Duration: 6 Days | Price: From $2,100 USD | Difficulty: Challenging
The Shira Route is a scenic and less-traveled approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning at a higher elevation than most routes. It parallels the Lemosho Route in its early stages and merges with the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. This route offers beautiful landscapes and excellent acclimatization opportunities.
Combo Discount: Save $50 per person when booking a Kilimanjaro trek along with a safari of 5 days or more.
Private Trips: All Kilimanjaro treks are offered as private departures on any day of the year.
Group Departures: Available only on the Machame Route.
You Start Higher Than Most Climbers
The Shira Route begins at a higher elevation (around 3,500 meters), meaning you’re already above the clouds on Day 1!From Rainforest to Arctic in 6 Days
On this trek, you’ll pass through five distinct climate zones—rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit—like traveling from the equator to the North Pole in under a week.The Shira Plateau is an Ancient Caldera
The wide open Shira Plateau was once a volcanic crater, now collapsed and eroded. It’s one of the most scenic areas on Kilimanjaro and home to wildlife like eland and even buffalo.Uhuru Means ‘Freedom’
The summit of Kilimanjaro—Uhuru Peak—gets its name from the Swahili word for “freedom.” It was named after Tanzania’s independence from colonial rule.Barranco Wall = Breakfast Wall
The steep Barranco Wall is often climbed early in the morning, earning it the nickname “Breakfast Wall.” It’s not technical, but it’s a fun scramble and a favorite memory for many trekkers.Kilimanjaro is a Free-Standing Giant
Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, meaning it’s not part of a mountain range. It rises dramatically from the surrounding plains—visible for miles around.You Can See the Curve of the Earth
From the summit on a clear day, the horizon bends ever so slightly—giving you a glimpse of Earth’s curvature.One Mountain, Three Cones
Kilimanjaro isn’t just one peak—it’s made up of three volcanic cones: Kibo (the summit), Mawenzi, and Shira. Only Kibo is dormant; the other two are extinct.No Technical Climbing Needed
Despite its height (5,895 meters), Kilimanjaro requires no ropes, no crampons, and no climbing experience—just endurance, determination, and good acclimatization.A Global Bucket List Favorite
Kilimanjaro attracts over 30,000 climbers each year from around the world. It’s one of the Seven Summits and a top adventure travel destination.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp
Day 2: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp
The drive from Arusha to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira 2 Camp
Day 2: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp
Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
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 summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
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