Shira Route
The Shira Route is a less-traveled path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro that begins near Shira Ridge. It closely follows the Lemosho Route, as Shira was the original western approach and Lemosho is its improved variation. For this reason, the Shira Route is sometimes described as the Lemosho Route with a "high-altitude drop-off."
While the route is scenic, diverse, and rewarding, it is generally considered less favorable than the Lemosho Route because it starts at a significantly higher elevation. Climbers are driven directly to Shira Ridge, bypassing much of the gradual ascent through the rainforest. As a result, some hikers may experience altitude-related symptoms on their first night, which is typically spent at approximately 11,800 feet (3,600 meters).
The journey begins with a drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Since the vehicle bypasses the rainforest zone, the trek starts in the moorland environment. From there, hikers cross the expansive Shira Plateau from west to east on a relatively gentle and scenic trail. The route then follows the Southern Circuit beneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field, providing spectacular views from multiple angles before reaching Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt. After reaching the summit, climbers descend via the Mweka Route.
The Shira Route is typically offered as either a 7-day or 8-day itinerary. The 8-day option includes an additional acclimatization night at Moir Hut before continuing to Barranco Camp, improving acclimatization and increasing the likelihood of a successful summit.
7 Day Shira Route
Estimate
$2300
Day 1: Arrival and Pre-Climb Briefing Day
Today has no planned activities, except to arrive at your lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
Day 2: Shira Gate to Simba Camp
Your adventure begins with a morning departure from Moshi and a scenic four-hour drive to Londorossi Gate, where park registration is completed while your guides and porters prepare the trekking equipment. From there, you continue by vehicle along a steep mountain track to Shira Gate, the starting point of your hike.
The trek begins across open heathland, passing through shrubs and towering giant heather as you make your way toward Simba Camp. Although the hike is short and relatively easy, the high starting elevation of 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) makes it an important day for acclimatization. Upon arrival at camp, you can relax, enjoy your first views of Kilimanjaro's rugged landscape, and prepare for the days ahead.
Elevation: 11,800 ft (3,600 m) to 11,800 ft (3,600 m)
Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today's trek is short and relaxed, allowing your body additional time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. The trail winds across the expansive Shira Plateau, where grassy moorlands, volcanic rock formations, and sweeping mountain vistas create a striking landscape.
Along the way, you'll visit the impressive Shira Cathedral, a massive rock buttress surrounded by dramatic spires and pinnacles that offers one of the plateau's most memorable viewpoints. After taking in the scenery, you continue on a gentle hike to Shira 2 Camp, where you'll spend the night and continue your acclimatization in preparation for the higher elevations ahead.
Elevation: 11,800 ft (3,600 m) to 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 4:Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Today is one of the most important acclimatization days of the trek. The trail climbs steadily through the stark alpine desert to Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation at 15,190 feet (4,630 meters). Although the altitude can make this section challenging, reaching this high point helps your body adapt to the thinner air.
After a well-earned lunch and rest at Lava Tower, the route descends into the scenic Barranco Valley. As you lose elevation, you'll notice the air becomes more comfortable while your body benefits from the "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy. The trail ends at Barranco Camp, nestled beneath the imposing Barranco Wall and surrounded by giant groundsels and dramatic mountain scenery, making it one of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular campsites.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to 15,190 ft (4,630 m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft (4,630 m) to 13,044 ft (3,975 m)
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Distance: 3 km (2 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today's trek begins with a short descent into a ravine before reaching the base of the iconic Great Barranco Wall. Although the wall rises nearly 900 feet (275 meters), the climb is non-technical and requires no specialized climbing experience. With guidance from your experienced trekking team, you'll make your way up the steep but manageable route while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
From the top of the Barranco Wall, the trail winds across a series of rolling hills and valleys before descending into the Karanga Valley. A final steady climb brings you to Karanga Camp, where you'll spend the night. This shorter trekking day is designed to promote acclimatization, giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude while conserving energy for the higher elevations that lie ahead.
Elevation: 13,044 ft (3,975 m) to 13,106 ft (3,995 m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After leaving Karanga Camp, the trail gradually ascends to the junction with the Mweka Route before continuing across a rugged, rocky landscape toward Barafu Camp. The terrain becomes increasingly barren as you climb, offering a true alpine desert environment with expansive views of Kilimanjaro's upper slopes.
By reaching Barafu Camp, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, a scenic section of the mountain that provides spectacular views of the summit from multiple perspectives. From camp, both Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak can often be seen rising above the surrounding landscape.
Upon arrival, you'll have time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy an early dinner before preparing for the summit attempt. Because the climb to Uhuru Peak begins around midnight, an early night is essential to maximize rest before the most demanding and rewarding day of the expedition.
Elevation: 13,106 ft (3,995 m) to 15,331 ft (4,670 m)
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Your summit attempt begins around midnight as you set out beneath a sky filled with stars. Climbing by headlamp, you'll ascend steadily across steep scree slopes toward Stella Point on the crater rim.
From there, the final stretch follows a gradual ridge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable reward, offering breathtaking views across glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and the plains below.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photos at the summit, you begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch. The journey then continues downhill to Mweka Camp, where the richer oxygen levels and lush rainforest surroundings provide a welcome contrast to the alpine environment above. This is a long and physically demanding day, but one that marks the successful completion of your climb to the Roof of Africa.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft (4,670 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m)
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft (5,895 m) to 10,065 ft (3,070 m)
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Your final day on Mount Kilimanjaro begins with a leisurely descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, so trekking poles and sturdy footwear are especially helpful during this section.
At Mweka Gate, you'll complete the park exit formalities and receive your summit certificate—a lasting reminder of your achievement. Climbers who reached Stella Point receive a green certificate, while those who successfully summited Uhuru Peak are awarded a gold certificate.
After celebrating with your guides and trekking crew, a vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy a well-earned hot shower, a comfortable bed, and time to reflect on your unforgettable journey to the Roof of Africa.
Elevation: 10,065 ft (3,070 m) to 5,380 ft (1,640 m)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9: Departure
8 Day Shira Route
Estimate
$2550
The 8-Day Shira Route includes an additional overnight stay at Moir Hut on Day 3 before continuing to Barranco Camp on Day 4. This extra acclimatization day allows for a more gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau, giving your body additional time to adjust to the altitude. The slower pace helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness and improves the chances of a successful summit.