Shira Route

Fist part by car

The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.

5 Night 6 Days shira route

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Shira Gate, Hike to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Moshi 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. An overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 2: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

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. An overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

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. An overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

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. An overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

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

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. An overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

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 Moshi (about 30 minutes). You now drive back to Moshi for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Bristol Cottage.

PLEASE NOTE

  1. Prices are subject to change depending on the current (at the time of booking) National park fees.
  2. Price below is for a group of 2 to 6 people, we will give a discount to a group of more than 6 people.
  3. Single supplement charges are $250

The trekking package includes the following:

  • Professional Kilimanjaro Guides & Internationally recognized Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
  • Government taxes
  • Emergency evacuation Cover with AMREF
  • Adequate and appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks for your group
  • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (2 transfers)
  • All park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and team fees 18% VAT
  • Transfers to and from the route gate(s) (2 transfers)
  • Sleeping mattress pad(s), dining tent(s), sleeping tent(s), and crew’s equipment
  • 2 nights in Moshi on a Bed & Breakfast basis (1 before trekking & 1 after trekking)
  • Hotels can be: Bristol Cottage, Sal Salinero Hotel, Millie Lodge near Machame gate & Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi
  • All guides, porters, and cooks wages
  • Food and drinking water
  • Portable toilet for the trek
  • Complimentary oxygen cylinder
  • Credit card charges

The trekking package does not include the following:

  • Gamow bag
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended 20%)
  • Medical insurance
  • Tanzanian VISA
  • Medication
  • Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
  • Personal gear including personal rain gear, trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
  • National/International flights
  • Additional nights if decent early from the mountain.
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