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Kilimanjaro Shira Route: 6 or 7 days

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Kilimanjaro Shira Route

  • Starting point climb: Shira Gate
  • Duration: 6 days / 5 nights or 7 days / 6 nights
  • Difficulty: Medium
About the Shira Route
Price estimate
Guides & Porters
Included / Excluded
Safety & Acclimatisation
Sustainability

The Kilimanjaro Shira Route is a little-used trail, which starts at Shira Ridge. It is almost identical to the Lemosho Route. Did you know that the Shira Route is the original route and Lemosho is the improved variant? Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it starts off less favourably than its successor, due to the relatively high altitude of its starting point. The Shira Route goes past the Londorossi Gate (starting point of the Lemosho Route) and the beautiful rainforest and starts further north and higher at the Shira Gate. The disadvantage is that you might suffer from altitude sickness from the first day onwards, because your body does not have enough time to acclimatise.

During these 6 or 7 days we’ll be camping at the established campsites and reach the top of Kilimanjaro on day 5 or 6  at sunrise.

Kilimanjaro Shira Route Price

  • Prices are per person. They can vary from above due to external factors.
  • For children under the age of 16 special ‘kids prices’ apply. Ask us for the details.

Seasons:

  • Low season – Halfway March, April + May
  • Mid Season – Rest of the year
  • High Season – July, August + 15th Dec- 15th January

Your Team: Per group you climb with a professional team, generally consisting of 1 or 2 English speaking guides, 1 cook and 3 porters per person. The exact number sometimes varies and depends on specific requirements of our guests.

Our guides will lead you to the summit and provide you with all the necessary information, tips & tricks & lift your spirits when in dire need, to maximise your chances of a successful climb. All of the guides know the mountain like the back of their hands, are specially trained and have years of climbing experience.

The porters will carry all your belongings, tents & food, so you can climb at ease with only your daypack. The cook will prepare 3 solid meals a day, so you can take on the mountain like a champion. Drinking water will be provided as well, which will be refilled with a water filter at various points on the mountain.

This trek includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Transfers from lodge to startingpoint and back
  • Professional English-speaking trekking guide
  • Cook during the climb (full board)
  • Porters who carry your belongings
  • Hire of four-season mountain tents
  • Hire of table, chairs, dining tent & cutlery
  • All nights at the campsites/lodges
  • Parkfees & Government Taxes
  • Rescuefee
  • 24/7 Available assistent on location

Not included

  • (Inter)national flights & visas
  • Insurances (travel- & cancellation insurance, flying doctors)
  • Accommodation before and after the climb
  • Tips for the guides & porters
  • Portable flush toilet (available at an extra cost)

*International flights can be arranged via us if preferred. 

Safety: Safety on the mountain is our first priority. Even though it doesn’t take a professional climber to summit Kilimanjaro, it’s still a tall mountain and the high altitude comes with risks. 

Prior to each climb, our guests receive a comprehensive briefing that covers the route, safety procedures on the mountain and discuss potential health issues of each individual guest, to ensure that everyone can ascend the mountain fully prepared and in a safe manner. 

Our guides receive annual training on the effects of altitude, providing medical assistance and administering oxygen. The team is equipped with a professional medical kit in case of Emergency. They are responsible for your safety and have the authority of discontinuing the trek if they think the conditions are unsafe. At high altitudes, your blood pressure is measured daily to monitor your health.

Acclimatisation: Climbing is done according to the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle. This principle states that one should climb to a relatively higher elevation than the altitude of where one sleeps. This gives your body the chance to get used to the high altitudes when climbing high, and grants the opportunity to recover and rest at the lower elevations. Doing so, decreases your chance of altitude sickness and increases your chance of reaching the summit.  

Fair treatment of our personnel: We are committed to the fair and ethical treatment of all porters and guides. We strictly adhere all rules set by KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Park); ensuring that each porter has the proper gear to ascent the mountain, and that all carrying bags supplied by us are weighed, to ensure that they do not exceed the maximum of 20 kg.

Furthermore, we promote fair wages, accommodation, insurance & food for cooks, guides & porters as set by the KPO (Kilimanjaro porters association). This way, you can climb the mountain feeling confident about yourself ánd your team.

Leave only footprints: On all our climbs, we strive to reduce our environmental impact to a bare minimum. We make sure that any waste that has gone up the mountain, comes back down as well. By doing this, everybody can enjoy this magnificent mountain for many years to come.

*We also recommend that you bring your own water bottle to reduce plastic waste. 

 

Price from

Shira Route - 6 or 7 Day private trek
1785/ p.p.
  • No charges on request
  • Safe & Flexible Booking
  • High succes rate!
Enquire about this climb
  • Fair treatment of porters & guides
  • Locally based in Arusha & the Netherlands
  • Sustainable choice
Kilimanjaro Shira Route Tanzania

Highlights of this Kilimanjaro Route

  • Reach the 'Roof of Africa' at sunrise
  • Shira Plateau, The Barranco Wall & Lava Tower
  • Classic adventure! Hiking & Camping
  • Excellent team who will make sure you'll reach the top

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Day 1: Shira Gate - Shira 1 Camp

On the first day of the Kilimanjaro Shira Route, you will be picked up from Moshi. From there we drive to the Londrossi Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. Arriving at the gate, you start with final preparations.

We then continue driving on a steep path to the Shira Gate, from where the route starts. The hike starts through lush hilly landscapes until you arrive at Shira 1 camp. After the beautiful hike, you will spend the night in this camp, at an altitude of 3500 metres. Get a good rest, as this is necessary for your body to acclimatise. 

  • 450m
  • 2 hrs
  • 4 km
  • 3500m

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp - Cathedral point - Shira 2 Camp

Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. You start with an easy walk to the glacier top of Kibo. Here you will cross the Shira Plateau and pass the Shira Cathedral. At the end of this hike you will reach the Shira 2 Camp at 3840 metres.

If you are lucky, you will see a beautiful view of Mount Meru (the fifth highest peak of Africa).

  • 340m
  • 5 hrs
  • 6km
  • 3840m
Kilimanjaro Shira Route
Kilimanjaro Shira Route

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

From the Shira Plateau you continue over a desert rocky landscape towards the Lava Tower or ‘Shark Tooth’. For most people, this is the hardest day of the climb. The risk of getting breathlessness and headaches is highest at this point due to the high altitude. So make sure you take one step, and one breath at a time. Pole Pole, or ‘slowly slowly’ as the guides will say.

After reaching the Lava Tower, you head back down, towards the Barranco Camp. The way down has a beautiful view of the Western Breach and the Breach Wall. A perfect moment to take a picture. After approximately two hours you will reach the Barranco camp, which is situated in a valley, below the Breach and the Great Barranco Wall. 

  • 760m -650m
  • 7 hrs
  • 14km
  • 4600m > 3950m

Day 4: Barranco Wall - Karanga Camp (Optional Acclimatisation Day)

Even though this day is ‘optional’, it is still strongly recommended. We climb according to the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle, which gives your body the chance to get used to the high altitudes. This increases your chance of reaching the summit and is highly recommended for inexperienced climbers.

After breakfast you will leave from Barranco Camp to a steep ridge along the Barranco Wall. Next, you will go through the Karanga Valley. Here you will have the chance to see the glaciers from real close. Afterwards, you will have lunch at the Karanga Valley Campsite. Here, you can go for a short hike in the area. This is a shorter day to acclimatise.

  • 45m
  • 4-5 hrs
  • 5km
  • 3995m
Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Let's plan your Kilimanjaro Climb!

Ask us for a trek quote or enquire about your tailor-made travel proposal. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.
Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Day 5: Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

In the early morning, we will leave Karanga Valley campsite, onwards to the junction that will take us on the Mweka Trail. From here we’ll continue to the Barafu Hut at 4600m high, which offers views of the summit.

At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit. This is a great moment to grab your camera, as the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this site. Here we will set up camp, so we can overnight with our eyes on the prize.

Make sure to eat well and drink lots, as tonight is SUMMIT NIGHT!

  • 605m
  • 8 hrs
  • 9.4km
  • 4600m
Summit day: The Roof of Africa

Day 6: Barafu Camp - UHURU peak (5895m!) - Mweka Camp

In the early, early morning. Still shivering from our short and cold night, we will enjoy warm coffee or tea together to lift our spirits. Now we will hike in the dark, with flashlights towards the summit of Uhuru peak at 5895meters high. Our last ascent of the Shira Route. Once at the top, we will enjoy one of the world’s most incredible sunrises. Such moments make the climb well worthwhile. You’ve made it! Uhuru Peak is the highest point of Kilimanjaro ánd the whole of Africa. A place never to forget.

Make sure to bring two sets of clothing. The night will be bitterly cold, but after the sun rises over the peak of Kilimanjaro, the temperature will quickly rise. After the summit, we will make our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and some well-earned sleep.

  • 1295m, -2795m
  • 7-8 hrs, 6-8 hrs
  • 5 km up, 12 km down
  • 5895m > 3100m
Kilimanjaro Shira Route
Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Day 7: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

Hopefully well rested and not too sore from the long hike the other day, we will have breakfast. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your Kilimanjaro-Shira Route summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy.

The car will be waiting for you at the Mweka Gate to take you back to the hotel in Moshi for a hot shower. 

  • 1460m
  • 4-6 hrs
  • 8.5km
  • 1640m

Accommodation on the mountain

On the Kilimanjaro Shira Route we camp at the established campsites mentioned in our day-to-day. On this route we camp in tents. We spend the night in four-season mountain tents, made of thick high-quality canvas, capable of withstanding all weather conditions on Kilimanjaro.

The tents are carried by our porters, who will walk ahead of you to set up the camp. Once you have reached the campsite, you can relax without having to worry about setting up your tent.

Let's plan your Kilimanjaro Climb!

Ask us for a trek quote or enquire about your tailor-made travel proposal. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.

Price from

Kilimanjaro Shira Route - 6 or 7 Day private trek
1785/ p.p.
  • No charges on request
  • Safe & Flexible Booking
  • High succes rate!
Enquire about this climb
How it works
1

1. Request a Kilimanjaro trek

2

2. Call with us about your travel plans

3

3. You and your personal Tanzania-specialist will create your dream trip

FAQ - Kilimanjaro Shira Route

What is the best time to climb the Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Well, if you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about the best time of the year to climb Kilimanjaro. Then perhaps, I can make you happy, because you can climb Kilimanjaro all year round! There are just a few periods that we recommend or discourage more. Let’s start with the period we do not recommend, as it falls in the rainy season. Here you have the chance of the climb being blown off, on the other hand, nature is breathtaking green. This is the time period between March and May. 

The other months are actually all recommendable. For instance, the most popular period is from December to February because these are Tanzania’s summer months. The temperature at the summit is most pleasant! In the month of November, you face small alternating rain showers, on the contrary, the temperature is very nice and you hike through beautiful green surroundings. The mountain is also great to climb in the months of June to October. This period, although it’s quite cold, it is outside the rainy season. So now you see, everything has its pros and cons.

How fit should I be?

Are you excited about climbing Kilimanjaro? A 6-year-old boy climbed the mountain once and came back in one piece too, so I think you can do it also! Of course, you shouldn’t compare yourself to that, but the fact is that the mountain is accessible to everyone. Every year, thousands of people successfully reach the summit.

You definitely need to have a healthy fitness level and bear in mind that the conditions on the mountain have a big impact on your body. The high altitude, rugged terrain and temperature changes, quickly exhaust you. These conditions also require you to cover a good number of kilometers over several days. If you can walk 20 km with a heavy backpack without getting sore muscles, you are probably in the right shape.

How should I train for Mt Kilimanjaro?

Are you a little unsure about your physical fitness? Then we have some tips you can use before conquering Kilimanjaro. 

  • If you want to be on the safe side, we recommend running, cycling or swimming for at least 1 hour, 3 times a week. This is a good aerobic workout and improves heart rate, muscle health and lung capacity.
  • Try to walk a long distance (say 20 km) at least once a week for a few weeks before you go.
  • Have you just bought those new, nice, fast walking shoes for the big tour? Walk them in beforehand! Train with the gear you will be climbing the mountain with. That way you can avoid nasty blisters. 
  • It would be ideal if you can train in areas with a difference in altitude, so that your body gets used to it. If that is not possible, no worries. The points above are most important. 

What's the temperature on the mountain?

Temperatures on the mountain can be very different and vary by altitude zone (5 in total). Also, it depends on what time of year you are climbing Kilimanjaro. At the bottom of the mountain, it is usually between 15°C (59°F) and 30°C (86°F), but on the way to the summit, no matter what, it is going to be very cold! The temperature there can vary between -30°C (-22°F) and -5°C (23°F). So, it is very important to bring enough clothes for all weather conditions.

What should I pack?

When packing, it is important to avoid cotton (this becomes wet from sweat and dries badly). You are better off packing fleece, polypro, merino wool or silk fabrics. Below is a short packing list to be well prepared to climb Kilimanjaro:

  • Waterproof jacket (not water-repellent)
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Warm jacket (ski jacket or down jacket)
  • Easy trousers (for over the thermal trousers, but under the waterproof trousers)
  • Warm trousers (for evenings & nights where the summit is reached)
  • Thick hiking socks (at least 6-8 pairs)
  • Mountaineering boots (waterproof with ankle protection)
  • Gaiters (for over your shoes to keep them dry)
  • Poncho (optional)
  • Gloves (thin and thick water- & windproof gloves)
  • Thermal clothing
  • Water bottle
  • Camelback 
  • Sunglasses
  • Balaclava (balaclava-like)
  • Hiking poles
  • Backpack (this is carried by the porters – soft backpack)
  • Daypack
  • Waterproof cover for your backpack and other bags
  • Sleeping mat
  • Sleeping bag (resistant to cold)
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Good sturdy clothes (long and short-sleeved shirts, fleece, hiking trousers and shorts)
  • Sunscreen
  • Cap/hat & warm hat
  • Bandana/buff (kind of scarf)
  • Lip balm (with sun protection)
  • Energy bars/gel (count on at least 2 per day)
  • Biscuits & snacks 
  • Simple first-aid kit with blister plasters
  • Toiletry bag with; toilet roll, soap, toothbrush, towels, antibacterial gel)
  • Plastic bags/bags (for keeping clothes and sleeping bag dry)
  • Small towel
  • Camera + extra batteries (You can’t charge your camera on the mountain) 
  • Small pillow (optional)

Medication:

  • Diamox (pills for altitude sickness)
  • Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
  • Diarrhea tablets
  • Personal medication

Can I also rent my equipment?

Of course, there is a fair chance you won’t have all the materials on your packing list. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! Most clothing and equipment can be rented from us on location for a decent price.

Let us know in advance what equipment you need, and we’ll make sure the gear is ready when you arrive.

Tipping: How much is customary

Did you know that it is absolutely impossible to climb the mountain on your own? You climb Kilimanjaro with your own team. This team includes guides, chefs and porters. Of course, you get to decide how much tipping you give to people.

However, guidelines have been given for what is customary to give to them. Arusha Trips recommends a total budget of $200 – $350 per person for the entire trek. Remember, this is per climber, which means the amount does not get smaller when the group is bigger. 

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