Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Trekking to the Uhuru Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro on The Shira Route

Are you looking for an adventure and are interested in trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro?

The Kilimanjaro Shira Route is one of the most scenic routes that one can take when climbing the mountain. It offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru, and Longido. You can see Elands on the plateau and signs of buffaloes, leopards, and other animals. Cathedral Peak rises 400 meters above the plateau with two dramatic peaks called Cathedral and Needle.

It's one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic areas and offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru, and Longido.

If you're looking for an unforgettable African safari adventure, look no further than combining Mt. Kilimanjaro Safari excursions with either Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda wildlife safaris. Experience Africa's highest mountain and one of the world's most popular hiking destinations.

Day 1: Moshi, Kilimanjaro

• You'll be met at the airport and driven to the Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where you'll spend the night.
• On the day of arrival, groups will have time to get acquainted before they begin climbing. A check of equipment and a briefing on the climb will take place.
• If you arrive late at night, the briefing is held the next day.
• Meals: Bed and breakfast
• Accommodation: Springlands Hotel

Day 2: Moshi to Shira 1 Camp

• We depart from Moshi and travel to the Londorossi National Park entrance (2,250 meters).
• We continue climbing along a broad track through shrub forest and stands of huge heather to the rim of Shira Plateau (3,350 m), which is reached via farmland and plantations.
• On our way up, the views extend out across the surrounding grasslands and are home to a variety of animals including buffalo.
• The first camp is located in the heart of the plateau at Shira 1 Camp (3,550 m).
• Change in Elevation: Londorossi National Park gate (2,250 m) -> Shira 1 Camp (3,550 m)
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• A simple day to assist acclimatization with time to discover the plateau's grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations.
• We reach the top of Shira Cathedral (3,750 meters), a massive rock buttress encircled by steep spires and pinnacles, on foot.
• There is a real sense of wildness at this location, especially when the afternoon mists arrive!
• The views from our camp near Shira Hut (3,840 meters) on Mt. Meru floating in the clouds are simply stunning.
• Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp (3,550 m) -> Shira 2 Camp (3,840 meters)
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

• Traverse the northern ice fields on a steady trek across the lava ridges, with spectacular vistas along the way.
• Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,840 meters) -> Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Continue to the vistas of the southern ice fields after a steep climb up the Barranco Wall.
• Arrive at camp in time for lunch, after which you may go on an afternoon excursion to greater elevations and return to your campsite.
• Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) -> Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
• Hiking time: 5-7 hours
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• On the south-eastern slope of Kibo, a long and steep climb to the Barranco Wall takes us to an undulating trail with spectacular views of the Southern Icefields.
• Lunch is generally eaten at Karanga, the final water point, in a deep valley.
• After lunch, the route shifts to scree and we gain considerable height to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600 m) by mid-afternoon.
• The rest of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final climb, which will take place before an early night.
• Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) -> Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Forest Camp

• At about 1 a.m., we will begin our ascent by torchlight in order to be on the Crater rim by sunrise.
• The route climbs over loose volcanic scree, which has some well-graded zigzags. It's a little sluggish but steady, taking us to Stella Point (5,735 m.) in about five or six hours.
• We'll take a break there to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi.
• Those who still have enough energy can make the two-hour drive along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) and pass by the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that remain on most of the peak.
• The trip down to Barafu is unexpectedly quick, and we proceed downward to our final campsite (3,100 m) near the outskirts of Mweka Forest.
• Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) -> Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) -> Mweka Forest Camp (3,100 m)
• Hiking time: 11-15 hours
• Accommodation: Mweka Forest Camp

Day 8: Mweka Forest Camp to Moshi

• The route follows a peaceful path through a lovely forest with lush undergrowth, leading to the National Park entrance at Mweka (1,650 feet).
• There will be a vehicle waiting at end of the climb to take you back to Moshi.
• Hiking time: 4-6 hours
• Accommodation: Springlands Hotel

Day 9: The Safari Ends

• You're taken to Kilimanjaro International Airport or connected to your continuing plans after breakfast.

If you're looking for an adventure and want to trek up one of the World's most famous free-standing mountains, the Kilimanjaro Shira Route is a great option! This route offers amazing views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru, and Longido.

Enquire and book now for a hiking adventure of a lifetime!