Shira Route starts from the west and meets Lemosho Route. Shira is practically the original route of Lemosho. Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gates whereas Shira proceeds towards north and higher up to Shira Gate while Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.
Difficulty – Medium
Distance – 56km/35miles
Duration – 7-8 Days
Success Rate – High
The starting point is a major negative point for the hikers as the body doesn’t get enough time to adjust with the high altitude. The first section of Kilimanjaro Climbing is not hiked, rather driven. Therefore, hikers miss out on hiking up one of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones, the rain forest.
Shira Route Kilimanjaro takes minimum 6 days to complete the hike, although 7 days recommended.
Climbers tackling the Shira Route are at a higher risk of developing altitude-related symptoms from the first day. As such we recommend opting for the Lemosho route over Shira. Also we’re happy to recommend the Shira Route to those who are a seasoned hikers or already live at a high altitude.
The exact climbing distance for the Shira Route is 56km or 35 miles.
The Shira Route doesn’t have the best acclimatisation profile given it starts at such high altitude. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average Shira Route Success Rate across all Kilimanjaro operators for the 6 Days Shira Route is around 85%.
Along with the Lemosho route, the Shira Route is known for being one of the most beautiful Kilimanjaro routes. The spectacular western approach offers trekkers the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau. It also offers fantastic views of Shira Cathedral, a dramatic buttress of rock.
Kilimanjaro Shira Route is one of the best ways to experience this mighty mountain. Does our unique itinerary and information excite you? If so, get in touch today. Take the next step towards achieving your goals of Climbing Kilimanjaro.
Learning about the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing and planning your route and flights is just the beginning of your adventure!
Have you stopped to consider Malaria Prevention? Altitude Sickness? First Aid and others?
Well, we have you covered! We have put together a range of in-depth Climb Kilimanjaro Guide to help you with all of these extra factors, some of which you might not have even considered! These are all specifically related to Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, to ensure you get the right assistance to help you on your climb.
6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS
The route starts from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro like the Lemosho route. It is the original lemosho route starting at londorosi gate trekking to shira one camp through the rain forest. The route by pass this part using a vehicle transport to shira gate. Day one starts trekking at 3400m to shira one campsite 3600 m. It takes the southern circuit route traversing beneath the southern ice fields before summiting from Barafu campsite (western breach route).
Elevation: 800m - 2250m - 3600m
Distance: 10km
Hiking time: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest to moorlands to heath vegetation
You will start in the morning from your hotel by vehicle transport to Londorosi gate for legal registration. From the gate you will be driven up to Moram gate where you will board to start climbing on foot through the forest to the moorlands and heath vegetation east crossing valleys and ridges to Shira one campsite. Day one consist of a packed lunch box, your evening meal will be prepared and served at camp followed with a briefing from your guide about the next day.
Elevation: 3600m - 3850 m
Distance: 10km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: moorlands and rocky
Breakfast is served early before we cross shira plateau to Shira two campsite, which is situated on moorlands meadows next to a stream. Hot lunch will be served at shira two campsite and a short rest will follow. In the evening you will take a short walk for acclimatization and a view of Mount Meru before returning for tea and popcorn while dinner is prepared.
Elevation: 3850m - 4600m - 3900m
Distance: 10 Km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Habitat: moorlands and alpine desert
We will have an early breakfast before starting a long acclimatization day which will take us east to the junction leading to lava tower rock 4600m high. Lunch will be served at lava tower before we descend to barranco campsite.
Elevation: 3900m - 4200m - 3995m
Distance: 6km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: moorlands
On this morning we will climb barranco wall 4200m for acclimatization and cross ridges and valleys to karanga campsite where will have hot lunch, after lunch if your trek is for 6 days you will continue to Baranco campsite where you will be served an early dinner at 1700hours and a briefing about the summit. For those who are on a 7 days trek will rest at karanga campsite.
Elevation: 3995m - 4673m
Distance: 4 Km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: alpine desert
From karanga campsite the trek is tough to barafu campsite due to altitude. The distance is short but steep the pace is slow. Here you will be served hot lunch and get briefing before taking a nap. Dinner will be served early then you will take a rest before midnight when will start our final climb to the highest peak of Africa (Uhuru Peak).
Elevation: 4673m - 5895m - 3100m
Distance: 17.5km
Hiking time: 10-12 hours
Habitat: alpine desert and glacier
Here we wake up at midnight you are served a light breakfast before we start for the summit. The aim of starting at midnight before dawn is to make you be able to climb to the summit at ease because the trail is steep up to Stella point 5756m, at this point you will start to view the glacier, crater and sunrise before reaching Uhuru peak which will take us almost an hours walk. We will have a moment of taking pictures depending on the weather and physical conditions. After this it’s our descending back to barafu campsite for a short nap followed with lunch and getting ready to go down to Mweka campsite. At mweka campsite you will be provided with a small basin of hot water and delicious meals before sleeping.
Elevation: 3100m - 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, today is your last day on the mountain so you will descend down to Mweka park gate walking across Montane forest this descent will take 3-4 hours. Then here at the gate you will sign out and get ready to board the vehicle ready for the transfer back to the hotel in Moshi for your certificate presentation celebration.
Transport to and from
Allowance for the crew
First aid kit and oxygen tank for an emergency
Rescue Car
Park fees/ VAT
Accommodation
Drinks at the hotel
Personal belongings
Tips for the crew
Taxi.
Let us Tailor-make your unique and dream safari and trekking trip.
Get the dream challengers email newsletters