7-Day Shira Route
The 7-Day Shira Route is a stunning and less-crowded trail to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. This route begins with a scenic drive to the Shira Plateau at 3,500 meters, allowing trekkers to start the hike at a higher elevation. This initial altitude advantage is perfect for those who have already acclimatized or are looking for a shorter approach to the mountain.
Unlike the popular Machame Route, which starts lower in the rainforest, the Shira Route offers vast open vistas right from day one. You’ll trek through a series of beautiful ecological zones—including heath, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone—providing varied terrain and breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, the highest volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro.
By Day 3, the Shira Route merges with the Machame Route, following the same path to the summit via Barafu Camp. The itinerary follows the important principle of “climb high, sleep low,” significantly improving acclimatization and boosting your chances of a successful summit.
Trekkers sleep in tents at designated campsites, and the entire journey is supported by an experienced mountain crew, including professional Kilimanjaro guides, skilled cooks, and hardworking porters who carry your gear and ensure your comfort. Delicious hot meals are served daily, and purified drinking water is provided throughout the trek.
This route is best suited for adventurous and physically fit trekkers who have some experience with altitude. It offers solitude, raw wilderness, and high summit success rates without the crowds found on more popular routes.
Included/Exclude
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Park entry and rescue fees
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All meals on the mountain
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Mountain tents and camping equipment
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Certified English-speaking guides, porters, and cook
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Round-trip transport from Arusha or Moshi to park gate
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Daily health checks and emergency oxygen
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Drinking water and hot drinks during the climb
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Pre/post-climb hotel (available as an add-on)
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International and domestic flights
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Tanzanian visa
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Personal trekking gear (can be rented)
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Tips for guides, porters, and cook
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Travel insurance
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Accommodation before/after climb unless specified
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Snacks, personal expenses, and souvenirs
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue by vehicle to the Shira Plateau where your trek begins. You’ll walk across moorland terrain to reach Shira 1 Camp.
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Distance: ~7 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Vegetation: Moorland
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Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Today is a gentle hike east across the plateau with stunning views of the mountain. You’ll pass wildflowers and unique high-altitude vegetation before reaching Shira 2 Camp.
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Distance: ~7 km
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Vegetation: Moorland
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Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
A key acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to the Lava Tower for lunch and then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adjust to altitude.
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Distance: ~10 km
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Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
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Vegetation: Alpine desert
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Accommodation: Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall—an exciting scramble with rewarding views. The trail then winds through ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp.
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Distance: ~5 km
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Vegetation: Alpine desert
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Accommodation: Karanga Camp
A short but challenging climb leads you to Barafu Camp. Arrive by midday, rest, and prepare for your summit attempt. Dinner is early, followed by rest before your midnight departure.
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Distance: ~4 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Vegetation: Alpine desert
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Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Your summit push begins just after midnight. Hike under the stars to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking in the views, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp.
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Distance: ~17 km (5 km ascent + 12 km descent)
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Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
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Vegetation: Arctic at summit, alpine/montane descent
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Accommodation: Mweka Camp
A final descent through lush rainforest leads to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
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Distance: ~10 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Vegetation: Montane forest
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Accommodation: — (End of trek)
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Begins at higher elevation (Shira Plateau – 3,500m)
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Ideal for experienced trekkers or those with prior altitude exposure
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Fewer crowds compared to Machame or Marangu
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Merges with Machame on Day 3 for a scenic and tested summit approach
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Follows “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization strategy
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Tented camping with full support team
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Beautiful views of Kibo and Shira Cathedral
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High summit success rate
