Shira Route, Second Leg Kilimanjaro

Alternate Route For Kilimanjaro Climb - Part Two- Shira

Shira 2nd 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: First Leg - Lemosho Route Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro Rongai Route: First Leg - Kilimanjaro Great Circle Route - Rongai: Second Leg - Kilimanjaro Ridge Route

As an Alternate Route, Shira tends to become windier and more difficult to follow during its second stages. The toughest leg of the journey to Karanga Camp is the taxing climb up the sheer Barranco Wall. Although appearing incredibly ominous, most climbers find the scramble far less difficult than it initially appears. After conquering the Wall, hikers will follow the trail along the south eastern edge of Kibo towards Decken, Kersten and Heim, the strangely Germanic sounding southern icefields. From here, the path winds sharply downwards into the Karanga Valley, where Karanga Camp is situated approximately 4000m above sea level.

The following morning, after refilling all water supplies for the rest of the expedition, walkers will begin their climb to Barafu Camp which lies at around 4600 meters. As climbers ascend, they will quickly notice the manner in Fauna and Flora disappear, and the surrounding landscape becomes more and more hostile. Situated on a barren outcrop of mountain, Barafu Camp appears almost to exist on a desolate planet all of its own. Climbers should endeavour to ensure that they familiarise themselves with the harsh surroundings before sunset, so as to avoid injuring themselves on the rocky terrain after darkness falls.

At around 1am the next day, climbers will begin their summit attempt. Up until this point the Shira Trail will have been less taxing than the majority of other routes, but when it comes to the final stretch each and every individual is pressed to their limits and beyond. 'Pole pole' is the only approach to adopt, as every breath feels as though it may possibly be one's last.

For many hopefuls, their summit attempt will end at Stella Point due to both physical exhaustion and the effects of altitude. By contrast, those who succeed in making the final push on to Uhuru Peak are likely to forget all about their aching bones and freezing fingers. Gazing down at the Dark Continent spread like a quilt below them, it is quite possible that for a brief moment they truly will feel as if they are perched not only on the tip of Africa, but in fact on top of the entire world!

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