7 Days Shira Route

Shira Route Map – Scenic Western Kilimanjaro Trek with High-Altitude Start

The 7 Days Shira Route offers a picturesque western approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning high on the Shira Plateau. Closely related to the Lemosho Route, the main difference is that Shira skips the rainforest start, beginning instead with a drive to 3,400 meters, which makes it best suited for trekkers who are already acclimatized or confident with rapid altitude gain.

The trail traverses the open Shira Plateau, joins the Machame Route near Shira 2 Camp, and follows the well-established Southern Circuit. Along the way, climbers pass landmarks like Lava Tower, the Barranco Wall, and Karanga Camp, before ascending to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) via Barafu Camp and Stella Point.

This 7-day version includes ample time for acclimatization, while offering unmatched panoramic views, low early-stage traffic, and an excellent overall summit success rate.

Perfect for:

  • Trekkers who are already acclimatized or experienced

  • Those looking for a scenic, less crowded western approach

  • Climbers who want a shorter rainforest-free alternative to Lemosho

Standard Package Price For 7 Days Shira Route + 2 Nights in Hotel Route

People in Group1-23-56-89+
Standard Package$2,048$1,980$1,890$1,850

All trekkers need to organize their own flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport [JRO]. From JRO you will be met by our staff and transferred to Moshi in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to the roof of Africa.

The Hotel we are using is between these

Parkview Inn Hotel

Panama Garden Resort

Weruweru River Lodge

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.

  • Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 1-2 Hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.

  • Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Hiking Time: 2 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

We continue to the east 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.

  • Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
  • Distance: 7 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

  • Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
  • Distance: 3 km
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 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.

  • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • 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.

  • Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

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.

  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Distance: 12 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 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.

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Depart Tanzania

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.

Meals:Breakfast Included

Include

  • Days 6 Nights Shira Route
  • Private transport from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
  • Private transport to Kilimanjaro International Airport after trek to catch your flight back home
  • Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • National Park entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 Season Mountain tents with comfortable Sleeping Mattress
  • 2 nights of your hotel stay before and after trek in Moshi.
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters [average ratio of support staff to climber is 4:1 in a group]
  • 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

Exclude

  • 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 $ 100 for the entire trek shared in a group.

  • Flights

  • Laundry (Available at hotel)

  • Personal items and toiletries

  • Tips for guides, porters and cook (this is a guide to tipping on the

  • Mountain: http://www.kiliporters.org/tipping_recommendations.php

  • Guides: $20/day/guide

  • Cook: $15/day

  • Porter: $10/day/porter

Book This Tour

Tour Booking

Trekking Preparation

Altitude Sickness

Best Time To Climb

Climbing Gear For Hire

Kilimanjaro Climbing Checklist

Electronic Gadgets

Private Toilet Tents

Successful Climb Stories

Kilimanjaro Faq's

Climate Zones

Health Issues

Daypack on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Equipment List

Kilimanjaro Foods

Kilimanjaro Visa