SHIRA ROUTE|| KILITRACKS ADVENTURES

Key Facts – Shira Route

Duration: 6 – 7 days
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Starting Elevation: ~3,600 m (higher than other routes, increasing altitude risk)
Scenery: Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, alpine desert, glaciers near the summit
Difficulty: Challenging (high starting altitude increases risk of altitude sickness)
Best For: Experienced trekkers looking for dramatic scenery and a quieter trail.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Shira Route is one of the less commonly used trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning from the western side of the mountain like the Lemosho Route. However, unlike Lemosho, Shira starts at a much higher altitude — around 3,600 meters — on the Shira Plateau. This high starting point makes the route less favorable for some trekkers due to the risk of altitude sickness from the rapid ascent.
Despite this challenge, the Shira Route offers breathtaking scenery from the start, including wide views of the Shira Plateau, volcanic formations, and sweeping vistas of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. After crossing the plateau, the trail merges with the Lemosho and Machame routes near Lava Tower, continuing through Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu before heading to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Accommodation is in tents, and the trek usually takes 6 to 7 days, providing a good acclimatization schedule despite the high initial altitude. While less popular, the Shira Route remains a rewarding choice for experienced trekkers who are confident in handling higher altitudes early in the climb.