Rain Forest Trail - Kilimanjaro Climb - Shira Part One
Shira First Leg > More in this Category > Kilimanjaro Mountain Trekking Routes > Route 1 - Marangu: First Leg of Kilimanjaro > Trace Route - Marangu: Second Leg Kilimanjaro > Machame Route: First Leg Kilimanjaro > Smart Route - Mweka Machame Route: Second Leg Kilimanjaro > Umbwe Route - Alternative Kilimanjaro Route > Kilimanjaro Shira Route: Second Leg > Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro > Kilimanjaro Rongai Route: First Leg > Kilimanjaro Great Circle Route - Rongai: Second Leg > Kilimanjaro Ridge Route
A spectacular Rain Forest Trail to the summit area is the Shira Route. Shira translates from native Swahili as sail, and it is quite possible that that is exactly what individuals who elect to summit Kilimanjaro via the western Shira Route will in fact do. Apart from being incredibly beautiful, this trail up the mountain also has the added advantage of taking longer than most other routes, thus allowing for better Acclimatisation from start to finish.
Typically the Shira Route follows a similar itinerary to the Machame Route, with the exception of a different starting point and a couple of extra days on the mountain to enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Climbers will transfer to the Shira Gate in the Kilimanjaro National Park, after which they will begin their expedition up the winding trail through the flourishing rainforest at the base of the mountain. After approximately 5 hours of hiking, the forest will gradually begin to thin, eventually transforming into moorland dotted with giant heather. It is here that the first overnight camp, Shira Forest Camp is situated.
The following day, hikers will set off towards the Shira plateau. Subsequent to ascending up a sheer rim, climbers will be able to view all three peaks of Kilimanjaro- Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi.On an incredibly clear day one may also be lucky enough to make out the outline of the third highest peak in Africa, Mount Meru, situated just to the west. After trekking north for a further couple of hours, the trail will take a turn to the west up a river gorge, after which the landscape becomes gradually more desolate. The second campsite, Shira Camp, is situated on the Shira Plateau at an altitude of around 3800 meters. From here, climbers can take in the setting sun as it fades behind the three pinnacles of the Shira Ridge.
An early start on day three sees hikers journeying through an extensive basin, before heading south towards the unique Lava Tower. The trail then winds steeply downwards towards the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is located at an altitude of roughly 3900 meters, and is positioned so as to provide breathtaking views of the Western Breach looming directly above it. Climbers will enjoy an early dinner and well deserved nights rest here before setting off for the penultimate campsite in the Karanga Valley.
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The Kilimanjaro Experience
Kilimanjaro Climbing Preparation 
