The Shira route approaches Kilimanjaro through
forest and Mooreland from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira
volcano, exploring the rock formations of the plateau, and traversing
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 seven day itinerary
gives maximum possible acclimatisation and there are often stunning
views of Kibo in the sharp light of morning and early evening. Shira
is a little-used approach route and there is time to enjoy the unspoilt
wilderness of Shira Plateau before the convergence with other routes
in the later stages of the trip.
Day 1
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 of walking by driving a little bit higher up when the
weather permits.
Day 2
An easy day to help acclimatization, and to explore the volcanic
rock formations of Shira Plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira
Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3,840 m.).
This campsite has stunning views, close to the glaciated dome of
Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of
Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours
walking]
Day 3
A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland
plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the
Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550
m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900
m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the
plains far below. [5-7 hours walking]
Day 4
A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail
on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern
Ice fields. The terrain changes to scree, with pockets of lush vegetation
in sheltered hollows, and there is only a short distance to our
camp at Karanga (4,100 m.), the last water point on the approach
to Barafu, in a narrow valley. There is plenty of time to rest,
or for a short optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon up
the valley above the camp. [4-5 hours walking]
Day 5
A short but steep climb out of Karanga, and an easy path on compacted
scree with wide views. We then climb steadily to reach the Barafu
campsite (4,600 m.) The remainder of the day is spent resting in
preparation for the final ascent before an early night. [4-5 hours
walking]
Day 6
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we
can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose
volcanic scree has some well-graded zig-zags and a slow but steady
pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six
hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise
over Mawenzi.
Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip
from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing
close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy
most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast,
and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our
final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. [11-15 hours
walking
Day 7
A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth
takes us to the National Park gate Mweka1,650 m.); and on through
coffee and banana farms to Mweka village. [3-4 hours walking]
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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.