The Birdwatchers Hike to Shira Camp

The Birdwatchers were temporarily monkey watchers yesterday as we enjoyed getting to see both blue monkeys and white colobus monkeys on our hike through the forest to our first camp on the mountain. Today we hiked up out of the trees from Machame Camp to the Shira Plateau and are camped at 12,600 ft with sweeping views of the surrounding area. The Tanzanian crew has been taking amazing care of us with plentiful meals and we can hardly fit in more delicious fresh food from creative soups to avocado, papaya, fish, vegetable salads, pepper steak and even banana fritters!
Tomorrow we will enjoy a longer hike as we begin traversing across the southern side of the mountain.
Rachel

A group of hikers ascends a rugged path surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky formations in a mountainous landscape.

the birdwatchers hike to shira camp

Mount Kilimanjaro BLOG

  • 2025 Kilimanjaro Webinar

    Towering over the African plains at 19,340 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world—a breathtaking giant rising through five distinct ecosystems. As one of the most iconic of the Seven Summits, it offers a challenging yet nontechnical climb, making it an achievable goal for fit trekkers with the right preparation. In […]

  • When is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?

    Kilimanjaro isn’t just one of the fabulous and challenging Seven Summits. It has a unique beauty and character that you won’t find on the peaks of Everest or Denali. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers people a journey through five diverse ecosystems and unsurpassed mountain views. That, plus the accessibility of the mountain, makes it […]

  • 2022 Kilimanjaro Webinar

    Are you planning on climbing to the roof of Africa this summer?  If so, check out the 2022 Kilimanjaro webinar that we hosted on May 25th.  Our Kilimanjaro Program Director, Eric Murphy, outlined our COVID-19 protocols, the Tanzanian VISA process, and gave a detailed overview of the trip and what to expect.  We wrapped up […]

Partners & Accreditations

Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
© Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved. Alpine Ascents International