Group rate starting at $2,500.00/Person

Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho Route, because it was the original route and Lemosho is the new improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than Lemosho due to the relatively high altitude of Shira's starting point. The route approaches Mt. Kilimanjaro from the West. It bypasses the rainforest region of the mountain. It crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a relatively flat hike, traversing underneath the Southern Circuit before sumitting from Barafu Camp.

Prices are based per person. Make sure to ask about our group rates. Please make travel plans adding a day before the trek begins and a day after you leave the mountain. (Arrival day & Departure Day)

Day 1

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport - Moshi

Once you arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and make your way through customs, you will be greeted by your transfer team. From the airport you will be transferred to your hotel accommodations at Chanya Lodge. You will meet with the Kilimanjaro Mountain guide and have a short briefing which will include going over your gear and equipment for your climb. Afterwards, you will have time to rest and relax in preparation for the start of your climb tomorrow.

Day 2

Trekking Day 1: Moshi to Shira Gate to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation gain: 11,800ft to 11,800ft - Hiking Time: 1-2 hours (2 miles)

After breakfast, we will load up and head to the Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours. Once we arrive your guides and porters will help you complete your park entry processes and prepare equipment. We will then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira starting point where you will begin your trek through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp. You will spend your first night on the mountain resting at Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3

Trekking Day 2: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Elevation gain: 11,800ft to 12,500ft - Hiking Time: 2 hours (4 miles)

After waking up and having breakfast, you will begin day 2. Today is a fairly easy day and is meant to help with acclimatization. You will begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on Shira Plateau. Then you will take a path to the huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, called the Shira Cathedral. You will spend the night at Moir Hut Camp.

Day 4

Trekking Day 3: Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Elevation gain: 12,500ft to 15,190ft to 13,044ft - Hiking Time: 6-8 hours (6 miles)

After breakfast, you will continue up a ridge to the east and then head southeast towards a rock formation made out of volcanic rock, known as Lava Tower. From Lava Tower, we will descend down to Barranco Camp through the beautiful Senecio Forest. Today will also be very beneficial to your acclimatization. You will spend the night at Barranco Camp.

Day 5

Trekking Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation gain: 13,044ft to 13,106ft - Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (3 miles)

Today you will begin your climb by descending into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then you will climb the steep cliff, that is not technical but nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the wall you will cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend in to Karanga Valley. One more steep climb will lead you to Karanga Camp. This shorter day is very helpful for acclimatization.

Day 6

Trekking Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation gain: 13,106ft to 15,331ft - Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (2 miles)

Today we will leave Karanga and come to a junction that will connect us to the Mweka Trail. From there we will continue until we reach Barafu Hut, where you can now see the twin peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Here we will set up camp and rest after an early dinner, in preparation for summit day.

Day 7

Trekking Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation gain: 15,331ft to 19,341ft to 10,065ft - Hiking Time: 11-12 hours (10 miles)

Very late at night around 11:30pm, you will be awakened for a hot beverage and then around midnight we will begin our final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. This will be the most mentally and physically challenging part of your adventure, as we will be hiking only by the light of our headlamps and it will be windy and cold. We will reach Stella Point (18,900 ft elevation) around the time the sun will begin to rise, giving you the opportunity to witness one of the most magical sunrises you will ever see, over Mawenzi Peak. After we will continue on until we reach Uhuru Peak.

Congratulations! You have now reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the highest peak in Africa!

From the summit we will make our final descent down to Mweka Hut Camp, stopping part way at Barafu for lunch. During this portion your trekking poles will come in handy, as the rocks make the hike hard on your knees. We willfinally reach Mweka Camp, where we will rest and enjoy your last dinner and night on the mountain.

Day 8

Trekking Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation gain: 10,065ft to 5,380ft - Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (6 miles)

On our last day, we will finish our descent to Mweka Gate. Your guide will help you register your climb at the visitor's center and our driver will meet you to take you back to the Chanya Lodge for a hot shower, celebration of your accomplishment, certificate ceremony and the memorable tipping ceremony, where you can show your appreciation to your Kilimanjaro Crew! Now you can enjoy a good night's rest after this huge accomplishment.

Day 9

Departure Day: Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport

If your time in Tanzania ends today, our team will make sure you are transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight. If you have booked and extended stay for one of our safaris or a day trip, we will be there to assist you in the next steps for your extended stay.

Hakuna Matata!!