-high.jpg&w=828&q=100)
-high.jpg&w=1920&q=100)
Duration
8 days
Max Group Size
100
Departure Type
Scheduled
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
hard
Operated In
Age Requirement
15 - 0 Ages
Tour Overview
If you’re an experienced trekker looking for a challenging route up Mount Kilimanjaro, the Shira Route might be the perfect choice. Starting at 3,600 meters, this route is similar to the Lemosho Route, but with a higher starting point that provides breathtaking views.
On the first day, the climb begins at Shira Gate, leading to Simba Camp before joining the Lemosho Route on the second day at Shira Camp 2. While the high starting altitude offers spectacular scenery, it also presents a challenge—many climbers experience altitude sickness early due to limited time for acclimatization.
Despite this, the Shira Route offers a unique trekking experience across the Shira Plateau, with various route variations. After Shira Camp 2, the trail merges with the Machame Route, passing through Lava Tower and descending to Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit. The final ascent to Uhuru Peak is made via Barafu Camp, climbing the southern slopes of Kibo.
As with any Kilimanjaro climb, proper preparation and acclimatization are crucial to reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Trekking with a licensed guide and experienced trekking agency is highly recommended for safety and support.
By choosing the Shira Route, you’ll experience Kilimanjaro’s unique beauty from a different perspective and take on the challenge of conquering one of the world’s most magnificent peaks.
Route
Starts from
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Ends in
Kilimanjaro
Itinerary
We are pleased to offer you a complimentary transfer to the beautiful Weruweru River Lodge where you will enjoy a comfortable overnight stay with breakfast included.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Experience an unforgettable adventure as you journey from Moshi to the trailhead, relishing in the picturesque 3-hour drive. Our trek begins on a winding rainforest trail that takes you up the ridge. The lower elevations can be slippery, but our team suggests using trekking poles and gaiters for added safety. After a short distance, we arrive at the serene Shira 2 Camp, where you'll spend the night with mesmerizing views that are sure to leave you captivated
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
From the Shira Plateau, we embark on an exciting trek towards the east, ascending a ridge and passing the Kibo peak junction. As we continue, our course shifts to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, famously known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (reaching an elevation of 4650m/15,250ft).
After a short while past the tower, we come across the second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. Descending further, we arrive at the Barranco Camp. Though you end the day at almost the same elevation as the start, this phase is crucial for acclimatization, preparing your body for the grand summit day. Rest overnight at Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Following breakfast at Barranco Camp, we will begin the day's trek by ascending a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall towards the Karanga Valley. This section of the climb is known for its challenging terrain, but the rewards are well worth the effort as we reach the top of the wall and take in breathtaking panoramic views.
From there, we will continue to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail and make our way to Karanga Camp. This is a crucial part of the climb for acclimatization, which will help us prepare for the final push to the summit. We will spend the night at Karanga Camp, resting and recuperating for the next day's journey.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Our trek continues towards the Barafu Camp, which marks the end of the South Circuit and provides incredible panoramic views of the summit from various angles. After reaching the camp, we will rest, have dinner, and prepare ourselves for the upcoming summit day. The Barafu Camp serves as our base camp for the final ascent. We will spend the night here to acclimate and rest.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km up / 13km down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
"Summit Day: Trekking to the highest peak in Africa"
Early in the morning, usually between midnight to 2 am, we start our ascent to the summit. The route takes us between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, in a northwesterly direction through scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This part of the climb is both mentally and physically demanding, as we make our way towards the top.
After reaching Stella Point, we take a short break to rest and watch the awe-inspiring sunrise, which is a reward in itself. From here, faster hikers may even be able to see the sunrise from the summit itself.
The ascent to the summit continues for about an hour, where you may encounter snow. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will have successfully conquered the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
After taking in the stunning views from the summit, we begin our descent by going straight down towards Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Trekking down on loose gravel can be tricky, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. We reach Mweka Camp, where we spend our last evening on the mountain, reflecting on our achievement. Overnight at Mweka Camp."
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Following breakfast, we will begin our descent towards the Mweka Park Gate to obtain your summit certificates. During this part of the trek, the terrain may be damp and muddy at lower elevations. Having gaiters and trekking poles will aid in your comfort and stability. You can anticipate warm weather, so wearing shorts and t-shirts will likely suffice, but keeping rain gear and warmer clothing available is recommended.
Upon reaching the gate, we will provide transportation to the Gold Crest Hotel where you will enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast included.
After enjoying breakfast, you can depart according to the details of your departure flight.
Trip includes
Included
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation in Moshi town on bed and breakfast Basis
- 1 night at House of West Kili – bed and breakfast basis
- 1 night at Gold Crest Hotel – bed and breakfast basis
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
Guiding Method
Fully guided
- Full board accommodation during the trek – 3 meals daily
- Evacuation Insurance – Amref Flying Doctors
- 2-way airport transfers - 1 on arrival and 1 on departure
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fee
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Certificate of achievement
- Camping tents
Excluded
Visa and International flights
- Visa
- Tips
- Laundry
- All items of personal nature like sunscreen, sun glasses, etc
- Trekking gear like Sleeping matt, gaiters, boots and rain gear
- Oxygen cylinder
- Chemical toilet
Availability
Loading. Please wait.
Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected
Travel withing your own bubble.
Professional
Access our Travel Specialists insider knowledge.
Privacy
Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Why book with Travelshopbooking
Best price quaranteed.
100% financial protection.
Earn $20+ in travel credits.
Cancellation Policy
On our global marketplace TravelShop Booking Supplier is recognized globally as an online tourism marketplace connecting travelers, suppliers, and tour operators worldwide. All users acknowledge that TravelShop Booking is a platform not liable for canceled tours, poor services, or unforeseen circumstances occurring before, during, or after the tour.
Need help or have a question about this tour?
if you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
We're ready to help.