Overview
This is the most relaxed way to climb via Shira. You still drive partway up the western slopes before walking, but the route adds a night at remote Moir Hut and an extra day on the southern circuit, giving your body time to catch up with the altitude.
Once across the Shira Plateau you join the main Lemosho and Machame trail, camping in tents every night on the mountain. Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day; the transfer and your stay at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel are included.
Read our guide to route lengths and summit rates, or contact our team to book this 8-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 (9 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
Your driver collects you from the airport and takes you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel on the lower slopes of Mount Meru. At 5:30 pm your guide gives the pre-climb briefing, checks your kit 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 through the countryside to Londorossi Gate for park registration, then a short way up a steep track past farms and plantations to the start of the Shira route. You walk up through scrub forest with Kibo's ice fields ahead, reaching 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 the top of Shira Cathedral and on to Shira Hut. The camp is exposed, so the night is usually colder than the last and can drop well below freezing.
Shira One to Shira Hut (3,840 m): about 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
ACROSS THE PLATEAU TO MOIR HUT
The morning crosses part of the plateau through heather and moorland into high, open alpine desert before reaching Moir Hut. Lunch is served at Fisher Camp. In the afternoon an acclimatization walk takes you up the Lent Hills, which top out at around 4,700 m, with superb views.
Shira Hut to Moir Hut (4,200 m): about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
BELOW LAVA TOWER TO BARRANCO VALLEY
A gradual climb with wide views takes you across Kilimanjaro's south-western side, 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).
Moir Hut to Barranco Valley: about 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO KARANGA CAMP
A steep start takes you up below the Heim Glacier with striking views of the mountain, then up and over the Great Barranco Wall onto Kibo's south-eastern slopes. The trail drops into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley before a final steep pull to Karanga Camp.
Barranco to Karanga Camp (4,000 m): about 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
KARANGA TO BARAFU CAMP
A short, slow climb follows the Barafu Ridge to the high camp for your summit attempt. The afternoon is for resting, eating well and getting to bed early.
Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT DAY, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
You wake before midnight and climb slowly in the dark up zig-zags of volcanic scree to Stella Point (5,735 m) on the crater rim, pausing there as the sun rises over Mawenzi. If you feel good, walk on for about two hours return to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After time to take it in, the descent to Barafu goes quickly; you stop for refreshments and continue 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 summit certificates are handed out to everyone who made it. After lunch you drive 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.