Shira Route Overview
The Shira Route is for those who like to start high and climb higher—literally. Kicking off at 3,414 meters (11,201 feet) from the Morum Barrier Gate, this route throws you straight into thin air and big altitude gains from day one. That means acclimatization can be tough, making it best suited for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. But for those up for the challenge? Shira delivers in a big way—with stunning landscapes, fewer crowds, and a unique approach to the mountain that feels nothing short of epic.
Shira Route Map
Shira Considerations
High-Altitude Start
📍 Launches from 3,407m (11,181 ft) at Morum Barrier Gate
🌿 Skips the rainforest zone → Immediate exposure to thin air
⚠️ Higher risk of altitude sickness—Not ideal for beginners
The Shira Route starts high—very high. Unlike gradual climbs like Lemosho, this route skips the lower rainforest and jumps straight into the moorlands. While this shortens the trek, it increases the risk of altitude sickness, making it best for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience.
🔹 Perfect for: Climbers confident in their acclimatization abilities.
🔹 Think twice if: You’re new to high-altitude trekking.
Expansive Landscapes & Surreal Beauty
🌍 Vast, windswept moorlands with volcanic formations
🏔️ Uninterrupted views of Kibo Peak’s southern ice fields
🏜️ Alpine desert trekking through a barren, otherworldly terrain
The Shira Route is one of the most visually stunning routes on Kilimanjaro. Trekkers cross the ancient Shira Plateau, a high-altitude volcanic landscape, offering breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the mountain. The early days are peaceful, providing a sense of remoteness not found on busier trails.
🔹 Perfect for: Landscape lovers and photographers.
🔹 What to Expect: Early solitude, later crowds.
Original Western Route
📍 Shira was one of the original western approaches to Kilimanjaro.
📍 Lemosho later replaced it for better acclimatization.
While Shira and Lemosho merge at Shira Camp 2, Lemosho starts lower, offering a gentler ascent. This makes Lemosho the preferred route for most trekkers, while Shira remains an option for those who don’t mind the quick altitude gain.
🔹 Perfect for: Trekkers who want a direct western approach.
🔹 Better alternative: If you prefer more gradual acclimatization, go Lemosho.
Merges with Other Routes
🚶 Day 2: Joins Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2
🚶 Day 3: Merges with Machame Route at Lava Tower
🚶 From here, follows the well-traveled Southern Circuit
Enjoy the peace while it lasts—because after Day 2, the Shira Route merges with Lemosho and then Machame, leading to more foot traffic as climbers from different routes converge for the final ascent.
🔹 Perfect for: Those who want solitude early but don’t mind company later.
🔹 What to Expect: A small-group feel at the start, then a social push to the summit.
Iconic Kilimanjaro Challenges
🔥 The Shira Route takes you through some of Kilimanjaro’s most legendary obstacles.
🥾 Barranco Wall – A thrilling scramble with epic views.
🗿 Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft) – A crucial acclimatization checkpoint.
🧊 Southern Ice Fields – Trek beneath Kilimanjaro’s shrinking glaciers.
🔹 Perfect for: Adventure-seekers who want a mix of terrain and challenges.
🔹 What to Expect: Steep sections, but nothing technical.
DAY 1 - Morum Barrier Gate → Shira 1 Camp
Your adventure kicks off with a scenic 2.5-3 hour drive from Arusha to Morum Barrier Gate, where the trek begins. The trail ascends through dense rainforest, where the path can be muddy and slippery, making trekking poles and gaiters highly recommended. As you climb, the vegetation begins to thin, giving way to expansive views of the Shira Plateau. After a short trek, you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll settle in for your first night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 3,414 m → 3,500 m / 11,200 ft → 11,515 ft
- Distance: 3 km / 2 mi
- Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
DAY 2 - Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail steepens as it climbs rocky ridges. You’ll traverse the expansive Shira Plateau, with its striking heather and open moorlands. After crossing a large river gorge, you’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp for the evening.
- Elevation: 2,850 m to 3,810 m / 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath
DAY 3 - Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
The day begins with a steady climb eastward, ascending a ridge before turning southeast toward the impressive Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic rock formation. After lunch at the tower, you’ll descend through the unique and Senecio Forest to reach Barranco Camp. This trek, though starting and ending at similar elevations, aids acclimatization by spending time at higher altitudes.
Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower
- Elevation: 3,810 m to 4,630 m / 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath to Low Alpine Desert
Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 4,630 m to 3,970 m / 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km / 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Low Alpine Desert
DAY 4 - Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp
Our trek begins with a descent into the impressive Great Barranco, a massive ravine. The trail then ascends steeply up the Great Barranco Wall, a non-technical but challenging climb. Passing beneath the Heim and Kersten Glaciers, we trek through the Karanga Valley—our last water stop—before continuing on scree trails toward Barafu Camp in the arid high alpine desert.
- Elevation: 3,900 m to 4,673 m / 12,795 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7.45 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Low Alpine to High Alpine Desert
DAY 5 - Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
We begin the final ascent around midnight, trekking steeply upwards on scree towards the summit glaciers. After 4-5 hours, we reach Stella Point (5,739 m) just in time for sunrise, with stunning views of the crater and Mawenzi Peak. An additional hour brings us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The descent retraces our steps to Barafu Camp for breakfast, then continues to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m to 3,068 m / 15,331 ft to 19,431 ft to 12,434 ft
- Distance: 13.4 km / 8.3 miles
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert to Arctic to Rainforest
DAY 6 - Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
After a peaceful night’s rest, we begin the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, we’ll honor your achievements with a celebration meal; followed by receiving your summit certificates, and return to the hotel to relax and reflect on your journey.
- Elevation: 3,068 m to 1,640 m / 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
DAY 1 - Morum Barrier Gate → Shira 1 Camp
Your adventure kicks off with a scenic 2.5-3 hour drive from Arusha to Morum Barrier Gate, where the trek begins. The trail ascends through dense rainforest, where the path can be muddy and slippery, making trekking poles and gaiters highly recommended. As you climb, the vegetation begins to thin, giving way to expansive views of the Shira Plateau. After a short trek, you’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll settle in for your first night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 3,414 m → 3,500 m / 11,200 ft → 11,515 ft
- Distance: 3 km / 2 mi
- Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
DAY 2 - Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail steepens as it climbs rocky ridges. You’ll traverse the expansive Shira Plateau, with its striking heather and open moorlands. After crossing a large river gorge, you’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp for the evening.
- Elevation: 2,850 m to 3,810 m / 9,350 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath
DAY 3 - Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
The day begins with a steady climb eastward, ascending a ridge before turning southeast toward the impressive Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic rock formation. After lunch at the tower, you’ll descend through the unique and Senecio Forest to reach Barranco Camp. This trek, though starting and ending at similar elevations, aids acclimatization by spending time at higher altitudes.
Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower
- Elevation: 3,810 m to 4,630 m / 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km / 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath to Low Alpine Desert
Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 4,630 m to 3,970 m / 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km / 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Low Alpine Desert
DAY 4 - Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
The day starts with a descent into a ravine, followed by a challenging yet non-technical climb up the Great Barranco Wall. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. The trail then undulates through ascents and descents, leading to Karanga Camp, an ideal spot for rest and acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3,970 m to 3,995 m / 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5 - Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
After leaving Karanga Camp, the trail joins the Mweka Trail and continues to ascend towards Barafu Camp. This section completes the Southern Circuit, offering panoramic views of the summit. Upon arrival at Barafu, you’ll have an early dinner and prepare for the summit push.
- Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m / 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 6 - Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
We begin the final ascent around midnight, trekking steeply upwards on scree towards the summit glaciers. After 4-5 hours, we reach Stella Point (5,739 m) just in time for sunrise, with stunning views of the crater and Mawenzi Peak. An additional hour brings us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The descent retraces our steps to Barafu Camp for breakfast, then continues to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
- Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m to 3,068 m / 15,331 ft to 19,431 ft to 12,434 ft
- Distance: 13.4 km / 8.3 miles
- Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert to Arctic to Rainforest
DAY 7 - Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
After a peaceful night’s rest, we begin the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, we’ll honor your achievements with a celebration meal; followed by receiving your summit certificates, and return to the hotel to relax and reflect on your journey.
- Elevation: 3,068 m to 1,640 m / 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6.5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Shira
6 Days-
Single Guest - $3,400
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2 Guests - $2,500
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3 Guests - $2,400
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4 Guests - $2,300
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5 Guests - $2,300
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6 Guests - $2,200
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7 Guests - $2,150
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8 Guests - $2,100
Shira
7 Days-
Single Guest - $3,650
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2 Guests - $2,750
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3 Guests - $2,650
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4 Guests - $2,550
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5 Guests - $2,550
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6 Guests - $2,450
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7 Guests - $2,400
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8 Guests - $2,350
Included with Trek
Excluded From Trek
Airport pickup & drop-off + transport to/from the mountain
Smooth, Hassle-Free Airport & Hotel Transfers
Welcome to Tanzania! The moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, one of our professional drivers will be there to greet you with a warm smile and a spacious, comfortable ride straight to your hotel.
Our vehicles are built for comfort, with plenty of room for you and your gear. Plus, we’ll have complimentary bottled water waiting for you.
Safety first! Every vehicle undergoes routine maintenance and inspections, ensuring a smooth ride every time.
Experienced, English-Speaking Drivers
Our drivers are not just skilled—they’re friendly, knowledgeable, and fluent in English, making your ride enjoyable and stress-free.
Hotel-to-Kilimanjaro Transfers
When it’s time to hit the mountain, we’ll transport you in reliable Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles—built tough for Tanzania’s terrain.
Return Transfers
After your adventure, we’ll take you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport—because your journey with us isn’t just about the climb, but the entire experience.
2 nights (before & after trek) in a comfortable Arusha hotel
Your comfort matters—before and after the climb.
Pre & Post-Trek Hotel Stays
Two Nights Included: One night before your climb and one night after—giving you time to rest, recover, and celebrate.
Default Rooming: Double-occupancy rooms are standard, but if you’d prefer your own space, single rooms are available upon request (subject to availability).
Preferred Accommodations
We primarily partner with The Outpost Lodge and Mvuli Hotel, but if unavailable, we’ll book a comparable alternative that meets the same standards of comfort and service.
Prefer a specific hotel? Just let us know—we’ll make it happen.
Hotel Features
- Daily Breakfast
Friendly, professional staff
On-site restaurant & swimming pool
Comfortable rooms with mosquito nets
Complimentary Wi-Fi & laundry services
Extra Nights
If your trek ends earlier than expected, we’ll secure a hotel room for you in Arusha (additional cost applies).
Gear Delivery & Orientation
The day before your climb, our team will meet you at the hotel for an in-depth orientation.
If you’ve rented gear, we’ll deliver it to your hotel, so you can check everything before setting off.
High-quality tents, sleeping mats, private toilet, etc.
We’ve got your back—with top-tier gear designed for Kilimanjaro’s rugged conditions.
High-Quality, All-Weather Tents
Weatherproof & Reliable: Our 4-season Mountain Hardwear and North Face tents are built for rain, wind, and cold temperatures—so you stay dry and warm.
Spacious Setup: Designed for three people, but we only place two per tent for added comfort.
Private Tent Option: Prefer a solo tent? Let us know in advance! (Extra charge applies.)
Private Portable Toilet
No public toilets, no worries! We provide a dedicated private toilet at all campsites and lunch stops—exclusively for your group. Crew members do not use it.
Comfortable Sleeping Setup
Thick 3-inch Sleeping Mats—because a good night’s sleep is key to summit success.
Dining Experience
Spacious Dining Tents—windproof, rainproof, and perfect for meals & socializing.
Sturdy Tables & Real Tableware—stainless steel cutlery, ceramic plates. No flimsy disposables here!
Comfortable Camping Chairs—because nobody wants to sit on a rock after a long hike.
Hygiene & Comfort
Handwashing Station with Hot Water—staying fresh on the mountain is a luxury we provide.
Prime Campsite Locations—our team arrives early to secure the best spots, ensuring peace, privacy, and epic views.
Freshly prepared, chef-cooked meals on the trek
High-altitude trekking needs fuel, not just food. Our professionally trained chefs prepare every meal fresh, balancing nutrition, energy, and taste.
Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients
We source our meat, vegetables, and fruits from local Tanzanian farmers, ensuring freshness, quality, and community support.
Ingredients are certified by the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA).
Tailored for Your Dietary Needs
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific allergies, we’ve got you covered—at no extra cost.
Sample Menu
Breakfast: Porridge, eggs, sausages, spinach, sweet potatoes, toast, coffee & tea.
Lunch: Fresh soups, pasta, stews, salads, mashed potatoes, grilled chicken.
Dinner: Hearty soups, vegetable salads, beef, chicken, or fish with Tanzanian spices, fresh fruit for dessert.
Cooking in the Wild
Meals are prepared on a camping gas oven, with our chefs working their magic in all weather conditions.
Our team serves hot meals daily—no freeze-dried food here.
Nutritional and Delicious Meals
Menu Designed by Experts: Our meal plans are created in consultation with a professional dietitian to ensure a perfect balance of taste and energy for your trek.
Flexible Dietary Options: Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, or have other dietary needs, we’ll accommodate your preferences at no extra cost. Simply inform your manager in advance, and our mountain chef will customize your meals.
Sample Menu
Breakfast: Options include porridge, eggs, sausages, vegetables, spinach cooked local-style (mchicha), sweet potatoes, and coffee or tea.
Lunch: Soups (butternut, tomato, vegetable, beef); spaghetti; stews; avocado salads; mashed potatoes; fried chicken with flavorful sauces; and other local and international dishes.
Dinner: Enjoy a soup; vegetable salads (kachumbari or Mexican-style); main dishes with chicken, beef, or fish; fried vegetables; and stews like bamia stew. Each meal is served with tasty sauces, extra seasonings, and fresh local fruits such as mangoes, oranges, pineapple, and bananas for a vitamin boost.
Locally Sourced and Fresh Ingredients
Organic Produce: We source fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats from small, neighboring farms to ensure quality and support the local economy.
Certified Suppliers: All ingredients meet standards set by the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA).
Meals During the Trek
Fully Catered Experience: Our chefs prepare all meals during the trek, except for lunch on the first day, which is served upon entering the park before reaching the first camp.
Camp Kitchen Expertise: Meals are prepared in a camp kitchen using a camping gas oven and electric torch for lighting, even in challenging weather conditions.
Certified guides, porters, waiters, and mountain chefs
The best guides make the best climbs.
Highly Experienced Guides
Decades of Trekking Experience—they know Kili inside and out.
Certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR)—trained in emergency medical care for high-altitude environments.
Storytellers & Cultural Experts—they’ll entertain you with Kilimanjaro’s history, myths, and local traditions.
Hardworking Support Crew
Porters, Chefs & Camp Managers—the real heroes behind your success.
Fair Wages & Proper Gear—we believe in ethical treatment, ensuring our team is well-paid and well-equipped.
Daily health checks, bottled oxygen, emergency evacuation plan, etc.
Your well-being is our top priority.
Daily Health Monitoring
Twice-Daily Medical Check-Ups—every hiker gets a full health assessment in the morning and evening.
Vital Sign Monitoring—oxygen levels, blood pressure, and altitude adaptation checks.
Mandatory for All Climbers—whether you feel fine or not, these check-ups keep you safe and acclimatized.
Oxygen & Emergency Response
Bottled Oxygen—for acclimatization support and AMS treatment.
AMS Scoring System—we use Lake Louise Acute Mountain Sickness assessments to monitor symptoms.
Emergency Evacuation Plan—if needed, our team is trained for rapid response and safe descent.
Medical Kits & Equipment
Large “Camp” Medical Kits—stocked with 49+ essential medications and first-aid supplies.
Portable Tactical Kits—carried by guides for quick injury treatment.
All Kilimanjaro National Park & associated fees
No hidden fees. No surprises. We include everything upfront.
Comprehensive Park Fees
Camping & Conservation Fees
Rescue Fees
Crew Wages & Fees
Forest Fees (on applicable routes)
These fees go directly toward preserving Kilimanjaro’s environment and supporting local conservation efforts.
International airfare to/from Tanzania
Our packages do not include international flights—you’ll need to book and pay for these separately.
Need recommendations? We’re happy to help! Just reach out for guidance on airlines flying into Tanzania.
Recommended Tipping
Tipping is a long-standing tradition in trekking—a way to show appreciation for the hard work your guides, porters, and chefs put into making your climb unforgettable.
- Tipping is optional but appreciated if your crew delivers an experience that goes above and beyond.
- Recommended Amount: $250–$350 per trekker (USD).
Your crew will celebrate every step you take up the mountain, and a generous tip is a great way to celebrate them in return!
Visa Fee
Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. Here’s what to expect:
- Standard Visa Fee: $50 USD (single-entry, valid for 90 days).
- U.S. Nationals: $100 USD (multi-entry visa required).
- Need more details? Check out our Tanzania Visa & Entry Guide or contact us for assistance.
Personal Gear
You’ll need essentials like hiking boots, sleeping bag, backpack, clothing, etc.
- If you’d rather rent gear than pack it all, just send us your list, and we’ll have everything ready when you arrive.
Single Supplement
By default, hotel rooms and tents are shared between two people when booking as a private group of two or more.
- Prefer a private room and/or tent? No problem—a single supplement is available (extra charge applies).
- Exception: Single supplements aren’t available on the Marangu Route, where shared huts house up to 20 hikers per night.
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for all climbers.
- Must Cover: Trekking up to 6,000m and helicopter evacuation.
- Check with your provider to confirm coverage—policies vary by country.
Better safe than sorry! If you need recommendations, we’re happy to help.
Lunch and Dinner at the Hotel
Your hotel stay includes breakfast, but lunch and dinner aren’t covered.
- Eat at the hotel restaurant or explore some great dining spots in Arusha!
- Want local food recommendations? Just ask—we know all the best spots.
