Shira Route – 8 Days
From $2,400/person.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Shira Route in 8 days, trekking across the breathtaking Shira Plateau, enjoying excellent acclimatization and fewer crowds.
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Overview
The 8-day Shira Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) from the western side, starting at a higher altitude than most routes. Closely related to the Lemosho Route, Shira offers wide-open landscapes, dramatic volcanic scenery, and excellent acclimatization when completed over eight days. The route crosses the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, before joining the Machame Route for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
After breakfast, transfer from Arusha or Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. Drive partway up the mountain before beginning the trek across the Shira Plateau. Enjoy wide views as you reach Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tented camp)
Day 2: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
A gentle trek across the plateau allows excellent acclimatization. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and surrounding volcanic formations. Afternoon free for rest and short acclimatization walks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Barranco Camp (3,960m)
Trek uphill to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp. This important day follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, improving summit success.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Climb the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical ascent with rewarding views. Continue trekking through valleys and ridges to Karanga Camp, allowing further acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Ascend steadily to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Begin the summit climb around midnight, reaching Stella Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at sunrise, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Arusha/Moshi
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate, and transfer to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Day 8: Departure or Optional Rest Day
Breakfast at the hotel followed by departure or optional rest day in Arusha or Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A (end of program)
Price Include
Park fees and hut accommodation
Professional mountain guide, porters, and cook
All meals on the mountain
Kilimanjaro rescue fees
Transfers to and from the mountain
Price Exclude
International flights
Tips for mountain crew
Personal trekking gear
Travel insurance
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