Kilimanjaro: Shira Route

The Shira Route is one of the most scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting on the Shira Plateau, at a higher altitude than other routes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes right from the start. This route is ideal for trekkers seeking a quieter, less crowded experience with opportunities for better acclimatization.

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Total Duration:

Hiking Distance:

Elevation Gain:
Facilities:

Londorossi Gate, a western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

9 days (7 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro)

48,5 km (ascend), 20 km descend

2,095 m

Private portable toilets and high quality Mess tents for camping routes.

Popularity:

Difficulty:

Itinerary

Keep in mind that these itineraries are just examples and the first step in preparing yourself for your Stunning Kilimanjaro adventure.
We offer tailor-made Tours & Holidays that are fully customized, based on the hiking experience and preferences of our clients.

Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a transfer will be ready to take you to your selected accommodation in Arusha.
During the day, you’ll meet with your Kilimanjaro trek guide for a full briefing and gear check, ensuring you are ready for your adventure.
Enjoy dinner, relax, and rest before setting out on your Kilimanjaro adventure the following day.

Londorossi Gate to Shira I Camp

After breakfast, your mountain guide will drive you to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,250 m).
After registrations and acquiring permits, you will drive further up the mountain to your starting point on the Shira Plateau (3,800 m).
The trek begins with a short hike across the plateau, offering stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape.
Dinner and overnight awaits at Shira I Camp (3,610 m) and by the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, set up tents and cook dinner for you.

Altitude: 2,250 m - 3,800 m - 3,610 m

Hiking distance: 4 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours.

Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

Depart from Shira I Camp (3,610 m) and trek through the moorlands.
The terrain is quite easy and open, but possibly cold and windy.
When you reach Shira II Camp (3,850 m), you will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk around. Your team of specialists will cook you dinner and you be able to rest for the night.

Altitude: 3,610 m - 3.850 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

The Lava Tower

Today is an important acclimatization day, where you will leave Shira II Camp (3,850 m) and you'll ascend to the key point of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m).
It might be difficult, and you may feel some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1 to 2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be served.

Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m), where dinner and overnight awaits.
Here you can see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness.

Altitude: 3,850 m - 4,600 m

Hiking distance: 7 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 4,600 m - 3.900 m

Hiking distance: 3 km

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

The Great Barranco Wall

In the morning, after an early breakfast, start summiting the Barranco Wall (4,202 m). Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour.
After the climb you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano, and the trail continues with a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp (3,995 m), where lunch awaits.

Then you will start an acclimatization climb in the direction of Barafu with the highest point at 4,270 m.
After this hike you will descend back to Karangu Camp (3,995 m) for dinner and overnight.

Altitude: 3,900 m - 4,202 m - 3,995 m

Hiking distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude: 3,995 m - 4,270 m - 3.995 m

Hiking distance: 2.5 km

Hiking time: 1-2 hours

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

This morning you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 m), the starting point for a night summiting Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
The terrain becomes slowly more barren and rocky as you gain altitude.
Barafu, meaning "ice" in Swahili, lives up to its name, with cold winds and freezing temperatures.
You mountain crew will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can save your strengths and relax.

Altitude: 3.995 m - 4,673 m

Hiking distance: 4 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Departure from Barafu Camp (4,673 m) at night and start summiting Mount Kilimanjaro by heading for Stella Point (5,756 m) and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Technically the climb is relatively simple; however, the most challenging part is the high altitude.
Celebrate your achievement and capture the stunning sunrise.

After a well-deserved rest back at Barafu Camp (4,673 m), you will spend the rest of the morning descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Descending goes a lot faster, but the trail can be steep and challenging, especially given the long morning of hiking.

Altitude: 4,673 m - 5,756 m - 5,895 m

Hiking distance: 5 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Altitude: 5,895 m - 4,673 m - 3,100 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours (2 hours rest at Barafu Camp excluded)

Congratulations!

Descend, with satisfaction of reaching the summit, through lush rainforests to the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m).
There we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to your chosen hotel in Arusha for a relaxing shower, dinner and overnight.
Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Altitude: 3,100 m - 1,640 m

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

All entrance fees including government taxes.
All activities (unless indicated as optional).
All accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
A professional driver and mountain guide.
3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
Transportation to and from the base of the mountain.
Pick-up and drop-off by airport.
Camping equipment.
Porter services.

International or domestic flights.
Tips (for your crew).
Visa (50 USD for Tanzania).
Medical and/or travel insurance.
Local SIM card.
Personal expenses and/or items, such as souvenirs.
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
Meals not specified as included.
Climbing gear (can be rented upon request).
Medical evacuation by helicopter.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

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Kilimanjaro: Shira Route

Itinerary

Arrival

Londorossi Gate to Shira I Camp

Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

The Lava Tower

The Great Barranco Wall

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Congratulations!

Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

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