Shira Route
The Shira Route is a less crowded, scenic way up Kilimanjaro that starts high on the Shira Plateau. What to expect, and our Shira climbs.
Also on this route: this is the only package on this route.
Kilimanjaro climb
6 Days Shira Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro has six main routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe come up from the south. Lemosho and Shira start in the west. Rongai is the odd one out: it comes in from the north, near Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down via Mweka.
The 6-Day Shira Route: a high-altitude climb for experienced trekkers
The Shira Route is a lot like the Lemosho Route, but it starts high, at 3,600 meters. That makes it a poor fit if you are new to high-altitude trekking. From Shira Gate you walk to Simba Camp on the first day, then join the Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2 on day two. The catch is the high start: with little time to acclimatize, altitude sickness can hit early.
The trail crosses the Shira Plateau, where there are a few possible variations, and then joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower. From there it drops to Barranco Camp along the Southern Circuit. You go for Uhuru Peak from Barafu Camp, climbing the southern slopes of Kibo.
Route itinerary
-
Day 1 Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp Elevation 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane ForestIt takes about 3 hours to drive from Moshi to the trailhead. Then we walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. Lower down, the path can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles help. A short walk further on brings us to Shira Camp. Night at Shira 2 Camp.
-
Day 2 Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp Elevation 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desertFrom the Shira Plateau we head east up a ridge and pass the turn-off towards the peak of Kibo. The trail then bends south-east towards Lava Tower, known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Just past the tower is a second junction, the path to the Arrow Glacier. From here we walk down to Barranco Camp. You finish at about the same height you started, but the climb up and back down is a big help with acclimatization and gets your body ready for summit day. Night at Barranco Camp.
-
Day 3 Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp Elevation 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine DesertAfter breakfast we leave Barranco and climb a steep ridge, the Barranco Wall, then carry on to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Night at Karanga Camp.
-
Day 4 Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp Elevation 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine DesertToday is a short climb to Barafu Camp. That completes the South Circuit, which shows you the summit from many different sides. At camp we rest, have an early dinner and get ready for summit day. Night at Barafu Camp.
-
Day 5 Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp Elevation 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summitWe set off for the summit in the middle of the night (midnight to 2 am), climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head north-west up through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the hardest part of the climb, for the body and the mind. At Stella Point you stop for a short rest, and with luck you’ll see the best sunrise of your life. Faster hikers may see it from the summit.
From Stella Point there may be snow the whole way on the 1-hour climb to the summit. At Uhuru Peak you are standing on the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and of the whole African continent.
From the summit we head straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The loose gravel on the way down is easier with gaiters and trekking poles. At Mweka Camp you spend your last evening on the mountain. Night at Mweka Camp.
-
Day 6 Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi Elevation 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: ForestAfter breakfast we walk the rest of the way down to Mweka Park Gate, where you collect your summit certificates. Lower down it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles help. Shorts and a t-shirt are usually enough (keep rain gear and a warm layer close by).
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Shira Route
You might also like
