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7 DAYS SHIRA ROUTE

OVERVIEW

The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. 

Day 1; Shira Gate to Shira 1 Camp

  • Drive to Shira Gate (3,840m/12,600ft).
  • Begin the trek through the rainforest to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,500ft).
  • Approximate trekking time: 4-6 hours.

Day 2; Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

  • Trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,600ft).
  • Marvel at the stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Cathedral.
  • Approximate trekking time: 4-6 hours.
Day 3; Shira 2 to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
meters(3850m to 4600m)
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
meters(4600m to 3900m)
Distance: 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Day 4; Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
meters(3900m to 4000m)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 5; Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
meters(4000m to 4600m)
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 6; Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
meters(4600m to 5895m)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
meters(5895m to 3000m)
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7; Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
meters(3000m to 1650m)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi

Budget Price

1 Pax $ 1708

2 Pax $ 1847

3 Pax $ 1708

4 Pax $ 1745

5 Pax +$ 1608

Medium Price

1 Pax $ 2055

2 Pax $ 2005

3 Pax $ 1955

4 Pax $ 1905

5 Pax +$ 1855

Luxury Price

1 Pax $ 3520

2 Pax $ 3320

3 Pax $ 3120

4 Pax $ 2920

5 Pax +$ 2500

– Private Transport to & From Kilimanjaro International Airport to Your Accommodations in Moshi
– 2 Nights of Accommodation in Moshi
– Transportation to & From the Kilimanjaro Gate
– Park Entry Fees
– Camping Fees
– Team Kilimanjaro Rescue Fees
– 18% Vat on Tour Fees & Services
– 4 Season Mountain Tents
– Double Layered Sleeping Mats
– 3 Hot Meals Daily While on the Mountain
– Enough Treated & Filtered Drinking Water Throughout the Trek
– Hot Water for Washing
– Fair Wages for the Mountain Crew as Approved by the Kilimanjaro National -Park Authority (Kinapa), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (Kiato)
– Government Taxes
– Portable Oxygen Tanks & Ox Meter
– Emergency First-aid Kit

– Lunches, Dinners and Drinks at Your Hotel Before and After Climb.
– Travel Insurance
– Portable Flush Toilet With a Toilet Tent is Available for Extra Charges $ 70 for the Entire Trek.
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at Hotel)
– Personal Items and Toiletries
– Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cook (This is a Guide to Tipping on the Mountain) https://kiliporters.org/get-involved/tipping-recommendations/
 
TIPPING POLICY
– Guide $17 – $20/guide/day
– Cook $12 – $15/day
– Porters $8 – $10/porter/day

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