The second day presents a relatively straightforward itinerary focused on acclimatization. Our day will kick off with an exploration of the grassy moorlands and volcanic rock formations adorning the plateau. We will then embark on a picturesque route towards the Shira Cathedral, an imposing rock buttress encircled by sheer spires and peaks. Finally, we will arrive at Shira 2 Camp for our overnight stay and evening meal.

Moir Camp stands out as an exceptional base for mountain exploration, offering unparalleled opportunities to delve into the rugged terrain. Our journey will take us past the renowned Fisher Camp, where we will pause for a delightful lunch before proceeding with our acclimatization efforts.

Day 4 Moir Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

On Day 4, our route from Moir Camp will lead us towards the east along a ridge, then veering southeast towards the striking Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation soaring 300 feet high. Descending from this point, we will make our way through the enchanting Senecio Forest to reach Barranco Camp at an elevation of 13,000 feet. Despite starting and ending the day at the same altitude, the extended duration spent at higher elevations proves invaluable for acclimatization purposes 

Following our morning meal, we will make our way down into a deep ravine towards the foot of the imposing Great Barranco Wall. Subsequently, we will ascend the sheer cliff face, a climb of approximately 900 feet that does not necessitate any specialized technical abilities. Upon reaching the summit of the Barranco Wall, we will traverse a sequence of ridges and valleys until we descend abruptly into the Karanga Valley. Another challenging ascent awaits us as we make our way up to Karanga Camp. This day’s trek is designed to be shorter to aid in acclimatization 

Upon departing from Karanga Camp, we will reach the intersection that links with the Mweka Trail. We then ascend towards the rocky segment leading to Barafu Hut. This location marks the conclusion of the Southern Circuit and provides panoramic views of the summit from various perspectives. The majestic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are also visible from this vantage point. At Barafu Hut, we establish our camp, take a break, and savor an early evening meal in preparation for the upcoming summit day. 

“In the wee hours of the day, around midnight, we commence our ascent towards the summit. This segment is the most demanding, both mentally and physically, compared to our previous trekking experiences. The harsh winds and freezing temperatures at this altitude, coupled with the early hour, can be extremely challenging. We climb in the dark for several hours, taking brief, frequent breaks. As we near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be treated to an awe-inspiring sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Eventually, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. From the summit, we descend straight to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees; using trekking poles is beneficial. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where late afternoon mist or rain is expected. In the evening, we will relish our final dinner on the mountain and rest peacefully, having accomplished our goal.”

On the final day of our journey, we will continue our descent towards Mweka Gate to receive our summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, we may encounter damp and muddy terrain. Upon reaching the gate, we will have a one-hour trek to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for us at Mweka Village to transport us back to our hotel in Moshi. This marks the conclusion of our unforgettable 8-day adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Shira route. It will be time to bid farewell to our dedicated mountain crew as we are transferred to our hotel in Moshi. We look forward to welcoming you back again!