The kilimanjaro Shira Route

The Shira Route, a seldom-used trail atop Mount Kilimanjaro, starts around 3,600 meters close to the Shira Ridge and is almost exactly the same as the Lemosho route. The Shira Route is not recommended for hikers with little to no expertise at high altitudes due to its 3,600-meter starting point.

As previously mentioned, the Shira Route and the Lemosho Route are nearly identical; in fact, the Shira Route existed before the Lemosho Route was developed to enhance the route’s starting location.

While the Shira Route is a varied and stunning route, its starting point is relatively high above sea level, making it less favorable than its successor despite being easily accessible by car. Climbers may feel some altitude-related symptoms on their first day of camping at 11,800 feet.

The Shiora Route starts at the Shira Gate, higher up and farther north than the Lemosho Route, which begins at the Londorossi Gates in the stunning Kilimanjaro rainforest.

Hikers begin their journey from Shira Gate to Simb Camp on the first day. Simb Camp is situated at a relatively similar altitude, allowing hikers to acclimate before beginning day two’s journey on the Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2.

However, this route’s high beginning point is a big drawback because it causes some hikers to get altitude sickness right away because their bodies haven’t had enough time to acclimate.

The route descends to Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit after joining the Machame Route after Shira Camp 2. The ascent to Uhuru Peak is made via Barafu Camo and up the Southern Slopes of Kibo, just like the Machame, Umbwe, and Lemosho Routes.

The Shira Route begins with a lengthy drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge, where the hiking track starts. The route skirts the rain forest region and approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. The Shira Route is a pleasant, generally flat hike that stretches over the entire Shira Plateau from west to east. After then, the route follows the Southern Circuit, which passes beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field, before reaching the summit from Barafu. The Mweke path is used for the descent.

You can finish the Shira Route in six, seven, or eight days.

7-days Shira Route itinerary

Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp

Height: 11,800 feet to 11,800 feet

Time Spent Hiking: 1-2 hours

Distance: 2 miles | 4 kilometers

Habitat: Well-being

After a four-hour drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, where you will complete entry procedures while porters and guides set up your gear, you will are dropped off. After that, drive up a difficult path to the Shira Gate, where the hike begins. From there, it passes through large heather and shrubs until we arrive at Simba Camp, where you will spend the night and have dinner.

Day 2: Shira 2 Camp to Simba Camp

11,800 to 12,500 feet above sea level.

Two hours for hiking

Distance: 4 miles | 6 kilometers

Habitat: Well-being

Day 2 is a fairly easy day to aid in acclimatization. We start by exploring the plateau’s volcanic rock formations and grasslands. Next, we walk along a picturesque path to the Shira Cathedral, a massive rock buttress encircled by sharp spires and pinnacles. We spend the night at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 3: Barranco Camp, Lava Tower, and Shira 2 Camp

From Lava Tower to Shira 2 Camp

Height: 15,190 feet to 12,500 feet

Duration of Hike: 4-5 hours

Barranco Camp to Lava Tower

Height: 15,190 feet to 13,044 feet

Two to three hours for hiking

Distance: 4 miles | 7 kilometers

Alpine Desert as a habitat

3 kilometers or 2 miles, is the distance.

Alpine Desert as a habitat

On the third day, the hike continues eastward along a ridge before heading southeast past the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower. From there, we fall to 13,000 feet and reach Barranco Camp through the unusual but stunning Senecio Forest. Even though you begin and end the day at the same elevation, acclimatization benefits greatly from the time spent at a higher altitude.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp on Day Four

elevation change of 13,044 feet to 13,106 feet.

Duration of Hike: 4-5 hours

5 kilometers or 3 miles away

Alpine Desert as a habitat

On the fourth day of the Shira route, we ascend the non-technical but steep, roughly 900-foot rock after descending into a gully to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We descend rapidly into Karanga Valley after traversing a sequence of hills and valleys from the top of the Burranco Wall. Karanga Camp is reached after one more strenuous climb. This is a shorter day designed to help you get used to it.

Day Five: Barafu Camp to Karanga Camp

13,106 feet to 15,331 feet of elevation

Duration of Hike: 4-5 hours

Distance: 2 miles | 4 kilometers

Alpine Desert as a habitat

On the fifth day of the Shira route, we leave Karanga and arrive at the intersection where the Mweka Trail meets up with the rocky stretch leading to Barafu Hut. You have now finished the Southern Circuit, which provides numerous perspectives of the summit. As we prepare for summit day, we set up camp here, relax, and eat an early dinner. From here, we can see both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp via Uhuru Peak

Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp

Height range: 15,331 to 19,341 feet.

Duration of Hike: 7-8 hours

Mount Uhuru to Camp Mweka

19,341 feet to 10,065 feet in elevation.

Duration of Hike: 4-6 hours

5 kilometers or 3 miles away

Arctic habitat

Distance: 7 miles, 12 kilometers

Rain Forest; is the habitat.

On the sixth day of the Shira Route, rise extremely early, around midnight, and begin your ascent. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day may be extremely intense, making this the most mentally and physically taxing part of the Shira Route walk. We climb for several hours in the dark, pausing sometimes but not too much. You will be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you have ever seen approaching Mawenzi Peak near Stella Point (18,900 feet). At last, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point both on Africa’s continent and atop Mount Kilimanjaro.

After reaching the summit, descend directly to the Mweka Hut tent site, stopping for lunch at Barafu. Trekking poles are useful because the terrain can be extremely steep and rocky. Due to Mweka Camp’s location in an upper forest, mist or rain is possible in the late afternoon. You will have your final meal on Mount Kilimanjaro later in the evening, followed by a well-earned sleep.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate on Day 7

Elevation: 5,380 feet to 10,065 feet

Duration of Hike: 3–4 hours

10 kilometers or 6 miles, is the distance.

Rain Forest;is the habitat.

Continue your descent to Mweka Gate on the final day of the hike, where you will get summit certificates. Note that the route may be muddy and damp at lower elevations. Proceed to Mweka Village after an additional hour from the gate. You will be picked up from Mweka Village and driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha by a car.