OVERVIEW
The Shira route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation while Lemosho starts at Londorossi gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to morum barrier gate at 3720Mt, located near the Shira Ridge. On the first day on the mountain climbers begin their hike from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and spend first night at the same elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho and follows the southern circuit route. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, Lemosho is recommended over Shira due to the high altitude of Shira's starting point. It is possible that climbers will experience altitude related symptoms on the first day due to failed acclimatization. Climbers using Shira should be confident of their ability to acclimatize well.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Shira Gate to Shira 1 Camp
-After registration at Londorossi Gate (2,250 m), drive a rough track up to Shira Gate on the plateau. The drive offers early panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes and the Shira Cathedral. From Shira Gate, take a short, gentle walk across the open moorland to Shira 1 Camp. Though the day is short in distance, you’ll feel the high altitude immediately. Enjoy wide skies, rolling heather fields, and your first night on the Shira Plateau with Kilimanjaro towering ahead.
-Elevation: 11,800 ft / 3,600 m → 11,800 ft / 3,600 m
-Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
-Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
-Habitat: Moorland / Heath
-Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 2: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
-Today’s hike is a gentle crossing of the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and least-wooded zones. The landscape is wide open, with dramatic views of Kibo’s glacier-capped cone ahead and the rugged spires of Shira Ridge to the west. You’ll pass bizarre giant groundsels and lobelias as you acclimatize steadily. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon with time to explore, relax, and photograph the incredible open skies at sunset.
-Elevation: 11,800 ft / 3,600 m → 12,500 ft / 3,810 m
-Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
-Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
-Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Heath
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
-This is an essential acclimatization day. From Shira 2, you’ll ascend steadily into alpine desert to reach Lava Tower at 4,630 m, an iconic volcanic formation with stark, dramatic views. You’ll have lunch here, letting your body adjust to the high point before descending to Barranco Camp. The descent is steep but beautiful, entering the famous Barranco Valley with its lush giant senecio trees and vertical rock walls. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps greatly with acclimatization.
-Elevation: 12,500 ft / 3,810 m → 15,190 ft / 4,630 m (Lava Tower) → 12,960 ft / 3,950 m
-Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
-Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
-After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a dramatic 300 m scramble that rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the hanging glaciers and southern ice fields. It’s non-technical but requires steady footing and some simple scrambling moves. At the top, traverse a series of rocky valleys with constant views of Kibo’s icy summit ahead. You’ll descend briefly into the Karanga Valley before one last climb to Karanga Camp, perched on a ridge with epic sunset views.
-Elevation: 12,960 ft / 3,950 m → 13,100 ft / 3,995 m
-Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 miles
-Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
-A shorter but crucial day for acclimatization. Leave Karanga after a relaxed breakfast and climb steadily up a ridge of barren scree and wind-sculpted rock. The landscape is harsh but hauntingly beautiful. Arrive at Barafu Camp by early afternoon, with plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for your summit push. Guides will brief you in detail about the night ahead. As dusk falls, you’ll eat an early dinner, crawl into your sleeping bag, and try to rest before the midnight wake-up.
-Elevation: 13,100 ft / 3,995 m → 15,330 ft / 4,673 m
-Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
-Your summit day begins around midnight. Under a vast canopy of stars (or sometimes moonlight), you’ll ascend switchbacks through loose scree, feeling the effects of altitude with every slow step. Pass Stella Point (5,756 m) in time for a spectacular sunrise over the glaciers, then continue around the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly, take your photos, and start the long descent. Back at Barafu you’ll rest and brunch before continuing all the way down to Mweka Camp. Here, the thick air and green forest will feel like paradise after the cold, thin summit air.
-Elevation: 15,330 ft / 4,673 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 10,065 ft / 3,070 m
-Distance: ~17 km / 10.6 miles
-Hiking Time: 12–16 hours
-Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
-Enjoy your last mountain breakfast before descending through lush, shaded montane rainforest filled with bird calls, mossy trees, and colorful flowers. The path can be slippery after rain, but your guides will assist you. At Mweka Gate, sign out and collect your summit certificate—proof of your successful Kilimanjaro climb! Vehicles will be waiting to drive you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a warm shower, a cold drink, and the immense satisfaction of your achievement.
-Elevation: 10,065 ft / 3,070 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
-Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Montane Forest
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
WHAT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
-Bed and Breakfast, all transfer and all stated in the itinerary including entrance fees.
-The right is reserved to substitute hotels when necessary, for those described in this package.
