Shira Route Kilimanjaro Climbing – 8 Days
Overview
The Shira Route is one of the older Kilimanjaro trekking routes, starting on the western side of the mountain. It offers a scenic and diverse experience, passing through lush rainforest, open moorlands, and alpine desert as it approaches the summit. The route merges with the popular Machame Route and offers spectacular views of the Shira Plateau, the Great Barranco Wall, and the Western Breach. The 8-day itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization, improving the likelihood of reaching Uhuru Peak successfully.
Itinerary
Includes
Excludes
Important Information
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
- In the evening, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and equipment check.
- Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi to Londorossi Gate – Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,250m to 3,610m (7,382ft to 11,843ft)
- Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Heath
- After breakfast, we drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue driving up to the Shira Trailhead, where the hike begins. The trek is relatively short today as we reach Shira 1 Camp, where we’ll settle in for the night.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m (11,843ft to 12,631ft)
- Hiking Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- We continue across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, enjoying stunning views of Kibo Peak. The terrain is mostly flat, making for an enjoyable day of trekking. We arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll rest and acclimatize.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (12,631ft to 15,091ft), then down to 3,900m (12,795ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today is an important acclimatization day as we hike from Shira 2 to Lava Tower (4,600m), a significant milestone. After enjoying the stunning views from Lava Tower, we descend into the Barranco Valley, a lush area with giant senecio trees. The descent helps with acclimatization, and we spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,900m to 4,035m (12,795ft to 13,238ft)
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- We start the day by tackling the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb. After reaching the top, we continue across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp. This day is shorter and designed to allow more time for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m (13,238ft to 15,223ft)
- Hiking Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Today, we head to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the final summit push. The trail is steep and passes through alpine desert with limited vegetation. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll rest, have an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (15,223ft to 19,341ft), then down to 3,080m (10,105ft)
- Hiking Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
- Around midnight, we begin the final ascent to the summit. The trail to the summit is steep and challenging, but with determination, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the incredible views and snapping summit photos, we descend back to Barafu for a short rest. We then continue down to Mweka Camp for our final night on the mountain.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive to Moshi
- Elevation: 3,080m to 1,630m (10,105ft to 5,348ft)
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- The final descent takes us through the rainforest back to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates, then transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Day 9: Departure
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, or you can extend your adventure with an optional safari or Zanzibar beach holiday.
Includes
- Airport transfers from and to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Transfers to and from Londorossi Gate.
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees.
- Professional, experienced guides, porters, and cook.
- Accommodation in tents throughout the trek.
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Drinking water and hot drinks.
- Emergency oxygen and first-aid kit.
- Salaries for the mountain crew.
Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Tanzanian visa fees.
- Tips for the mountain crew (guides, porters, and cook).
- Personal climbing gear (available for rent).
- Travel insurance.
- Additional meals and drinks at the hotel.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and beverages.
Important Information
- Best Time to Climb: The best months to climb the Shira Route are from January to mid-March and June to October, when the weather is typically dry.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging. The longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching the summit.
- Success Rate: High due to the gradual acclimatization on the 8-day itinerary.