Day 4: Climb to Shira Camp

Today’s climb was lovely! We left the forest behind and began making our way over larger rock formations, pausing often to take in incredible views of how far we’d already come. It was amazing to see how completely different the trail felt compared to yesterday- proof of Kilimanjaro’s diversity.

We arrived at Shira Camp in the afternoon, giving us time for a short walk with Eunice to explore the area. She led us to a cave, formed by an air bubble trapped in lava during an eruption years ago, before continuing through more of the camp.

By evening, the day’s effort had caught up with us. Everyone felt very relived by how well we did today. We enjoyed dinner together, then went to bed early for a big ready of altitude gain tomorrow! 

Machame to Shira Ridge - Overnight Shira Camp @ 12,500 ft.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

Today is a shorter day that starts with climbing up a steep ridge to a small cliff named Picnic Rock. Climbers will start in the moorland zone which is above the rainforest and clouds. As our climbers hike up the steep ridge, they’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Machame Camp and Machame Village. The air will become increasingly thin as they reach the halfway point and vegetation will slowly give way to black lava and sand. The trail continues up and up pst small mountain streams, rocky walls, and deep ravines. Shira Camp is in the middle of the Shira Plateau. Climbers will have views of Mount Meru and Kibo from camp is the weather is good!!

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 9,900 feet

Ending elevation 12,500 feet

Elevation gain 2,600 feet

Distance hiked 5 miles

Average hiking time 5 to 7 hours