Shira Route (7 Days)

Duration 7 Days / 6 Nights

Route Shira Gate • Shira 1 • Shira 2 • Lava Tower • Barranco • Karanga • Barafu • Uhuru Peak

Trek Type Kilimanjaro Trek • Camping Adventure

Starting Point Shira Gate (≈3,500 m), West Kilimanjaro

Trek Highlights

Starts high on the Shira Plateau (≈3,500 m) after a 4×4 approach — immediate big views.
Joins the Machame corridor after Shira, passing Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Karanga and Barafu.
Wonderful variety: moorland, alpine desert, glaciers and vast panoramas.
Higher starting altitude means you should be comfortable at elevation or consider an 8-day version.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Moshi Arrival

Arrive in Moshi for briefing, gear check, and overnight at a base hotel.
Meals: — Overnight: Moshi

Day 2: Drive to Shira Gate (≈3,500 m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,500–3,600 m)

4×4 drive across the western flank to Shira Gate. Gentle hike onto the Shira Plateau (2–3 hrs) to Shira 1.
Meals: L, D — Overnight: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Scenic traverse of the plateau with Kibo views. Optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon. (3–4 hrs)
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Climb high to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to lush Barranco Valley. (6–7 hrs)
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 5: Barranco → Karanga Camp (3,995 m)

Ascend the famous Barranco Wall (non-technical scramble) and undulate to Karanga. (4–5 hrs)
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 6: Karanga → Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

Short, steady climb to Barafu. Early dinner and rest before summit push. (3–4 hrs)
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 7: Summit – Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Midnight start via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp for recovery. (12–14 hrs total)
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 8: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Final descent through rainforest to the gate; collect certificates and transfer to Moshi.
Meals: B, L — Overnight: —

Booking Safari

Safaris Booking

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Number of Travellers

Start Date

End Date

Nationality (for park fees and visa advice)

Additional Information / Special Requests

Kilimanjaro park & rescue fees, government taxes
Camping equipment (mountain tents, sleeping mats, mess tent)
All meals on trek (B, L, D) + safe drinking water
Professional licensed guides, cook & porter team
Private transfers: Moshi ↔ Shira/Mweka Gates
Pulse oximeter checks & first-aid kit
Base hotel in Moshi (pre/post climb if booked with us)

International flights & Tanzania visa
Travel/medical insurance (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, layers, headlamp, etc.)
Extra hotel nights/meals in Moshi not stated
Tips for guide, cook, and porters
Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry, souvenirs)