The Shira Route, renowned for its panoramic vistas and diverse landscapes, offers a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic terrain. From the lush rainforests of the Lemosho Trailhead to the expansive Shira Plateau and the rugged Barranco Wall, each day unfolds with new heights to conquer and stunning vistas to admire. The trek culminates in the ultimate challenge: summiting Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, at sunrise—a moment that crowns your perseverance and dedication.
Descend through lush forests, where glimpses of wildlife add to the journey’s allure, before returning to Moshi for a well-deserved rest at Parkview Inn. Reflect on your achievement and savor the memories of Kilimanjaro’s awe-inspiring landscapes.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi
Our guide driver will warmly meet you upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer you to Moshi. Check-in at the Parkview Inn. Enjoy overnight. You are booked on bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Lemosho Trailhead (2,000m/6,600ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft)
Elevation Gain: 700 metres / 2,400 feet
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then we will transfer you to the Londorossi gate, taking approximately 3 hours. Here you will complete entry formalities. From Londorossi your drive continues through the lush rainforest and towards your first camp. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. It is filled with the lava flow from Kibo and its rim has eroded and been blasted away by weather and volcanic action. Exit the vehicle and start your hike until you reach the edge of the plateau. You will camp at Shira One after only 1 hour of trekking today. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is incredible
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,500ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,500ft)
Elevation Gain: 300 metres / 1,000 feet
Your third day on the mountain consists of a trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursions is approximately 3 hours. Including the optional acclimatisation to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,800m/12,500ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) via Lava Tower (4,550m/14,900ft)
Elevation Gain: 750 metres / 2,400 feet
Elevation Loss: 700 metres / 2,250 feet
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridgelines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of Lava Tower is about 4 hours. This tower is a 300 foot high volcanic plug. If time and energy allow, you can scramble to the top of Lava Tower for fabulous panoramic views. From Lava Tower we begin our steep descent into the Barranco Valley, passing large flowering plants which actually look like trees, the scenecios. This is good practice for your descent from the summit in a few days time and will take 1-2 hours. Although you will end your day at almost the same elevation as you started, today is very important for acclimatisation and will help your body prepare for summit day. Barranco Camp is in a beautiful, sheltered valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,600ft) to Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) via the Barranco Wall (4,200m/13,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 350 metres / 1,150 feet
Elevation Loss: 250 metres / 820 feet
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our climb up the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back towards camp. The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top, at 4,200m, you will follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karranga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to Karranga Camp. Walking time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 6: Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 metres / 2,150 feet
Today you will spend the morning climbing steadily on to Barafu, which is Swahili for ice! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. This walk will take around 3 hours meaning that you will arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit climb. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
In the early hours of the morning you will begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb takes approximately 6-8 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day and therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve had enough of climbing in the dark the sun will rise and you will be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) you join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit the descent will take you straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way. This part of the descent takes about 6 hours. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at Mweka Hut, the only place it is available on this route.
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Descend straight to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. Return to Moshi from Mweka Village. Our guide driver will drop you at the Park View Inn for the day at leisure. Lunch and dinner are on own arrangements. You are booked on bed and breakfast.
Day 11: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Our guide driver will pick and transfer you to the Kilimanjaro International Airport in time for your departure flight. Alternatively, you may opt to enjoy a safari to some of Tanzania’s finest game parks or to the Zanzibar Island for a beach holiday.