7 Days Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trek

An off-the-beaten-path adventure offering unique perspectives and excellent acclimatization.

7 Days Shira Route Trek Overview

Seeking a Kilimanjaro trek that combines tranquility, exceptional scenery, and a less crowded experience? The 7-Day Shira Route is an excellent choice. This route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, traversing the stunning Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route for the summit ascent. Known for its gentle initial days and breathtaking panoramic views, the Shira Route provides a fantastic opportunity for acclimatization and immersion in Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.

  • Excellent Acclimatization: The gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau allows your body ample time to adjust to the increasing altitude, significantly boosting your chances of a successful summit.
  • Unique Western Approach: Experience Kilimanjaro from a less-trafficked side, offering a sense of remoteness and pristine wilderness.
  • Panoramic Vistas: Enjoy unparalleled views of Kibo peak, the Shira cones, and potentially Mount Meru from the vast Shira Plateau.
  • Diverse Ecosystems: Journey through moorland, alpine desert, and ultimately the arctic summit zone, witnessing the mountain’s varied beauty.
  • Experienced Support Team: Trek with our professional guides and porters, dedicated to your safety, comfort, and success on the mountain.

Authentic Mountain Camping: Immerse yourself in the Kilimanjaro wilderness with nights spent under the African stars

Day 1: Morum Barrier to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation Gain: Approximately 86m / 280ft

  • Distance: Approximately 4 km / 2 miles
  • Hiking Time: Approximately 2 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
    • Your Kilimanjaro trek begins with a drive to the Londorossi Park Gate, where the necessary entry procedures for the Kilimanjaro National Park will be completed. Following registration, you will be driven further into the park to the Morum Barrier, which serves as the actual starting point for your climb.
    • From Morum Barrier, you will immediately begin trekking through the heath and moorland This section is characterized by low-lying vegetation, including heathers and grasses, typical of this high-altitude environment.
    • Today’s hike is relatively short and gentle, allowing for a very gradual ascent as you begin to acclimatize to the altitude. The trail offers initial views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Your destination for the night is Shira 1 Camp, situated on the Shira Plateau. Upon arrival, you will settle into your camp and prepare for the days ahead.

 

Day 2: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

  • Elevation: 3,500m to 3,840m
  • Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland A shorter day allowing for excellent acclimatization as you traverse the Shira Plateau. Enjoy the unique scenery of this high-altitude environment and the panoramic views of Kibo and the surrounding volcanic cones.

Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • Elevation: 3,840m to 4,630m (Lava Tower) then down to 3,976m
  • Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
  • Habitat: Semi-desert This crucial acclimatization day takes you up to the dramatic Lava Tower, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude before descending to the scenic Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is vital for summit success.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Elevation: 3,976m to 3,995m
  • Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert The day begins with an exhilarating scramble up the Barranco Wall, followed by a gentle trek across undulating terrain to the Karanga Valley. This day provides further acclimatization and stunning views.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Elevation: 3,995m to 4,673m
  • Distance: 4 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert A shorter ascent to Barafu Camp, the final camp before your summit attempt. The landscape becomes stark and rocky, preparing you for the challenging night ahead. Enjoy an early dinner and rest well.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) down to 3,068m
  • Distance: 17 km | Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic to rainforest The summit push begins around midnight. Ascend through the night to Stella Point and then onwards to Uhuru Peak, the “Roof of Africa.” Celebrate your achievement before descending back to Barafu for a short rest and then continuing down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Elevation: 3,068m to 1,640m
  • Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest Enjoy a relaxed descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate and be transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower and comfortable accommodation.

What’s Included

  • Licensed professional guides with wilderness first aid training
  • Friendly, experienced porters and a personal cook
  • Park fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
  • All camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, mess tent)
  • Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Clean drinking water throughout the climb
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after the trek)
  • Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips for crew (guides, porters, cook)
  • Personal trekking gear (available for rent in Moshi)

Shira Route Key Scenic Highlights

Shira Plateau
  • Overview: A vast, high-altitude plateau formed by the collapse of an ancient volcanic cone. It offers a unique and relatively flat trekking experience in the early days.
  • Experience: Hike across this expansive moorland, encountering unique high-altitude flora and enjoying breathtaking, unobstructed views of Kibo and the surrounding landscapes. The sense of space and tranquility is remarkable.
  • Tip: The sunsets and sunrises over the Shira Plateau are often spectacular, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
  • Overview: A prominent rock formation on the Shira Plateau, resembling a natural cathedral.
  • Experience: Trekking past this impressive geological feature provides a dramatic backdrop and a sense of the ancient volcanic history of Kilimanjaro. It’s a great photo opportunity.
  • Elevation: Standing tall at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), Lava Tower is a significant landmark where the Shira and Machame routes converge.
  • Characteristics: This towering volcanic plug offers a dramatic and rugged landscape, serving as a crucial point for acclimatization.
  • Experience: The hike to Lava Tower exposes you to higher altitudes, aiding acclimatization before descending to a lower sleeping altitude. The views from around the tower are expansive.
  • Overview: A steep and imposing cliff face that presents a fun and challenging scramble.
  • Experience: Ascending the Barranco Wall is a memorable part of the trek, offering stunning panoramic views of the valleys below and the majestic Kibo peak above. While it looks daunting, it’s generally manageable with careful footing.
  • Quote: “The traverse and ascent of the Barranco Wall offer a unique blend of challenge and unparalleled beauty, making it a highlight for many trekkers.” – Kilihighlands Explorer Team
  • Overview: A picturesque valley characterized by its relatively lush vegetation at this altitude and the Karanga River.
  • Experience: The descent into and ascent out of the Karanga Valley provides a change in terrain and offers a chance to see unique high-altitude plant life. It’s a welcome contrast to the more arid landscapes.
  • Tip: This is often a good spot to refill water bottles with treated water from the Karanga River.
  • Elevation: Situated at 4,673 m (15,331 ft), Barafu Camp is the final staging point before the summit attempt.
  • Characteristics: The camp is perched on a rocky, exposed ridge with breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
  • Experience: Witnessing the sunset and sunrise from Barafu Camp, with the towering peaks as a backdrop, is an awe-inspiring experience, building anticipation for the summit push.

Why Choose the Shira Route?

  • Excellent Acclimatization Profile: The gentle ascent across the Shira Plateau in the initial days is ideal for allowing your body to adapt to the altitude, potentially leading to a higher summit success rate and a more comfortable trek.
  • Stunning and Unique Scenery: The Shira Route offers landscapes not seen on the more eastern routes, including the vast Shira Plateau, the dramatic Shira Cathedral, and unique perspectives of Kibo.
  • Less Crowded Experience: Compared to the popular Machame and Marangu routes, the Shira Route generally sees fewer trekkers, offering a more tranquil and immersive wilderness experience.
  • Gradual Transition: The route provides a gradual transition through Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones, allowing you to fully appreciate the changes in flora and fauna.
  • Joins the Popular Machame Route: For the summit push, the Shira Route merges with the well-established Machame Route, benefiting from its infrastructure and experienced support teams.

How does the Shira Route's terrain vary throughout the climb?

Moorland Zone (Starting Point):

Begin the trek with a drive to Kilimanjaro's western side, entering the high moorland at 3,500m. Traverse the flat Shira Plateau's rocky terrain, surrounded by unique high-altitude flora.

Alpine Desert Zone:

As you ascend to Shira Camp 2, vegetation thins, transitioning into the alpine desert at 4,000m. Expect rocky paths, cooler temperatures, and stunning views of Kilimanjaro's peaks. Acclimatization is crucial.

High Alpine Zone:

Ascent to Lava Tower (4,630m) and descent to Barranco Camp (3,976m) feature rugged terrain, steep scrambles, and stunning views. "Climb high, sleep low" helps with acclimatization.

Alpine Desert (Continued):

The final ascent from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) leads into the glacial zone, featuring steep, loose scree and potential snow. Experience stunning panoramic views from the "Roof of Africa."

Glacial Zone

As climbers approach the summit at 5,895 m, they enter the glacial zone, characterized by ice and snow, challenging terrain, and cold temperatures, signifying they are nearing Kilimanjaro’s peak.

Preparing for Your Kilimanjaro Trek

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Fitness Tips:

• Begin a regular training routine at least 6–8 weeks before your trek.
• Focus on cardio (hiking, stair climbing, cycling) and leg strength.
• Practice walking with a daypack similar to what you’ll carry on the mountain.
• Simulate longer hikes over uneven terrain when possible.

Packing Essentials:

Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots; trekking poles
Clothing: Base layers, fleece mid-layer, down jacket; waterproof shell
Sleep Gear: Sleeping bag (-10°C/14°F)
Essentials: Headlamp, gloves, beanie, sunglasses, sunscreen, refillable water bottles (3L), first-aid kit

Why Trek With Us?

  • 10+ Years of Experience: We have a proven track record of safely guiding climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

  • Expert Local Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about Kilimanjaro and dedicated to providing you with a safe, informative, and enjoyable experience.

  • Small Group Sizes: We prioritize personalized attention and a more intimate trekking experience with smaller group sizes.

  • Ethical and Sustainable Practices: We are committed to fair wages for our team and environmentally responsible trekking practices.

Ready to Climb Kilimanjaro

Fill out our Inquiry Form to get started or schedule a free consultation with our Kilimanjaro trekking experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the 7-Day Shira Route?

The 7-Day Shira Route is considered moderately challenging. While the initial days offer excellent acclimatization with gentler trekking across the Shira Plateau, the later stages, particularly the ascent to Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall, and the summit push, are physically demanding due to higher altitudes and steeper terrain.

The 7-Day Shira Route is considered moderately challenging. While the initial days offer excellent acclimatization with gentler trekking across the Shira Plateau, the later stages, particularly the ascent to Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall, and the summit push, are physically demanding due to higher altitudes and steeper terrain.

The Shira Route is generally considered less crowded than the popular Machame and Marangu routes, especially in its initial stages. This offers a more tranquil and remote trekking experience before it merges with the Machame Route around Lava Tower.

Yes, the 7-day itinerary for the Shira Route is designed to provide good acclimatization. The gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau in the early days, combined with the “climb high, sleep low” strategy around Lava Tower, helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude, improving your chances of a successful summit.

The Shira Route offers diverse and stunning scenery, including the unique and expansive Shira Plateau with panoramic views, the dramatic Shira Cathedral rock formation, the towering Lava Tower, the challenging Barranco Wall, the lush Karanga Valley, and the stark alpine desert leading to the glacial summit.

What is the starting point of the 7-Day Shira Route trek?

The 7-Day Shira Route typically begins with a drive to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. From there, you’ll start your trek, often with an initial hike through the montane forest to Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa).

No, the Shira Route is primarily a trekking route and does not require any technical climbing skills. The ascent of the Barranco Wall involves a scramble over rocks, but it is generally manageable for fit hikers with the guidance of the trekking team.

Group sizes can vary depending on the operator. However, many operators, including us, aim for smaller group sizes to provide a more personalized and intimate trekking experience. Inquire with your chosen operator about their group size policy.

Temperatures on the Shira Route can vary dramatically depending on the altitude and time of day. Expect warm temperatures in the lower forest zone, cooler temperatures in the moorland and alpine desert, and freezing temperatures at high altitudes and during the summit night, potentially dropping well below 0°C (32°F).

While Kilimanjaro is not primarily known for large wildlife, you may encounter some animals, particularly in the lower forest zone, such as monkeys and various bird species. The higher altitude zones have less wildlife due to the harsh conditions.