Overview
The Shira route starts on Kilimanjaro's western side with a drive up to the Shira Plateau before you begin walking, so you reach high altitude faster than on routes that begin in the rainforest.
Seven days balances that quick start with enough time to acclimatize. After the plateau you join the main Lemosho and Machame trail to the summit, camping in tents each night.
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day and bring you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, both included. Contact us to book your 7-day Shira climb.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (8 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Our driver meets you at the airport and brings you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel on the slopes of Mount Meru. At 5:30 pm your guide holds a pre-climb briefing, checks your gear and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
LONDOROSSI GATE TO SHIRA ONE CAMP
After breakfast we drive around two hours to Londorossi Gate for park registration, then a short way up a steep track to the start of the Shira route. You walk through scrub forest with Kibo's ice fields ahead, climbing steadily to the edge of the Shira Plateau.
Londorossi Gate to Shira One Camp (3,550 m): about 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
SHIRA CATHEDRAL TO SHIRA HUT
An easy path takes you over Shira Cathedral to Shira Hut. The camp is exposed, so the night is usually colder than the last and often well below freezing.
Shira One to Shira Hut (3,840 m): about 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
BELOW LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO VALLEY
A gradual climb with wide views crosses the south-western side of the mountain, under Lava Tower and the upper Western Breach. After a hot lunch at the foot of Lava Tower (4,600 m), you walk down into the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m).
Shira Hut to Barranco Valley: about 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO KARANGA CAMP
A steep start below the Heim Glacier leads up and over the Great Barranco Wall onto Kibo's south-eastern slopes. The trail crosses the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley and ends with a steep climb to Karanga Camp.
Barranco to Karanga Camp (4,000 m): about 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
KARANGA TO BARAFU CAMP
A slow, steady climb along the Barafu Ridge brings you to high camp. Rest for the remainder of the day and go to bed early before the summit night.
Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT DAY, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
You start before midnight and climb slowly by head torch up the volcanic scree to Stella Point (5,735 m), resting there as the sun rises over Mawenzi. If you feel strong, continue about two hours return along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa's highest point. The descent to Barafu is fast; after refreshments you continue down to Mweka Camp.
Barafu to the summit and on to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): about 13-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
A gentle walk down through the rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive you back to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: about 3-5 hours on foot. Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included, followed by your departure transfer.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.