Shira Route (7 Days)
Shira Route 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek
The Shira Route is one of the most scenic approaches to Mount Kilimanjaro, starting on the western side of the mountain. This 7-day itinerary allows for better acclimatization, increasing your chances of reaching the summit successfully while enjoying stunning views across the Shira Plateau.
Day 0: Arrival – Moshi Hotel
• Elevation: ~900 m
• Habitat: Lowland / Tropical farmland
• Meals: B (Breakfast)
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
At the hotel, you will meet your guides for a full briefing and gear check. If time allows, enjoy a short walk around Moshi town.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Day 1: Hotel → Londorosi Gate → Shira One Camp
• Elevation: 1,200 m → 3,500 m
• Distance: ~5 km
• Hiking Time: 3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest → Moorland
• Meals: BLD
After breakfast, drive to Londorosi Gate for registration, then continue by vehicle to the trailhead.
Begin trekking across the Shira Plateau, with wide open views of the mountain, to reach Shira One Camp.
Overnight: Shira One Camp
Day 2: Shira One → Shira Two Camp
• Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,800 m
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: BLD
After breakfast, trek across the Shira Plateau, passing unique volcanic formations such as Shira Cathedral.
Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru before arriving at Shira Two Camp for lunch and overnight.
Day 3: Shira Two → Barranco Camp (Acclimatization Day)
• Elevation: 3,800 m → 3,950 m
• Distance: 11–13 km
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland → Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD
This is a key acclimatization day. After breakfast, trek toward Lava Tower (4,600 m) with a packed lunch, enjoying views of Western Breach and glaciers.
After lunch, descend to Barranco Camp, located below the Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
• Elevation: 3,950 m → 4,050 m
• Distance: 5–6 km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD
After breakfast, climb the Barranco Wall, a highlight of the trek with stunning views.
Continue through ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp, where you will have lunch, rest, dinner, and overnight stay.
This shorter day helps with acclimatization before the summit push.
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
• Elevation: 4,050 m → 4,700 m
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: BLD
After breakfast, trek steadily to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and rest. In the afternoon, your guide will brief you for the summit climb.
Have an early dinner and sleep early, preparing for a midnight start.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Hut
• Elevation: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
• Distance: 7 km ascent, 14 km descent
• Hiking Time: 10–12 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert → Icefields → Montane Forest
• Meals: BLD
Wake at midnight for tea and snacks, then begin your summit ascent.
Climb slowly (pole pole) over steep scree to reach Stella Point (5,861 m) at sunrise. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa.
After photos and celebration, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to Mweka Hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Mweka Hut → Mweka Gate → Hotel (Celebration Day)
• Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,700 m → 900 m
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: B (Breakfast)
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete sign-out procedures, and receive your summit certificates.
You will then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower, celebration, and relaxation.
Optional Day 8: Departure or Safari
After breakfast, you may fly back home or continue to a Tanzania safari.