- 7 Days, 6 Nights Trek
- Shira Route -
- Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing via Shira Route
The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Health
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hoursLava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft Hiking Time: 2-3 hours.
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles Habitat: Alpine DesertWe continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatisation.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Hiking Time: 7-8 hoursUhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Arctic.
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain ForestVery early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Route Map
Inquiry
- Cost Covers
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All Entrance fees and Government taxes
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Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
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Clean, purified drinking water
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Fair wages for the mountain crew.
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All meals while on the Mountain
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Rescue Fees and all taxes.
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Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
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Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
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Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
- Cost Does not Cover
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International and local airfare.
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Yellow fever vaccinations
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Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
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Local transportation before and after the climb.
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Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
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Tips for the support team
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Private Toilet and hot shower tent
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Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
DISCLAIMER
Please note all trip prices are based on our own Company costs, fees, and supplier prices in effect at the time of booking. We reserves the right to alter trip prices should inflation, cost of fuel, labor, materials, or exchange rates change. If the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) raises park fees, or any hotel, lodge, camp or any other service provider raises their rates, We reserves the right to require additional payment from the client.
Related Treks
7 Days Lemosho Route
7 Days Shira Route
9 Days Northern Circuit
