Below you’ll find a full list of our Shira8 fixed departures for the year ahead. To enquire about availability or to reserve a place on one of our open climbs, visit the Kilimanjaro section of the Gane and Marshall website, or get in touch with us via our enquiry form at the bottom of this page.
Outline itinerary
| Day/Profile | Outline |
|---|---|
| Day 1 Distance: 6km Time: 4 hours Altitude gain: 700m Terrain: Rainforest, moorland | Depart from Moshi/Arusha for Londorossi Gate (4 hour drive), where you will complete your registrations and entry formalities. Then, a further 1 hour’s drive to the Shira trailhead at approx 2,800m. Begin the trek through the verdant rainforest and giant heather zones until you reach our first campsite in the middle of the plateau, Shira I (3,500m). |
| Day 2 Distance: 7km (10km via Cathedral) Time: 3 hours Altitude gain: 400m Terrain: Moorland | A two to three hour trek east across Shira Plateau, via Simba Camp (3,720m) to our camp on the eastern slopes of Shira Caldera. The camp is located at Shira Hut (3,900m), about an hour’s walk from Simba. There is the option of extending this route by 1-2 hours by starting the day with a climb to Shira Cathedral (3,860m) – for stunning views and good acclimatisation. |
| Day 3 Time: 4-6 hours Altitude gain: 250m Terrain: Moorland | Today is an additional acclimatisation day specific to our Northern Circuit and Shira8 climbs, which sees us depart from the standard Western approach trail and head to the north-western flank of Kilimanjaro, which very few groups visit. A relatively easy 4-5 hour trek through moorland takes us to Moir Hut (4,155m), a remote refuge set within a deep valley. We don’t expect to encounter any other trekkers en route to or at the camp. In the afternoon, an optional trek up the nearby Lent Group of cones and ridges for good acclimatisation and marvellous views. |
| Day 4 Distance: 6km Time: 5-6 hours Altitude gain: 300m Terrain: Semi-desert | A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, as we trek on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our Lava Tower campsite (4,550m), there is a steep and spectacular (optional) afternoon walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach to reach the ruins of the old hut at Arrow Glacier (4,800m). This afternoon excursion is highly recommended both for acclimatisation purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach. From Arrow Glacier, descend back to the Lava Tower campsite for dinner and equally spectacular sunset views. |
| Day 5 Distance: 9km Time: 4-5 hours Altitude gain: -450m Terrain: Alpine desert | Start with a steep descent to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley, followed by an equally steep climb to reach the top of the famed Barranco Wall, from where an undulating trail leads to the south-eastern flank of Kibo. Our next camp is at Karanga (4,100m), the last water point on the approach to Barafu, overlooking a narrow valley. Take the time to rest up, or consider an acclimatisation walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp towards the glaciers of the Southern Icefields. |
| Day 6 Distance: 4km Time: 4-5 hours Altitude gain: 580m Terrain: Alpine desert | Follow the traverse route to reach Barafu Ridge Camp (4,680m), progressing at a steady pace on account of the altitude. The trek up Barafu Ridge is tough and exposed to cross winds and the elements. Dinner will be early with an afternoon sleep to rest before the summit trek. In the afternoon, the option of a short trek that will take you a few hundred feet higher. Do not take up this option if feel you need to rest, however. |
| Day 7 Distance: 5km up, 12km down Time: 11-15 hours Altitude gain: 1,200m Terrain: Arctic | Rise after midnight to commence the trek up the scree slopes between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, arriving at Stella Point on the rim around dawn. Then continue around the rim to Uhuru Point, the roof of Africa! A few precious moments to enjoy the view before descending the scree via Barafu Ridge to Mweka High Camp (3,820m), and rest – well done! |
| Day 8 Distance: 9km Time: 4-6 hours Terrain: Rainforest | Descend 4-6 hours, through moorland and rainforest, to Mweka Gate for a picnic lunch, presentation of certificates and group photos. After lunch, you will be met and driven to your hotel. |
View the full Shira8 climb itinerary (pdf)
Departure dates
These are fully-inclusive climbs and run to the highest standards. Our group sizes are typically 6-8, with a maximum of 15. Read more about our Kilimanjaro open groups.
| Trip date | Availability |
|---|---|
| 05 September 2021 | Yes |
| 03 October 2021 | Yes |
| 23 January 2022 | Yes |
| 20 February 2022 | Yes |
| 17 July 2022 | Yes |
| 18 September 2022 | Yes |
Price guide
The cost of this climb is £2,595, applicable to all of our 8-day Shira route open groups departing in 2022. For 2023 dates and rates, please contact us.
Included in the climb cost
- Half board accommodation at the start and end of your climb.
- Airport transfers for Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport to and from Arusha.
- Transfers from the hotel to and back from the mountain.
- The climbs are full-board with all fees included.
- We allocate one qualified mountain guide to every two climbers.
- Our cooks, tent staff and porters are well paid and well trained as per the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project guidelines.
- Emergency oxygen.
- Jeremy Gane (25 times climber of Kilimanjaro and organiser of several high profile groups, including the 2009 Red Nose Day expedition for Comic Relief) will help you choose your climb and will look after your booking.
- Flying Doctor cover
Excluded from the climb cost
- International flights
- Lunches on day of arrival and departure (if required)
- Drinks with hotel meals
- Tips
Discounts and Gifts
Group founders may be eligible for a discount on their trip costs, in addition to a free map. We give one free 1:75000 Kili map and guide to every two climbers.
All climbers get extensive information about the itinerary, kit, and training.
Wrong dates?
If none of our open climbs fit your schedule, consider setting up your own open group through us. You choose a route and time of year that works for you, and we’ll promote your group with the goal of increasing the group size and bringing down your costs. Alternatively, consider a private Kilimanjaro climb.