✔ 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
✔ All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
✔ Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
✔ Complete medical kits.
Climbing crew:
✔ Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder
certification.
All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
✔ 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. We Climb Kilimanjaro is an honest and responsible tour operator working in
full compliance with the tax law of the
United Republic of Tanzania.
:
✘ International flights;
✘ Tips (200-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
✘ Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
✘ Personal gear rentals;
✘ Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
✘ Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3 people);
✘ Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers
high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.
