This is another route for Climbing Kilimanjaro through the western side and it’s almost similar to Lemosho Route. Climbers through the Shira route skip Shira 1 camp since will be using vehicles to Shira Gate. Climbers begin their hike at the higher elevation of 3,600m, and overnight is at the same altitude at Simba Camp. Then from here the route meets with Lemosho and proceeds to the Southern circuit route. Climbing Kilimanjaro through this route is less recommended as climbers experience altitude sickness since the first day overnight is at a higher elevation. It can be done within 6 or 7 days. You can shorten the number of days by skipping a night at Karanga Valley and going direct from Barranco to Barafu Huts.
Highlights
- The Shira Route is a little-used trail that begins near Shira Ridge.
- It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation.
- Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle.
- Climbers may experience some altitude-related symptoms on the first days.
- Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
- Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
- Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
- Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
We wake up at midnight and move towards Crater rim. There is a steep climb which will be taking towards us to Stella point 5735m/18,815ft. Here you can take rest for some time and move climbing up to Uhuru Peak 5895m/19,340m. After that, the descent towards Barafu is fast and after little refreshment where you can reach Mweka forest camp 3100m/10,170ft, 11-15hrs walking.
- Transfer to/from Kilimanjaro National Park / Entrace Gate
- Overnight stays in Mountain Huts
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Arusha (Can be arranged upon request )
- Tanzania Visa
- Gratuity
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not listed above
- Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
Safari Cost Excludes
