7 Days Shira Route Kilimanjaro
Overview
The Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and geologically fascinating areas on Mount Kilimanjaro. Located on the western side of the mountain, this expansive plateau offers panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and the surrounding highlands. Known for its dramatic landscapes and unique vegetation, Shira is a hidden gem for trekkers seeking a remote and rewarding experience.
The Shira Route is recommended only for hikers who are already acclimatized to 4,000 meters, as the journey begins at a high elevation. Depending on weather and trail conditions, trekkers may either hike or drive by 4×4 vehicle for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach Shira Hut (4,000 m), the first campsite on this route.
Best Time to Visit:
Dec-Mid-March / Mid-June-October
Starts at:
$3,100.00 Per Person
Day 1: Airport pick-up - Drop off at hotel
You will be picked up by the staff of Stan Safaris from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.
Day 2: Lodge to Shira Two Camp
After breakfast, we start a long drive to Lemosho Gate where you will complete the necessary registration. Afterwards, we continue our travel up the Shira Plateau to the trailhead. You will have a short hike through the rain forest to Shira Two Camp where your tent will be pitched.
Day 3: Shira Two Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
From Shira Camp, the route turns east towards Kibo and you will find yourself hiking through semi-desert up to the fairly rocky conditions that surround Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,100 ft). After lunch, we descend approximately 650 meters to Barranco Camp. Along the way, you will have good views overlooking Western Breach and Breach Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
This is a short day meant for acclimatization. We take on a route that heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water available at Barafu camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Day 6: Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
At 2am, we start our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Arusha
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village where our vehicle awaits to drive us back to the Hotel in Arusha.
What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions
- • All park entry and conservation fees
- • Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- • 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- • Pre & post-climb accommodation in Moshi
- • Quality mountain tents and sleeping mats
- • Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- • All ground transfers as per itinerary
- • Clean, purified drinking water
- • All government taxes and levies
- • Summit certificate
Exclusions
- • International flights
- • Travel insurance
- • Tanzania visa
- • Personal trekking gear
- • Tips for guides and porters
- • Items of personal nature
- • Alcoholic and soft drinks
- • Additional accommodation before/after climb
- • Sleeping bag and personal equipment
