From $2,000 / person

Trekking — Tansania

Shira-Route

Best: June to October, January to March

Private & tailored

Shira-Route

6 or 7 Days Epic Kilimanjaro Trek

This Tour is great for:

Erlebnisd Hikers
Adventure Seekers
Mountain Enthusiasts

Marangu Route: Climbers celebrating at the highest point in Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro.

GalleryVideo

Package Details

The Shira-Route offers a scenic and challenging approach to Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the western side, this 6/7-day trek takes you through beautiful highland meadows and diverse landscapes, with rewarding views of the Shira Plateau, Kibo, and the dramatic scenery along the way.

What to Expect

Traverse the Shira Plateau with breathtaking views
High-altitude trekking with excellent acclimatization opportunities
Remote and less crowded route

Best Time to Go

Ideal Duration: 6/7 Days

Best Months:
June to October
January to March

Aktivitäten

Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
Scenic Photography

Inclusions

Airport transfers
Two nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek)
Tent accommodations during the trek
All meals as specified in the itinerary
Professional, experienced, and English-speaking guides
Park entry fees and hut fees
Rescue fees
Portable oxygen tanks and first aid kit
Boiled water on the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA)

Exclusions

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Optional activities and personal expenses

Tips for a Successful Trek

Acclimatization: Follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water each day.
Pace Yourself: Trek at a slow and steady pace.
Gear: Ensure you have proper gear including layers, waterproof clothing, and a good sleeping bag.
Health: Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and communicate with your guide.

Shira-Route Packing List

Clothing: Comfortable trekking attire, warm layers for varying temperatures, waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, comfortable socks.
Gear: Daypack, water bottle or hydration system, trekking poles, headlamp with extra batteries, sleeping bag rated for low temperatures.
Personal Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries, personal medications, lip balm with SPF, basic first aid kit.

Reiseroute for the Shira-Route Kilimanjaro

6 Days

7 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Arrive at the airport and be transferred to your hotel. You will meet your chief guide for a pre-trek briefing the day before the hike to ensure you are well-prepared.

Day 2: Morum Barrier to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, you’ll drive 2 hours to Londorossi Gate for formalities and permit acquisition. From there, a 30-minute drive brings you to Morum Gate. After lunch at the Morum picnic site, you’ll begin the trek to Shira 2 Camp, located at 3,850 meters. The hike is around 11 kilometers and takes 5-6 hours through moorland habitat, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Start your day hiking from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, ascending to 4,600 meters. This 8-kilometer stretch takes 4-5 hours. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 meters) over another 3 kilometers in 2-3 hours. This part of the trek helps with acclimatization under the motto „climb high, sleep low.“ Expect to cross semi-desert terrain with impressive views of giant groundsel.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Begin your day by tackling the Barranco Wall, known as the „Breakfast Wall.“ Once you ascend the wall, the trail flattens out as you continue to Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters. The 5-kilometer trek takes around 4-5 hours through alpine desert. After reaching the camp, you’ll do a short acclimatization hike before descending back for overnight rest.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Continue the trek to Barafu Camp, which sits at 4,673 meters and serves as your base camp for the summit attempt. The 4-kilometer trek takes 3 hours, allowing plenty of time to rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day begins at midnight with the push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), the highest point in Africa. The 5-kilometer ascent takes 6-8 hours, through challenging conditions with extreme cold and high winds. You’ll reach Stella Point for a magnificent sunrise view before continuing to the summit. After spending some time at the top, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then further down to Mweka Camp (3,068 meters) for overnight.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, descend 10 kilometers through rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trek takes around 3 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to the airport, leaving 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Arrive at the airport and be transferred to your hotel. You will meet your chief guide for a pre-trek briefing the day before the hike to ensure you are well-prepared.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. Continue by vehicle to Morum Barrier Gate (about 30 minutes).
From here, begin your trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp at approximately 3,610 meters.

Distance: ~8 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
This relatively gentle day allows your body to begin acclimatizing while enjoying wide-open views of Kibo Peak.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is a shorter acclimatization day as you traverse the plateau toward Shira 2 Camp at 3,850 meters.

Distance: ~7 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The gradual ascent and slower pace help your body adjust to altitude. In the afternoon, you may take a short acclimatization walk toward Shira Cathedral.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

This is a key acclimatization day following the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
You’ll hike from Shira 2 Camp up to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, then descend to Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters.

Distance: ~11 km total
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Expect dramatic scenery, volcanic formations, and giant groundsels along the way.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Start the day with the iconic climb up the Barranco Wall. Though steep, it’s non-technical and very rewarding.
Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp at 3,995 meters.

Distance: ~5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
After lunch, you’ll do a short acclimatization hike before descending back to camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Trek to Barafu Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt, located at 4,673 meters.

Distance: ~4 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
The afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration, and final summit preparations. Dinner is early, followed by a few hours of sleep before the midnight ascent.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day begins around midnight. You’ll ascend steep switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756 m) in time for sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After photos and celebration at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp at 3,068 meters for overnight.

Total hiking time: 12–15 hours

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Distance: ~10 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Receive summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi.

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, departing at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

Accommodations

Comfortable hotel stays in Moshi before and after the trek.
Tent accommodations on the mountain with basic amenities including bunk beds and shared facilities.
Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek, ensuring you are well-nourished for the journey.

Safety Tips

Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Stay hydrated and carry sufficient water.
Ascend slowly to allow for proper acclimatization.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Be cautious while trekking, especially in high-altitude areas.

FAQ for the Shira-Route Kilimanjaro Trek

How difficult is the Shira route?

The Shira route is considered moderately difficult. The early days of the trek are relatively gentle, but altitude can be a challenge as the route starts at a higher elevation. The trail involves crossing alpine desert zones and acclimatization is key to managing the difficulty.

What’s the success rate for the 7-day Shira route?

The success rate for the 7-day Shira route is generally high, around 85-90%, as the extra day allows for better acclimatization, which is crucial for reaching the summit.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Shira route varies depending on the service provider, but it generally ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. This includes park fees, guiding services, porters, meals, and camping equipment.

Tips for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Take it slow (Pole Pole): Pace yourself to help with acclimatization.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Pack well: Bring appropriate gear for cold weather, and layering is important.
Mental strength: Stay positive and determined as summit day is particularly challenging.

Is Kilimanjaro a technical mountain?

No, Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb. It is a trekking peak, meaning you do not need any mountaineering skills or equipment like ropes or ice axes. However, the high altitude presents the main challenge.

How many days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro typically takes 5 to 9 days, depending on the route chosen. The 7-day Shira route is common, allowing for better acclimatization and increasing summit success.

How to shower or use the loo at Mount Kilimanjaro?

Showers are not available on the mountain. Most trekkers use wet wipes for hygiene. Portable toilet tents are often provided by trekking companies, or you can use the basic long-drop toilets at campsites.

How many days for the Shira route?

The Shira route typically takes 6 to 7 days, including summit and descent days. This timeframe allows for proper acclimatization and increases the chances of a successful summit.

What food is given when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Meals on Kilimanjaro include high-energy, nutritious food like soups, pasta, rice, vegetables, fruits, bread, and sometimes meat or eggs. Snacks like nuts, energy bars, and cookies are also provided to keep you fueled during the trek.

How far from camp to camp on Mount Kilimanjaro?

Distances between camps vary depending on the day. For example, the hike from Shira 2 to Lava Tower is 8 km (5 miles), while the trek from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is 5 km (3 miles). Each day involves walking 5-11 km on average.

What’s Inklusive

Airport transfers
Two nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before and after the trek)
Tent accommodations during the trek
All meals as specified in the itinerary
Professional, experienced, and English-speaking guides
Park entry fees and hut fees
Rescue fees
Portable oxygen tanks and first aid kit
Boiled water on the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA)

Nicht enthalten

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Optional activities and personal expenses
Acclimatization: Follow the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water each day.
Pace Yourself: Trek at a slow and steady pace.
Gear: Ensure you have proper gear including layers, waterproof clothing, and a good sleeping bag.
Health: Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and communicate with your guide.
Clothing: Comfortable trekking attire, warm layers for varying temperatures, waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support, comfortable socks.
Gear: Daypack, water bottle or hydration system, trekking poles, headlamp with extra batteries, sleeping bag rated for low temperatures.
Personal Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries, personal medications, lip balm with SPF, basic first aid kit.
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: MoorlandThis relatively gentle day allows your body to begin acclimatizing while enjoying wide-open views of Kibo Peak.
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: MoorlandThe gradual ascent and slower pace help your body adjust to altitude. In the afternoon, you may take a short acclimatization walk toward Shira Cathedral.
Distance: ~11 km total
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine desertExpect dramatic scenery, volcanic formations, and giant groundsels along the way.
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hoursAfter lunch, you’ll do a short acclimatization hike before descending back to camp.
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hoursThe afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration, and final summit preparations. Dinner is early, followed by a few hours of sleep before the midnight ascent.
Total hiking time: 12–15 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hoursReceive summit certificates and transfer back to Moshi.
Comfortable hotel stays in Moshi before and after the trek.
Tent accommodations on the mountain with basic amenities including bunk beds and shared facilities.
Meals provided include breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek, ensuring you are well-nourished for the journey.
Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Stay hydrated and carry sufficient water.
Ascend slowly to allow for proper acclimatization.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Be cautious while trekking, especially in high-altitude areas.
Take it slow (Pole Pole): Pace yourself to help with acclimatization.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
Pack well: Bring appropriate gear for cold weather, and layering is important.
Mental strength: Stay positive and determined as summit day is particularly challenging.