6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Shira Route

It is very similar to the Lemosho Route, but starts at 3,600 meters and is not suitable for those with little or no experience in high altitude trekking.

On the first day we hike from Shira Gate to Simba Camp, and on the second day we join the Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2. The downside of this route is that because of the high starting point, many people get altitude sickness on the first day without having time to acclimatize.

There are several variations of the route on the Shira Plateau, and after passing Shira Camp 2, the route joins the Machame Route via Lava Tower and then descends to Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit. The ascent to Uhuru Peak follows the southern slopes of Kibo via Barafu Camp.

This route is rarely used by other hikers, so the first two days on the mountain are less crowded than other routes.

Duration: 6-8 days
Difficulty: high
Scenery: excellent
Traffic: moderate

DAY 1: drive to Shira Gate, Kilimanjaro National Park, hike to Shira 2 Camp
Altitude: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Mountain forest habitat

The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about three hours. You walk through the rainforest on a trail that winds along the ridge; at lower elevations, the trail can get muddy and slippery; gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Continue walking for a short distance until you reach Sira camp. Overnight stay at Camp Shira 2.

Day 2: Hike from Camp Sira 2 to Lava Tower at Camp Barranco.
Altitude: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10 kilometers/6 miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

From the Shira Plateau, continue east along the ridge in the direction of Kibo summit, passing a junction. Continue turning southeast toward the lava tower called “Shark’s Tooth” (4650 m/15,250 feet). Shortly after passing the tower, you will encounter a second fork leading to the Arrow Glacier. You will now continue downhill to Barranco Camp. The day will end at the same altitude as the beginning, but this day is critical for acclimatization and will help you prepare for the day at the summit. Overnight stay at Barranco Camp.

Day 3: Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Altitude: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking time: 34 hours
Habitat: alpine desert

After breakfast, leave the barranco and continue up the steep ridge, following the barranco wall to the junction with the Karanga Valley and Mweka Trail. Overnight stay at Karanga Camp.

Day 4: Hike from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
Altitude: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: alpine desert

Continue to Barafu Camp. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the peak from different angles. Here you will camp, relax, have dinner and prepare for the ascent to the summit. Overnight stay at Barafu camp.

Day 5: Hike to the summit from Barafu camp, descent to Mweka camp.
Altitude: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Descent to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3km uphill / 13km/8km downhill
Travel time: 5-7 hours uphill / 5-6 hours downhill
Habitat: boulder fields and ice-covered peaks

Early in the morning (midnight to 2 a.m.), head for the summit between the Levman and Rachel glaciers. Head northwest and climb through heavy glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging section of the trek. You will be rewarded with a short break at Stella Point and the most spectacular sunrise: faster hikers will even be able to see the sunrise from the summit.

During the one-hour ascent from Stella Point to the summit you may continue to encounter snow. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent!

From the summit you descend directly to Mweka Camp, stopping for lunch at Barafu to begin the descent. The descent trail is gravel, so gaiters and trekking poles may be necessary. Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your last dinner in the mountains. Overnight stay at Mweka Camp.

Day 6: Hike from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
Altitude: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Forest habitat

After breakfast, continue the descent to the Mweka Park gate to collect your summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy – gaiters and trekking poles will help – shorts and T-shirt should be sufficient (bring rain gear and warm clothes).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). You now drive back to Moshi for a long over due hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Bristol Cottage.