Day 1
The Shira route approaches Kilimanjaro through forest and mooreland
from the west, crossing the Shira volcanic caldera. We explore the
rock formations of the plateau. The route traverses beneath the
Northern ice fields of Kibo. We make our final ascent by the Western
Breach, the steepest non-technical route on the mountain and an
exciting approach to the summit. The nine day itinerary gives maximum
possible acclimatisation and there are often stunning views of Kibo
in the sharp morning and early evening light. Shira is a less-used
approach route for this reason you will have the opportunity to
enjoy the unspoilt wilderness of Shira Plateau before the convergence
with other routes in the later stages of the trip.
A long day of walking that begins from Londorosi National Park
gate (2,250 m.) through farmland and plantations. We continue climbing
steadily on a broad track through shrub forest and stands of giant
heather before reaching the rim of Shira Plateau (3,350 m.) The
views across the surrounding plains open out as we climb. This area
is home to a variety of game including buffalo. Our first camp is
in the centre of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m.)
[6-8 hours walking]. Sometimes we reduce the number of hours to
(3-4 hours walking) by driving a little bit higher up when the weather
permits.
Day 2
An easy day to help acclimatisation and to explore the grassy mooreland
and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the
summit of Shira Cathedral (3,750 m.) if our bodies allow and when
it is clear, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires
and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here (especially
when the afternoon mist comes in!) and the view from our camp near
Shira Hut (3,840 m.) of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds is simply
unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 3
We explore beneath the Northern Ice fields, an area almost totally
unvisited by tourists and with an unusual view of Kibo. The excursion
can be either a steady climb to reach the ridge above Moir Hut (4,200
m.) or a more strenuous walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills
(4,700 m.). For the remainder of the day you are free to rest and
enjoy our peaceful campsite for a second night. [4-8 hours walking]
Day 4
A morning of steady ascent and panoramic views, leaving the Mooreland
plateau behind and proceed to lava ridges beneath the glaciers of
the Western Breach. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of
vegetation in sheltered hollows. The afternoon can be spent for
acclimatising at our campsite below Lava Tower (4,550 m.) 15151
feet, or wandering with a guide in the surrounding area. [3-4 hours
walking]
Day 5
Acclimatization Day!
Today we dry out our clothes and we focus on our bodies.
1. Those who still suffer from mild AMS should go on a 2-hour acclimatization
hike to higher ground and back. Regular headache pills normally
relieve the mild throbbing symptoms. Climbing to the top of Lava
Tower (30 minutes) is a good way to acclimatize. But be careful
since there is some scrambling involved.
2. Those who feel tired should rest and try to restore energy with
energy drinks and food.
Either way, see how your body feels or you may discuss your concerns
with the guides. They will suggest various remedies (such as Diamox)
depending on the situation. Drink plenty of water!
Day 6
Today is a very short but very steep climb. We depart at 10am and
reach Lava Tower after only 35 minutes. After Lava Tower, we cross
a small stream and then we begin an hour-long steep uphill trek
on loose scree (gravel). The views from the top of this ridge are
amazing. Looking back we see the Sheffield Camp and our trail. We
are now in the vicinity of the Great Barranco to our right. In front
of us, we face another steep climb past a series of rocks. This
section takes about an hour as our pace has slowed down to allow
for the gains in altitude. Above, to our left, are the edges of
the melting Arrow Glacier. The scramble section at the top of the
ridge poses no problem. Once on top of the rocks, we face a short
but steep trek over loose stones. We are careful not to twist an
ankle. We reach Arrow Glacier Camp at around 12:15pm in time for
lunch. This camp is at (4850 mt) 15,978 ft and we can feel the cold.
This is no place to lounge outside and we retire to the mess tent
or to our own tents to warm up. Fog and icy rains are common in
the early afternoon and for this reason visibility is poor so we
normally postpone picture taking until early evening when it clears
up and the Western Breach becomes visible high above us. We are
1 night away from our biggest challenge—the Western Breach!
We normally do a rescue drill this afternoon. We are at a serious
height and everybody (including the porters) must understand how
our rescue equipment works. (3-4 hours walking)
Day 7
For many, this is the day they've been thinking about. Climbing
the Western Breach demands respect, but trust us - the Western Breach
is not as daunting as some make it out to be. We've carried lots
of camera equipment up the Breach and hardly needed a helping hand
even when we reached the steep sections. We've never felt intimidated
nor did we think that the slip could be disastrous. Many of the
danger stories can be attributed to inexperienced guides who get
lost - causing their clients to scramble up and down open rock faces
while searching for the path. We don't recommend climbing the Breach
at night. The Breach is our favorite part of the whole trek. We
zig-zag our way up the Breach to slow down our ascent and to negate
the steepness. Breakfast is served at 6:30 and we start our walk
at 7:00 am. It is safer to climb the Breach in the morning while
the ground is still frozen. The first part is gentle as we step
carefully over loose boulders. Looking back, we can see the porters
in the distance at our Arrow Glacier camp. On clear mornings we
can see the Lava Tower and even the Shira Ridge—we can almost
trace our path to this point! Within the first hour we reach an
easy scrambling section after which we can see the Barranco Wall
and camp site in the distance to the left. We swing to the left
and aim for a white snow field before turning right to disappear
behind the ridge. The walk is very steep but in general it is a
comfortable slow hike to the ridge. We rest often to enjoy the stunning
views below and above us. Energy drinks and snacks are now in high
demand! Around 10am we reach an area with magnificent rock formations.
This is an unstable area and our guides will keep a watchful eye
on our surroundings. Just before 11am we reach the first of two
scrambling sections. The second one is a giant stair case. This
is the scramble we’ve all heard about! The truth is, it takes
only 5 minutes to traverse this section if you have experienced
guides who know exactly where to step. Compared with the Machame
Route's Barranco Wall ( a steep 1 hour scramble) this is nothing.
The reward is waiting at the top of the stairs —lunch (11:15am)
and a 30-minute break. Many climbers are surprised to learn that
the crater rim is only 1 hour away! Luckily the scrambling part
is over. What’s left is a very steep hike to the rim—
made more complicated by the thin air. We have to dig deep here
but the excitement of reaching the rim is pushing us upwards. And
at 12:45pm we are there! On our left, we see the Northern Ice fields
and on our right, the Furtwangler glacier. We begin a 30-minute
walk past the glacier to the foot of Uhuru Peak—the site of
our Crater Camp at (5630 mt) 18,500 ft! We have reached the snows
of Kilimanjaro! It is about 1:15pm and some of us will head straight
to the tents to relax. Others may walk to the glacier to touch it.
Tough souls may walk to the actual crater and back — a 90
min hike. We have come a long way and have mastered the Western
Breach!
Day 8
Summit day!
We have only 800 feet to go but it won't be easy. Spare a thought
for the hikers on other routes who started their summit attempts
at midnight! It will take about one-and-a-half hours to reach Uhuru
Peak. You will not be alone - others have been arriving since 6am.
Soon you will be able to have a photo opportunity next to the famous
posted sign at the top.
But please be prepared for an aftershock - the way down is a steep,
rigorous route via Stella Point down the mountain to Barafu where
we will stop for lunch. On the way down you may pass other trekkers
who are still on the way up!
Many hikers are unprepared for this 4-hour ordeal down the slippery
slope of scree. Don't be. The sun will beat down and you will start
to curse your 4-layers of summit wear! You will sweat and eat dust
like a rodeo cowboy! At Barafu you can take a good rest before tackling
the rest of the way down. It is time to relax and think about your
experiences of the past week. The way down to Mweka camp is a comfortable
walk but rather dusty.
Overnight at Mweka camp at(3100 mt) 10,000 feet
Day 9
Breakfast is served at 7:00 followed by a short tipping ceremony.
And we depart at 8:00am.
Today is a short but steep downhill walk through the rainforest
to the park gate. We use our poles to prevent knee or ankle injuries
during the descent all the way to the gate
There are many other climbers on this trail and plenty of stories
and experiences to share. It is noisy all the way to the gate—arrival
at noon! At the gate, we are treated with a final feast of fruits
and drinks. We will get an opportunity to buy a few souvenirs! Then
we sign the register and gather around for the presentation of our
climbing certificates by our guides.
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to our mountain team. With their
assistance. We have achieved something extraordinary! you are finally
transferred on a car back to your hotel.
At the hotel, it is time to shower, get laundry done and take a
nap. Your room at the Lodge is reserved for late checkout - you
can relax before taking your flight back home or new destination
if you signed up for one of our optional excursions. If you fly
back home, your driver will meet you for the transfer to the airport.
Note: After heavy snow or other adverse weather conditions, the
Western Breach may be impassable for trekkers. In such cases an
extremely scenic traverse beneath the Southern Ice fields via the
Barranco and Karanga valleys brings us to Uhuru Peak by the Barafu
ascent route.
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Tanzania
has one of the largest areas of protected lands in the world. It
houses the largest Game Reserve on the continent (Selous) and its
most famous national park (the Serengeti), not to mention the famous
Ngorongoro Crater considered being the eighth wonder of the world.
Here you can experience the landscapes which have captivated the
minds of millions of people. 
Tanzania is endowed with some of the most diverse and picturesque landscape. Its towering mountains in the North are some of the highest mountains in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest point, is a great extinct volcano 5,895m (19,345ft) above sea level. Rift Cross can take you to the roof of Africa - Kilimanjaro and to the tops of other attractive mountains such as Meru and Oldoinyo lengai. Climbing these volcanoes is an incredible but manageable challenge. For travelers seeking adventures off the beaten track and spectacular views, these are ideal destinations.
The
white and golden sands of East Africa’s beaches are deservedly
world famous. They are soaked in sun all year round, and surrounded
by coral reef and the exotic scenery of the Indian Ocean. A rest
on a Tanzanian beach will leave you refreshed, restored and intrigued.
Walking through the narrow, twisting streets of Zanzibar’s
Stone Town plunges you into the past.
To many people tourism is confined to the wildlife destination, mountain trekking and beach relaxation. Rift Cross goes beyond the limits by taking you to experience the richest and most diverse cultures of people who follow ancient traditions –yet engaging on their own terms, with a globalizing world. Let us take you to visit these peoples, their homes and villages.