Shira 8 Day Northern Circuit via Via Gilman’s Point
Private Climb
Booking Code: S8NCG
(for PRICES please access the MEMBERS AREA)WHY THIS ITINERARY?
A superb alternative to the Lemosho route that offers the chance for more flexibility on the first two days to avoid the narrow and busy first two days, rather 2 nights on the Shira plateau to allow off the beaten track exploration. The route continues around the northern circuit and is arguably the most off the beaten track 8 day itinerary. More acclimatisation time, more spectacular scenery and it ticks all the boxes for those wishing to see as many of the sights that makes Kilimanjaro famous.
DESCRIPTION
An 8 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Murram barrier to the west, traversing across the most dramatic parts of the mountain, it ascends via Moir camp and then onto the northern side of the mountain. The vistas from this side are spectacular. It then ascends via School hut and Gilman’s point to the rim and then on to Uhuru peak. Descent is via the Marangu route.
HIGHLIGHTS
Kilimanjaro! Afromontane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, less visited northern circuit, ascent of Kibo and the roof of Africa!
Itinerary
In Brief
Hike Distance - 37miles / 64 km
Vertical Gain - 15,441ft / 4706m
Drop - 16,070ft / 4898m
Trekking Time - 52 hours
In Detail
DAY 1 – SHIRA 1
START – 11,155FT / 3400M
END – 11,844FT / 3610M
DISTANCE – 2.27 MILES / 3.63KM
TIME – 2 - 3 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. Once at the Londorossi gate you finish formalities before then transferring by vehicle up to Murram Barrier gate. On the way you pass through afromontane forest and then into the heath zone where your hiking begins. It’s a gentle gradient and so a very relaxed start to the itinerary, and once in camp there’s afternoon snacks and time to relax before dinner.
DAY 2 – SHIRA 1
START – 11,844FT / 3610M
END – 11,844FT / 3610M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
The beauty of this itinerary is having 2 nights on the Shira plateau. It really allows more off the beaten track exploration and we can suggest hiking to the Shira Cathedral or the Shira ridge depending on energy levels one could even do both. A lovely part of the mountain to trek, explore, look for signs of our high altitude wildlife friends and acclimatise!
DAY 3 – MOIR CAMP
START – 11,844FT / 3610M
END – 13,780FT / 4200M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
Crossing the Shira plateau can be one of the most scenic parts of the trip and this morning we hike for around 4-5 hours to Moir Camp, where lunch is taken. The afternoon is spent acclimatising and for those with the energy a hike in the late afternoon up to a viewpoint is highly recommended to keep the blood flowing.
DAY 4 – POFU CAMP
START – 13,780FT / 4200M
END – 13,232FT / 4033M
DISTANCE - 8 MILES / 12KM
TIME – 6-8 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
The route today diverges from the traditional western routes and heads north, curving clockwise around the Kibo Massif. Here, for the time being at least, there are relatively few other groups. You hike through the alpine desert skirting the edge of the heath zone to Pofu Camp. Most groups arrive for lunch and then take an afternoon acclimatisation hike.
DAY 5 – CAVE 3 CAMP
START – 12,232FT / 4033M
END – 12,468FT / 3800M
DISTANCE – 5 MILES / 8KM
TIME – 6-8 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
From Pofu you hike a ridge and continue around the northern side of the Kibo Massif to Cave 3, still skirting the edge of the heath zone. Once at Cave 3 there is time to rest and a short acclimatisation walk in the late afternoon.
DAY 6 - SCHOOL HUT
START – 12,468FT / 3800M
END – 15,749FT / 4800M
DISTANCE – 3 MILES / 5KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
From Cave 3 you continue around the north eastern flanks of Kibo until you arrive at School Hut in time to check through your gear for the summit bid. After an early dinner you retire for some sleep before setting off for the summit bid.
DAY 7 – SUMMIT BID / HOROMBO HUT
START – 15,749FT / 4800M
END – 12,205FT / 3720M
DISTANCE – 14 MILES / 23KM
TIME - 16 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, HEATH
Rising early, normally before midnight, you start out from School hut towards the peak. At night time the scree sections are normally much firmer and the night time start enables the best chance of a clear summit attempt. It takes around 6 hours to reach Gilman’s point and then a further 1.5 – 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak (Alt: 19,341ft, 5895m) the highest free standing point in the world and the highest point in Africa. You then descend the same route before a short stop at Kibo Hut for a refuel and short rest. By the evening you descend back down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8 – ARUSHA
START – 12,205FT / 3720M
END – 6,165FT / 1879M
DISTANCE - 12 MILES / 19KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
The final descent takes you back through the heath zone and forest to the Marangu Gate. Here you are met by drivers and transferred back to your hotel for a well deserved shower and celebratory dinner. Later that evening you will be visited by a Summits Africa Representative to make sure everything has been taken care of, to find out how the trip went and to answer any final questions you may have.
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