An off road vehicle transports climbers to the Shira gate, located at 11,500 feet, where the hike begins to Simba Camp. This is a sizable altitude gain for someone who slept at Moshi or Arusha on their previous night. Complications from altitude can occur due to failed acclimatization.It is nearly identical to the newer Lemosho route. However, it begins at a higher altitude. The unique thing about this route is that instead of walking from a starting gate, a vehicle transfers the group to a high altitude plateau. The road is only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles and can become impassable during wet periods.
Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, about a 4-hour drive; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. Then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where the hike begins. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. You will begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
The trial continues to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
The days begins by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall crossing a series of hills and valleys until the trail descends sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Leaving the Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. The trail continues up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Very early in the morning (around midnight), you will begin to push for the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. The ascend is in total darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, arriving at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, you now descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you can enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
On the last day, the descend continues to Mweka Gate where you collect your summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, and then continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village and drive back to the hotel in Moshi.
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