7 Days Shira Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Itineraries

7 Days Shira Route

7 Days Shira Route

Arusha, Tanzania
Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Adventure

Group Size

10-20 People

Languages

Any Language

Overview

This is another route for Climbing Kilimanjaro through the western side and it’s almost similar to Lemosho Route. Climbers through the Shira route skip Shira 1 camp since will be using vehicles to Shira Gate. Climbers begin their hike at the higher elevation of 3,600m, and overnight is at the same altitude at Simba Camp. Then from here the route meets with Lemosho and proceeds to the Southern circuit route. Climbing Kilimanjaro through this route is less recommended as climbers experience altitude sickness since the first day overnight is at a higher elevation. It can be done within 6 or 7 days. You can shorten the number of days by skipping a night at Karanga Valley and going direct from Barranco to Barafu Huts.

Highlights

  • The Shira Route is a little-used trail that begins near Shira Ridge.
  • It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. 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.
  • Climbers may experience some altitude-related symptoms on the first days. 

Include / Exclude

Included

  • Pick up at International Airport
  • Transfer to the hotel Parkview inn or Kilimanjaro wonders hotel
  • Professional mountain crew.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits Fees
  • Camping/hut fees
  • 3 meals daily
  • Modern tents
  • First aid kit
  • Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
  • Portable flush toilets can be provided for free upon the client's request
  • Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
  • Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
  • Accommodation after the climb
  • International certificates for a successful ascent
  • Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

Excluded

  • Flights tickets
  • Visa fee
  • Personal gear rental
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry services
  • Tips for the mountain

Tour Itinerary

01

Day 1 : Shira Gate to Simba Camp

  • Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

We depart Arusha 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.

Simba Camp
Simba Camp View
Simba Camp Site
02

Day 2 : Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Hiking Time: 2 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

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.

Shira 2 Camp Site
Shira 2 Camp View
Shira 2 Camp
03

Day 3 : Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower - Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
  • Distance: 3 km
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

We 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 a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Shira 2 Camp
Lava Tower
Barranco Camp
04

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

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 acclimatization.

Barranco Camp Site
Barranco Camp View
Karanga Camp
05

Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

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.

Karanga Camp View
Karanga Camp Site
Barafu Camp
06

Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic
  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Very 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.

Barafu Camp View
Uhuru Peak
Mweka Camp
07

Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

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 Arusha.

Mweka Camp Site
Mweka Gate
Mweka Gate

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7 Days Shira Route Faq's

Before taking on Kilimanjaro, knowing the details makes all the difference. Our FAQs cover routes, weather, and preparation, guiding you toward a safer, smoother, and unforgettable climb up Africa’s tallest mountain.

The length of the Shira Route on Kilimanjaro is around 56 km (33 miles).

It takes about 6–8 days to climb via the Shira Route. Extending to 7 or 8 days allows for better acclimatization.

BestDay Safaris offers both 6-day and 7-day climbs. For more preparation tips, see our Kilimanjaro Travel Guides.

The Shira Route is considered moderately difficult. A key challenge is starting at a high altitude of 11,500 ft, which makes acclimatization tougher.

Unpredictable weather, varied terrain, and reduced oxygen levels add to the difficulty.

Guides and staff at BestDay Safaris carry first aid equipment and provide basic medical care when needed. If necessary, they follow Kilimanjaro Rescue procedures to ensure safe evacuation.

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