- Duration: 6 Days
- Availability: 90
- 11 years & Older
The Shira Route Kilimanjaro is one of the less-trodden routes on Mt. Kilimanjaro. It starts on the western side of the mount Kilimanjaro and is almost identical to the Lemosho Route. Although Shira Route Kilimanjaro is considered a scenic and varied route, due to the higher elevation of the starting point, it is possible climbers could experience symptoms of altitude sickness as early as the first day. We therefore only recommend this route to those who are experienced high-altitude climbers.
Climbs can take six to seven days; however, we always advise choosing the longer route for the best chance of acclimatization and reaching the summit.
To make your trip as easy as possible, we can offer accommodation in Moshi before and after the climb. Or if you’d prefer, you can stay at a hostel/hotel of your choice. We can also offer airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro Airport if required.A pre-climb briefing will be arranged with one of our mountain guides to ensure that you have all the correct mountain climbing gear (see our packing list for further information ). We’ll also talk you through what will be expected during the climb and share all our best secrets for conquering the highest point of Africa!
Elevation Gain: 700 metres / 2,400 feet
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hostel/hotel and driven to Londrosi Gate (which is approximately 3 hours from Moshi). After registration, you will then drive a further 12km on a forest track that leads to the Lemosho starting point. From here you will enter the beautiful and undisturbed rainforest to begin your ascent up the mount Kilimanjaro. This is by no means a difficult trek, but it will give you plenty of time to adjust and witness some of Tanzania’s wildlife. Sightings of Black and White Colobus monkeys and small antelopes are quite common, and you may even be lucky enough to spot buffalos and elephants too. After 3 to 4 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp because of the large conifer trees that provide shade over the campsite.
Elevation Gain: 340 metres / 1,100 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, you will then continue to hike across the rocky ridge onto Shira Plateau, where you will be able to see the easterly side and the western breach with its dramatic glaciers. You are now on the west of Kibo Peak and it will take another short walk before reaching the Shira 2 Campsite. Tea/coffee and some nuts will be served to help warm up your body before the main dish of the evening and retiring to sleep. Shira 2 Camp is very exposed and will be much colder with temperatures dropping below freezing point.
Elevation Gain: 710 metres / 2,300 feet
Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 300ft high volcanic rock formation. You’ll then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Barranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you will finish today’s climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is very good practice for acclimatisation and will help prepare your body for summit day. Barranco Camp lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.
Elevation Gain: 750 metres / 2,500 feet
Hiking Time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the impressive Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! Lunch will be eaten at Karanga Valley, before joining the famous Mweka Trail. You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.
Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp
Habitat: Arctic conditions
This is where the going gets really tough! Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. head northwest through the heavy stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,756m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route, and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.
After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you’ll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m) where you’ll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep!
Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
After eating breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate. Then it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer!
A standard Kilimanjaro trekking style is a popular choice amongst many Nyange Adventures clients. A budgeted yet fulfilling climb with all the essentials for a successful Kilimanjaro trekking experience. Your safety, comfort, and adventurous ascent and descent are always our very first priority. This type of experience is intended for those who wish to climb Mount Kilimanjaro but do not need the extra features that are included in the Luxury Trekking style.
Before and After your Climb you will stay in a good Comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha on Full board Basis
Our luxury Kilimanjaro trekking style includes extra features and extra crew. Extra features include a spacious walk-in tent, advanced meal planning for the hike, a portable toilet, camping cots, and a satellite phone to stay in touch with your family and friends. This is the highest quality of service that any climber who wants to get a luxury Kilimanjaro experience can get.
A mandatory wilderness first responder certificate for all mountain guides, medical kits, two medical checkups per day, as well as oxygen cylinders, are precautions and safety measures for a luxury Kilimanjaro trekking experience.
Before and After your Climb you will stay in five star hotel in Moshi or Arusha on Full board Basis