VIP Package | 8-Day Shira Route - Kilimanjaro Trekking

OVERVIEW OF THE RONGAI ROUTE

The Shira Route starts high at 3,600 meters, making it tough for beginners due to less acclimatization time. It’s similar to the Lemosho Route but begins further up at Shira Gate. On day one, hikers go from Shira Gate to Simba Camp, then join the Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2. The route later merges with the Machame Route at Lava Tower, descending to Barranco Camp, and continues to the summit via Barafu Camp. The descent is through the Mweka Route.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE VIP PACKAGE – RONGAI ROUTE 8-DAY

Take your trekking experience to the next level with our VIP package. Crafted for those who want a mix of comfort and luxury, this option offers premium features that make your journey more enjoyable and special. Larger tents with standing room, Private Shower System, Private portable toilets, Raised Beds, Larger mess tent, Luxury foam mattresses, Private Lounge, Heaters and higher summit success rates.

ITINERARY VIP PACKAGE | 8-DAY SHIRA ROUTE

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO AIRPORT IN TANZANIA TO HOTEL IN ARUSHA

On your first day, you’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. A friendly person from Refresh Africa Tours will meet you, help with your bags, and take you to the hotel in Arusha.

The hotel is located in the center of Arusha, near beautiful places like Arusha National Park. It’s peaceful, has lovely gardens, and offers things like a pool, free morning nature walk, and spa to make you comfortable.

After your trip, you can relax and enjoy the amazing view of Mount Meru from the hotel’s terrace. Get ready for an incredible adventure up Mount Kilimanjaro with Refresh Africa Tours!

MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST PLAN

Day 2: Pre hiking day for acclimatization at Arusha National Park.

On day 2, you’ll visit Arusha National Park, which is a short drive away. The Park has beautiful places to see, like the Momela lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and Mount Meru. Your guide will take you on a hike through the forest, where you might spot animals like giraffes, bushbucks, colobus monkeys, and many types of birds.

You’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch in a lovely spot and get to learn interesting things about the park’s nature and history from your guide. After the park visit, you’ll return to the Hotel for a briefing about your Kilimanjaro climb. You’ll pack for the next day, have dinner, and rest well for your adventure. You can leave any items you don’t need for the climb with the hotel reception, ready to collect when you’re back. Your Refresh Africa Tours guide will help you with this.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel in Arusha

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)

DAY 3: LONDOROSI GATE TO THE SHIRA 1 CAMP

Elevation: 2,385 meters > 2,780 meters (7,825ft >9,121ft)
Distance: 7km / 4.3 miles
Trekking time: 4 -6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest/Rain Forest

Accommodation: Shira Camp 1

At 8:00 am, you’ll leave the hotel with your lunch boxes and head to Londorossi Gate for registration. After that, you’ll drive to Morum Barrier, where your hike begins. The first day takes you through the Moreland Zone, one of Kilimanjaro’s four zones, and into the stunning Shira Caldera. The trail is mostly flat, leading to Shira 1 Camp, and offers amazing views of the mountain, so take your time to enjoy it.

The hike will take around 2 to 3 hours. You’ll have dinner and spend the night at Shira 1 Camp, which is at 3610 meters (11600 feet) above sea level.

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)

DAY 4: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO MOIR CAMP

Elevation: 2,780 meters > 3,500 meters (9,121ft > 11,483ft)
Distance: 8.5km / 5.3 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Moir Camp

You’ll hike to Moir Camp today, which will take around 5-7 hours, and arrive in time for lunch. In the afternoon, your guide will lead an acclimatization walk to keep you active and help your body adapt to the altitude using the “go high, sleep low” approach.

You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at Moir Camp, located at 3995 meters (13200 feet) above sea level.

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)

DAY 5: MOIR CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP

Elevation: 4,200 meters (13,780ft)
Distance: 11km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 7 -9hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

At 5:30 am, you’ll start your day with a warm drink of your choice. By 6:15 am, you’ll pack your bags, eat breakfast, and begin the hike. The journey to Baranco Camp takes about 5 hours, and along the way, you’ll pass through Lava Tower Camp, which sits at 4600 meters (15000 feet). You’ll stop there for 1-2 hours to have lunch and help your body adjust to the altitude.

Afterward, you’ll continue walking to Baranco Camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night. Baranco Camp is located at 3900 meters (13000 feet).

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)

DAY 6: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

Elevation: 3,960 meters > 3,963 meters (12,106ft >13,002ft)

Distance: 5.5km / 3.4 miles

Trekking time: 5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Your day starts at 5:30 am with a hot drink to wake you up. At 6:15 am, you’ll pack your bags, have breakfast, and begin your hike. This part of the journey takes you from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, and it’s all about helping your body adjust to the altitude. The highlight of the day is climbing the impressive Great Barranco Wall, a huge lava formation that makes the morning exciting. As you go up, take breaks and enjoy the amazing views around you.

Unlike some guides who rush the trek, you’ll end your day at Karanga Camp. Spending more time at high altitude helps improve your chances of reaching the summit. At Karanga Camp, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful Karanga Valley. You’ll have lunch, dinner, and spend the night there. The camp sits at an elevation of 3930 meters (13000 feet).

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD)

DAY 7: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

Elevation: 3,963 meters > 4,640 meters (13,002ft > 15,223ft)

Distance: 3km / 1.9 miles

Trekking time: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Your day starts early at 5:30 am with a hot drink to wake you up. By 6:15 am, you’ll pack your bags, have breakfast, and get ready for the day’s hike. You’ll walk for 3 to 4 hours to reach Barafu Camp, where you’ll have lunch.

In the afternoon, your guides will help you prepare for the summit climb by discussing what to wear and getting everything ready. After this, you’ll take some rest and have an early dinner around 5:00 pm. Rest is very important at this point because your climb to the summit will begin at midnight. The journey from Barafu Camp to the summit (Uhuru Peak) will take 6 to 7 hours. Barafu Camp is located at an elevation of 4600 meters (15000 feet).

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED (FULL BOARD

DAY 8: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK AND THEN DOWN TO MWEKA

Elevation: 4,640 meters > 5,895 meters > 3,790 meters (15,223ft >19,341ft >12,434ft)
Distance: 13.4km / 8.3 miles
Trekking time: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Today is the big day you’ll reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro after 6 to 7 hours of hiking, enjoying incredible views along the way. Once at the top, take some time to capture the moment with photos. Afterward, you’ll head back down to Barafu Camp, where your tent will be ready for you to change back into your regular hiking gear.

Pack your bags, have lunch, and continue descending to Mweka Camp. This will be the longest day of your trip, with about 12 to 13 hours of hiking, but the experience is truly worth it. You’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night at Mweka Camp, located at 3100 meters (10000 feet) above sea level.

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED

DAY 9: TREK MWEKA CAMP (3790M) TO MWEKA GATE (1630M)

Elevation: 3,790 meters > 1,630 meters (12,443ft >5,348ft)
Distance: 12.1km / 7.5 miles
Trekking time: 6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

The last stretch of the journey takes you on a calm hike through the rainforest, ending at Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll wrap up park formalities and receive your certificates—a proud reminder of your achievement! Once that’s done, you’ll meet your transport and head back to your hotel in Moshi. There, you can enjoy a refreshing shower and maybe treat yourself to a cold drink before celebrating your accomplishment. You’ll spend the night at the hotel in Arusha.

MEAL PLAN: ALL MEALS ARE INCLUDED

DAY 10: DEPARTURE

On the last day, after breakfast or lunch at your hotel Arusha/Moshi, one of the team members will accompany you as you are transferred to the airport.

MEAL PLAN: BREAKFAST PLAN

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN VIP PACKAGE | 8-DAY RONGAI ROUTE

All transfers are as per the itinerary and government expenses.
Two night accommodation at the hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Pre hiking day for acclimatization at Arusha National Park.
Extra day on the mountain to ensure a proper acclimatization and well-being.
All Kilimanjaro Park fees.
Trained guides in altitude physiology and wilderness first responder (WFR).
Top-quality food for the duration of the climb, considering maximum nutritional needs. Three meals a day.
Safety equipment, including an oxygen tank and portable altitude chamber (PAC) for the entire climb. Camping equipment, including top-quality mountain tents and standard bathroom facilities.
Safety communication, such as satellite phones and cell phones.
Flying Doctors Evacuation within the area.
Day room on the last day at the hotel in Arusha/Moshi.
Luxury Foam Mattresses, and tents.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN A STANDARD PACKAGE | 7-DAY MACHAME ROUTE

International flights (From/to your home country)
Tips for your guide, cook and crew.
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Extra accommodation before and after tour
Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary
Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing rental, etc.
Any charges resulting from an early descent, such as additional hotels, transfers, etc. (This applies if a guest descends before finishing the climb.)