7 Days Shira Route Kilimanjaro

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)

You will start your trek from the Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will drive to the gate from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you will meet your guide and porters. After completing the registration process, you will start the trek through the lush rainforest. The trek will take approximately three hours, and you will reach Shira 1 Camp in the late afternoon. You will have time to rest and enjoy the views of the mountain.

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,810m)

After breakfast, you will start your trek to Shira 2 Camp, located at an altitude of 3,810 meters. The trek will take approximately 5-6 hours, and the terrain will change from the rainforest to heathland. You will pass through the Shira Plateau, which offers stunning views of the mountain and its glaciers. You will reach Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, where you will have time to rest and acclimatize.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,640m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

After breakfast, you will start your trek to Lava Tower, located at an altitude of 4,640 meters. The trek will take approximately 4-5 hours, and the terrain will change to alpine desert. The climb to Lava Tower is steep, and you will need to take it slow to avoid altitude sickness. After reaching Lava Tower, you will descend to Barranco Camp, located at an altitude of 3,950 meters. The descent will take approximately 2-3 hours, and you will pass through the Barranco Wall, which is a steep and challenging climb. You will reach Barranco Camp in the late afternoon, where you will rest and acclimatize.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

After breakfast, you will start your trek to Karanga Camp, located at an altitude of 3,995 meters. The trek will take approximately 4-5 hours, and you will pass through the Karanga Valley, which offers stunning views of the mountain and its glaciers. You will reach Karanga Camp in the afternoon, where you will rest and acclimatize.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

After breakfast, you will start your trek to Barafu Camp, located at an altitude of 4,673 meters. The trek will take approximately 4-5 hours, and the terrain will change to rocky and barren. You will reach Barafu Camp in the afternoon, where you will rest and prepare for the summit push.

You will begin your climb in the darkness with headlamps and warm clothing. The climb to the summit is challenging, and you will have to take it slow to avoid altitude sickness. After approximately 6-7 hours of climbing, you will reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, at an altitude of 5,895 meters. You will have a short celebration and take photos before descending to Barafu Camp. The descent will take approximately 3-4 hours, and you will have a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp. The descent to Mweka Camp is approximately 4-5 hours, and you will pass through different ecological zones, from rocky to moorland and finally to rainforest. You will reach Mweka Camp in the late afternoon, where you will rest and celebrate your accomplishment.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m)

After breakfast, you will descend to Mweka Gate, located at an altitude of 1,640 meters. The descent will take approximately 3-4 hours, and you will pass through the lush rainforest. At the gate, you will receive your certificates of accomplishment before boarding the vehicle to return to Moshi or Arusha. You will say goodbye to your guide and porters before retiring to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overall, the Shira Route is a challenging and scenic route that offers hikers a unique and less crowded trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route takes hikers through five different ecological zones, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the mountain’s varied terrain and vegetation. It’s a great option for those seeking a more challenging and off-the-beaten-path trek.