Start typing to search...

Shira Route

Shira Route

Shira Route Kilimanjaro

The Shira Route is one of the two routes that approach the Summit from the West, and as such, it’s usually slightly longer than the Marangu or Machame Routes. When you start on the Shira route, you’ll spend the first day crossing the Plateau. Once you get a certain way along the Shira trail, it merges with Machame, so you’ll end up scaling the Summit the same way.

The Shira Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rainforest zone, and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route traverses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east, offering 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.

Route Distance

The Shira Route covers about 56 kilometers across high-altitude mountain terrain.

Climb Duration

Most Shira Route climbs take 6 to 8 days for completion.

Trail Difficulty

The route is challenging, with altitude making the climb more demanding.

Wild Scenery

Expect Shira Plateau, lava formations, alpine desert, valleys, and dramatic views.

Shira Route Map

Pick Your Package

Shira Route Kilimanjaro Climb Options

Not every climber comes to Kilimanjaro looking for the same experience. And that is exactly why these Shira Route Packages come in different day options. One person may want more time on the mountain. Another may need a climb that fits a tighter plan. So, this gives you the space to choose a package that suits your comfort level, timing, and climbing goals.

6 Days Shira Route
  • Kilimanjaro
  • Private
  • Luxury
  • Camp

6 Days Shira Route

Starts from: On Request pp

View Tour
7 Days Shira Route
  • Kilimanjaro
  • Private
  • Luxury
  • Camp

7 Days Shira Route

Starts from: On Request pp

View Tour

When to Climb

Best Time for Shira Route Climbs

The Best Time to climb Kilimanjaro via the Shira Route is during the two drier windows, namely, from December to mid-March and from late June to October. It is because the trails are more stable, the views are clearer, and a better chance of steady climbing conditions. To be precise, January, February, and the period from July to October are often the most recommended months for Climbing Kilimanjaro.

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Max Temp (°C) 24 25 25 23 22 22 22 22 24 24 23 23
Min Temp (°C) 14 14 15 15 14 12 10 11 12 14 15 14
Rainfall (mm) 47 42 119 327 174 41 31 21 20 41 88 63
“

At 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is not a small mountain you simply walk up. The altitude is serious, and poor decisions show quickly. Cheap climbs often cut the wrong things. Good guides, proper gear, and real safety support are what truly matter.

Peter Charles
M.D, Bestday Safaris
Planning a trip
Shira Route

Kilimanjaro Travel Guide

Your Trusted Guide for Every Climb Detail

Our Kilimanjaro travel guide is here to make planning easier. It covers the best time to climb, route options, costs, fitness preparation, packing advice, and useful mountain tips that matter once you are really on the trail. Climbing Kilimanjaro feels much more manageable when the right information is in one place, and that is exactly what this guide is meant to give you from the start.

Explore All Guides

Shira Route FAQs

Quick Answers

Have a few questions before choosing the Shira Route climb on Kilimanjaro? Planning this climb involves a lot to consider, from route length and difficulty to acclimatization, packing, and the best time to go. This section brings those key answers together in one place, so the Shira climb feels easier to understand and much easier to prepare for.

The Shira Route has a moderate difficulty to climb Kilimanjaro. The only disadvantage that the route faces is that it starts at a high altitude. This can cause immediate problems to the climbers as they can't acclimatize immediately to the high elevation of 11,500 feet.

The Shira Route is 56 km (35 miles) long and can be completed in 6 to 7 days with our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages.

As per official statistics, the success rate is 55% for the 6-day Shira Route and 75% for the 7-Day Shira Route.

The Shira Route is one of the most beautiful routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The trekkers gain the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau. It is one of the most extensive high-altitude plateaus in the world. While climbing the Shira Route, you’ll catch the attention of Shira Cathedral.

The Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is from July to September. You’re less likely to encounter rain during this period, and the weather is likely more stable. Since Kilimanjaro is close to the equator, it is possible to climb the mountain at any time of the year. Avoid April and May, as it is more likely to rain during this time.

Not usually. The Shira Route is among the quieter ways to climb Kilimanjaro, so the trail often feels calmer in the early days. You can enjoy a more open and peaceful trekking experience before joining the busier Machame Route around the Lava Tower area. That makes Shira a good choice for climbers who prefer fewer people and a more remote feel on the mountain.

Guestbook Moments

Real Stories from Safari Guests

A good safari often lives on through the words guests bring back. Here, Bestday Safaris travelers share notes on the people, pace, small comforts, wildlife moments, and honest care that became part of their journey. Their reviews help future travelers see beyond the itinerary and understand how each safari feels on the ground.

Excellent

Review

4.9 out of 5

753 Reviews

Explore Safari Journey

Start planning your climb. Get matched with our climb specialists.

David David
Jackson Mollel Jackson Mollel
Stephen Stephen
Faraj Faraj
Abel Abel

Call us, we're available 24/7

+255 767 130 448 Make an Enquiry