Duration

6 Days 4 Nights

Country

Tanzania, United Republic of

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

6 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route

The 6 Days Kilimanjaro Shira Route offers a unique and scenic approach to Africa’s highest peak, starting from the west at the Shira Gate. This route provides trekkers with an adventurous journey through diverse ecosystems, from the lush rainforest to the barren alpine desert. The trek begins with a drive to the Shira Gate, followed by a gentle hike across the expansive Shira Plateau, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Meru in the distance.

As climbers progress, they traverse through heather and moorland zones, encountering unique flora such as giant lobelias and groundsels. The path leads to the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation that stands at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), providing an excellent acclimatization point. The route then descends into the Barranco Valley, known for its dramatic views and the iconic Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging climb that offers a sense of achievement and panoramic vistas.

The ascent continues through the Karanga Valley, where trekkers gain more altitude while enjoying the rugged beauty of the terrain. The final push to the summit begins from Barafu Camp, a high-altitude camp located at 4,640 meters (15,220 feet). The summit attempt starts around midnight, allowing climbers to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. The trail to the summit is steep and demanding, but the reward is the breathtaking view from the top of Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa.

The descent follows the Mweka Route, passing through the alpine desert and lush rainforest, offering a contrasting experience to the ascent. This route is known for its scenic beauty, varied landscapes, and excellent acclimatization opportunities, making it a memorable and rewarding climb for those seeking a shorter yet challenging trek to the roof of Africa.

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
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Overview

The six-day Kilimanjaro Shira Route offers a unique and scenic approach to Africa’s highest peak, starting from the west at the Shira Gate. This route traverses diverse ecosystems, beginning with a drive to the Shira Gate and a gentle hike across the expansive Shira Plateau. The plateau provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Meru in the distance. As trekkers progress, they move through the heather and moorland zones, encountering unique flora such as giant lobelias and groundsels.

A significant highlight of the Shira Route is the Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation standing at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet), which serves as an excellent acclimatization point. The journey then descends into the Barranco Valley, renowned for its dramatic views and the challenging Barranco Wall, which offers climbers a sense of achievement and panoramic vistas.

The ascent continues through the Karanga Valley, where trekkers gain more altitude while enjoying the rugged terrain. The final push to the summit begins from Barafu Camp, a high-altitude camp located at 4,640 meters (15,220 feet). The summit attempt starts around midnight, allowing climbers to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. The steep and demanding trail rewards climbers with breathtaking views from the top of Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa.

The descent follows the Mweka Route, passing through the alpine desert and lush rainforest, offering a contrasting experience to the ascent. Known for its scenic beauty, varied landscapes, and excellent acclimatization opportunities, the Shira Route provides a memorable and rewarding climb for those seeking a shorter yet challenging trek to the roof of Africa.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Shira Gate to Shira Camp 1
The adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to the Shira Gate (3,600 meters/11,811 feet), the starting point of the trek. After registration, you start a gentle hike across the expansive Shira Plateau. This first day is relatively easy, allowing you to acclimatize and enjoy the stunning views of the plateau and the surrounding landscape. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, you reach Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters/11,844 feet) where you set up camp and spend the night.
Day 2
Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
The trek continues across the Shira Plateau, gradually gaining altitude. This day’s hike offers excellent acclimatization opportunities and breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the Great Rift Valley. You pass through the heather and moorland zones, encountering unique flora such as giant lobelias and groundsels. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you arrive at Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters/12,631 feet), where you camp overnight.
Day 3
Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
This is a critical day for acclimatization as you trek from Shira Camp 2 to the Lava Tower (4,630 meters/15,190 feet), a striking volcanic rock formation. The ascent to Lava Tower is challenging but rewarding, providing stunning views and helping your body adjust to the altitude. After spending some time at the Lava Tower, you descend into the Barranco Valley, which is known for its dramatic views and the iconic Barranco Wall. The descent helps with acclimatization as you lose some altitude. After about 7-8 hours of trekking, you reach Barranco Camp (3,960 meters/12,992 feet), where you set up camp and spend the night.
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today’s trek involves tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging climb that requires some scrambling but is manageable with the help of your guides. Once you conquer the wall, you are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The trail then undulates through a series of hills and valleys, leading to the Karanga Valley. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you reach Karanga Camp (4,035 meters/13,235 feet), where you rest and acclimatize further.
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Leaving Karanga Camp, you continue the ascent towards Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged, with increasingly sparse vegetation as you enter the alpine desert zone. The trek offers stunning views of the summit and the surrounding landscape. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, you reach Barafu Camp (4,640 meters/15,220 feet). You spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight summit push. An early dinner is followed by an attempt to get some rest before the final ascent.
Day 6
Summit Day - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The summit attempt begins around midnight, with a steep and challenging ascent in the darkness. You trek towards Stella Point (5,739 meters/18,828 feet) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise, you are rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of immense achievement. After celebrating at the peak, you begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments. You then continue the descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,170 feet), passing through the alpine desert and lush rainforest. The total trekking time for the day is approximately 12-15 hours. At Mweka Camp, you enjoy your final night on the mountain.

Cost Info

Price includes

- Two nights accommodation at Springlands Hotel in Moshi (double or triple occupancy)
  - First night includes breakfast
  - Last night includes dinner & breakfast
- Qualified guides and mountain crew
- National park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters and first aid kit
- Salaries for guides, porters, cook, and waiter
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Accommodation and entry fees for guides, porters, waiter, and cook on the mountain

Price excludes

Tanzania Visa not included
International and domestic flights not included
Hotel accommodations not included (optional addon available)
Transfers not included (optional addon available)
Personal trekking equipment not included (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities not included
Travel insurance not included
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.) not included
Meals not listed in the itinerary not included
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages not included
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment) applies

FAQ

FAQ Expand All

Is the Shira Route suitable for experienced climbers only?
While the Shira Route is a less commonly chosen route due to its higher starting altitude, it can be suitable for trekkers with some prior high-altitude trekking experience. The initial altitude can make acclimatization more challenging, so it's important for climbers to be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and to take necessary precautions. Proper acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to help adjust to the high altitude.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the Shira Route?
The Shira Route offers diverse and stunning scenery throughout the trek. The journey starts on the expansive Shira Plateau with wide-open views, then progresses through various ecosystems including heather and moorland zones, volcanic rock formations at Lava Tower, and dramatic landscapes in the Barranco Valley. The route also provides panoramic views of Mount Meru, the Great Rift Valley, and the surrounding wilderness.
How challenging is the Barranco Wall on the Shira Route?
The Barranco Wall, also known as the "Breakfast Wall," is a steep and challenging section of the Shira Route that requires some scrambling. Although it may look intimidating, the climb is manageable with the help of experienced guides. The ascent of the Barranco Wall is non-technical, and most trekkers find it to be a rewarding and exhilarating part of the journey, offering stunning views once conquered.
How should I prepare for altitude sickness on the Shira Route?
Acclimatization is key when trekking the Shira Route due to its higher starting altitude. To prepare for altitude sickness, it is crucial to ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. If symptoms worsen, descending to a lower altitude is necessary. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before the trip about taking altitude sickness medication such as Diamox (acetazolamide).
What essential items should I pack for the Shira Route trek?
Packing the right gear is essential for a successful climb. Key items include:
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots
- Warm clothing, including thermal layers, a down jacket, and a waterproof outer layer
- A good quality sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- A daypack and a larger backpack for your porter to carry
- Hydration system (water bottles or a hydration bladder)
- Snacks and energy bars
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Camera or smartphone for photos Layering clothing is crucial to adjust to the varying temperatures and weather conditions encountered on the climb.

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from ~~$2,100.00~~ $1,820.00

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