7 DAY SHIRA ROUTE || KILITRACKS ADVENTURES

ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Shira Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and less-crowded trails, starting from the Shira Ridge on the western side of the mountain. It offers breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall while joining the Lemosho and Machame routes higher up.
This 7-day itinerary allows an extra day for acclimatization, improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) safely and comfortably.

ITINERARY

DAY O: ARRIVAL TO TANZANIA.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro international airport and transferred to your hotelin Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

DAY 1: MOSHI – LONDOROSI GATE – SHIRA 1 CAMP
• Elevation: 2,100m to 3,500m
• Distance: 7km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
After registration at Londorosi Gate, continue by vehicle up the mountain track to the Shira Ridge, where your trek begins. The first walk across the Shira Plateau is easy and scenic, ending at Shira 1 Camp. Meals: Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 2: SHIRA 1 CAMP – SHIRA 2 CAMP
• Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
• Distance: 7km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
A gentle trek across the open Shira Plateau, offering panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru. This day helps your body adjust to altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 3: SHIRA 2 CAMP – LAVA TOWER – BARRANCO CAMP
• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower) then down to 3,950m
• Distance: 10km
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
Hike east toward the Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch, then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day is essential for acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP
• Elevation: 3,950m to 4,200m
• Distance: 6km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, tackle the Barranco Wall — a steep but rewarding climb with incredible views. Continue over ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP
• Elevation: 4,200m to 4,680m
• Distance: 4km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short, steep climb to Barafu Camp, the final base before your summit attempt. Rest, prepare, and have an early dinner before the midnight ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT – MWEKA CAMP
• Elevation: 4,680m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) then down to 3,100m
• Distance: 17km total
• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Start around midnight for the most challenging yet rewarding part of the trek. Climb steadily to Stella Point (5,739m) and then on to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
After celebrating your achievement, descend via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI
• Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
• Distance: 10km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for rest and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast.

DAY 8: HOTEL TO AIRPORT
After breakfast, you continue with your travel plans or take a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.

Price Include.

Price Include
>>Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
>>2 nights of accommodation in Moshi.
>>Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
>>Park entry fees,
>>Camping fees.
>>Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
>>18% VAT on tour fees & services
>>4 Season mountain tents
>>Double layered Sleeping Mats
>>Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters.
>>3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
>>Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
>>Hot water for washing.
>>Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by theKilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
>>Government taxes
>>Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
>>Emergency first-aid kit.

Price Exclude

Price Exclude
>>Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
>>Travel insurance
>>Flights.
>>Laundry (Available at hotel).
>>Personal items and toiletries.
>>Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the mountain).
Guide $25/guide/day
Assistant guide $ 20/guide/day
Cook $15/day
Porter’s $10/porter/day