6 Days
Kilimanjaro Trekking - Shira Route
Trekking
Overview
The Shira Route is a scenic and less crowded route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting from the western side of the mountain. It offers climbers a gradual ascent, excellent acclimatization, and stunning views of the Shira Plateau. The route is ideal for those who want a quieter experience while still enjoying a diverse range of landscapes..
Day by day
Full Itinerary
Shira Gate – Shira Camp 1
The journey begins with a drive to Shira Gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro National Park. After registration, the trek starts across the beautiful Shira Plateau with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The day ends at Shira Camp 1.
Elevation: 3,600 m → 3,500 m
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2
Today’s trek crosses the vast Shira Plateau, offering spectacular views of the Kibo peak. Continue hiking gradually to Shira Camp 2.
Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Shira Camp 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
This is an important acclimatization day. The trail climbs toward Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps the body adjust to the altitude.
Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall. Continue trekking through alpine desert terrain to Karanga Camp and onward to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.
Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,673 m
Distance: ~9 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp
Around midnight begin the summit attempt. Trek through the night to Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895 m). After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic → Rainforest
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
After breakfast descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where climbers receive their summit certificates before leaving the park.
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Safari Include
- All park fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
- Professional, experienced mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Quality camping equipment including tents, tables, chairs, and dining tent
- Airport transfers and transportation to and from the mountain gate
- Accommodation before and after the trek in Arusha or Moshi (bed and breakfast)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb
Safari Exclude
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear and equipment rental
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and support crew
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
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Safari Itineraries
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When to Visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you hope to experience. Generally, mid-June to October is East Africa’s dry season, providing ideal safari conditions. The best months to see the wildebeest migration are from June to early October. The calving season from late January to early March offers a chance to witness the wildebeest calving and predator sightings. April-May is regarded as the low season due to heavy rains.
