Explore the Kilimanjaro National Park

7-Day Shira Route

Tour Overview

Shira Plateau is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and fascinating areas, offering magnificent views of Mt. Meru and the Great Rift Valley. The Shira Route is designed for hikers already acclimatized to 4000m. Depending on weather conditions, you can either drive by 4×4 or walk for about 30 minutes to reach Shira Hut (4000m). The landscape here transitions from forest and grassland to heath and moorland, with opportunities to spot game along the way.

The fast ascent by vehicle to around 4000m requires additional acclimatization, but it allows for potential summits via the Western Breach or Barafu Hut.

Tips:

  • Crater camping is available with an additional day and cost.
  • The trail offers scenic views and includes the challenge of crossing the Barranco Wall.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our guide will be there to greet you. He will transfer you to your hotel where you can unwind after your flight. If you arrive via a different airport or location, just let us know, and we can arrange convenient transfers. Before your climb begins, you’ll meet with your guide for a briefing. He’ll provide details on what to wear, what to pack in your backpack, and other important tips to ensure your climb is as comfortable as possible.

Day 02 Lodge – Shira Two Camp

Altitude Range: 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) – 3,850 meters (12,600 ft)

Hiking Time: 1 hour
Distance: 3 km
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we embark on a long drive to Lemosho Gate to complete the necessary registration. We then continue our journey up to the Shira Plateau, where the trailhead awaits. A short hike through the rain forest leads us to Shira Two Camp, where your tent will be set up for the night.

Day 03 Shira Two Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Altitude Range: 3,850 meters (12,600 ft) – 4,600 meters (15,100 ft) – 3,950 meters (12,950 ft)

Hiking Time: Approximately 7 hours
Distance: 14 – 15 km (9 miles)
Habitat: Semi-desert and rocky terrain

Starting from Shira Camp, the route heads east toward Kibo, leading you through semi-desert terrain and rocky conditions surrounding Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,100 ft). After a lunch break, we descend approximately 650 meters to Barranco Camp. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. Tonight’s camp is nestled in a valley just below the Breach, offering impressive views of the Great Barranco Wall.

Day 04 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,100 ft
Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

This short day is designed for acclimatization. We follow a route down through the Karanga Valley, crossing intervening ridges and valleys, then join the Mweka route. After turning left up the ridge, we reach Barafu Hut.

Barafu, meaning “ice” in Swahili, is known for its bleak and inhospitable conditions. The camp is exposed to constant gales and is situated on a narrow, stony ridge. There is no water at Barafu Camp, so ensure you carry enough from the last water stop in the Karanga Valley. Familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to prevent any accidents.

Day 05 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,100 ft to 15,300 ft
Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we depart from Karanga and head towards the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue ascending to Barafu Hut, where you will have completed the South Circuit. This route provides various views of the summit from different angles. At Barafu, we set up camp, rest, and prepare for the summit attempt. From here, you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Enjoy dinner and get ready for the final ascent.

Day 06: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation: 15,300 ft to 19,345 ft (and down to 10,000 ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent

Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

At 2:00 AM, we begin our ascent to the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head northwest, climbing through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This section is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

Upon reaching Stella Point (18,600 ft), we’ll take a short break and be treated to a spectacular sunrise, weather permitting. From Stella Point, the final hour to Uhuru Peak might involve snow. At Uhuru Peak, you will stand at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. Faster hikers may catch the sunrise from the summit.

After celebrating at the summit, we start our descent straight to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a lunch stop at Barafu. The descent can be challenging with loose gravel, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp, situated in the upper forest, may experience mist or rain in the late afternoon. We’ll enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and get a well-deserved rest.

Day 07: Mweka Camp to Arusha

Elevation: 10,000 ft to 5,400 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue our descent to Mweka Park Gate where you will receive your summit certificates. The lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. From the gate, we proceed another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.

Price Inclusions

IncludedExcluded

 

  • Park fees
  • Pickup and transfer airport
  • Porters who carry your luggage
  • Private cook speaking fluently English
  • Private guide speaking fluently English
  • Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • High quality tents (including dinner-tent
  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation on day of arrival and departure

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+255 753 512 104

info@mtembezisafaris.com