6 Days Kilimanjaro Shira route
6 Days, 5 Nights
Price On Request
Tour Overview
This 6-day Kilimanjaro Shira route is very similar to the Lemosho route; however, it begins at 3,600 meters and is thus unsuitable for trekkers with little or no experience in high-altitude trekking.
The first day begins at Shira Gate and ends at Simba Camp, before rejoining the Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2 on the second day. The high starting point, however, is a major disadvantage of this route, as many people experience altitude sickness from the first day without enough time to acclimate.
There are several options for crossing the Shira Plateau. After Shira Camp 2, the route connects to the Machame Route via Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit. The ascent to Uhuru Peak begins at Barafu Camp and continues up Kibo’s southern slope.
Other trekkers rarely use this route, so your first two days on the mountain will be less crowded than on most other routes.
Day by day
DAY 1: DRIVE TO KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK SHIRA GATE- HIKE TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
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Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the trailhead takes approximately three hours. We follow a winding trail through the rainforest and up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail may be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended here. We continue for a short distance until we arrive at Shira Camp.
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 east up a ridge, passing the junction and heading for Kibo’s peak. As we proceed, our direction shifts to the southeast, towards the “Shark’s Tooth” Lava Tower (4650m/15,250ft elevation). Shortly after the tower, we reach the second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We are now heading down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day at roughly the same elevation as when you started, this day is critical for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
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 follow a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail.
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 head up to the Barafu Camp. You’ve completed the South Circuit, which provides views of the summit from various perspectives. Here we set up camp, rest, eat dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
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
We continue our journey to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers at very early hours (midnight to 2 a.m.). You head northwest and climb through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the journey. At Stella Point, you’ll take a short break and be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you’ve ever seen. Faster hikers may see the sunrise from the summit.
On the 1-hour ascent from Stella Point to the summit, you may encounter snow. Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit, we descend straight to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel descent. We arrive at Mweka Camp and spend our final evening on the mountain.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
DAY 6: HIKE MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE – DRIVE TO MOSHI/ARUSHA.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we continue our descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it may be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be useful. Shorts and T-shirts will most likely suffice (be sure to bring rain gear and warmer clothing).
Continue for another hour from the gate to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village and drive you to Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport for the flight or overnight stay, depending on your budget and schedule.
Marking the End of Your 6-Day Kilimanjaro Shira Route
Price
| PAX | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX |
| Price | on request | on request | on request | on request | on request | on request |
Inclusions
- Safety Equipment:
- Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
- Park Fees
- Campsite fees
- Emergency Rescue Fees
- Camping equipment and other gears:
- Mountain Meals
- Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
- Transfer from the last point to the hotel
Exclusions
- Accommodation upon arrival and last day
- Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 – 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance/travel insurance
- Personal medicines/first aid kit
- Personal trekking gears
- Sleeping bag
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The route is a camping trek, with tents set up at each campsite. You will be supported by guides, porters, and cooks who manage logistics and meals.
Trekkers cross the Shira Plateau, moorlands, alpine desert, and rocky summit areas, enjoying expansive views and dramatic landscapes throughout the journey.
You should bring layered clothing, warm gear, trekking boots, gloves, hat, sunscreen, trekking poles, headlamp, and a daypack. Weather conditions vary greatly with altitude.
It is less suitable for beginners due to the high starting altitude. However, fit beginners with good preparation and determination can still complete it successfully.
Yes. All treks include professional guides, porters, and cooks, ensuring safety, carrying equipment, and preparing meals.
Yes. The trek can be extended for better acclimatization, combined with other routes, or tailored to suit your pace and preferences.