Kilimanjaro – Shira Route – 8 days
$1900 per person
Shira route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Kilimanjaro – Shira Route is a varied and beautiful, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate.
Destination
Departure
ArushaDeparture Time
morning from ArushaReturn Time
afternoon to ArushaDress Code
Comfortable trekking and athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and warm jacket.Included
Accommondation per Tour DescriptionArrival and Departure TransfersEmergency Evacuation by Flying DoctorGovernment Taxes, VAT and all relating service chargesMeals per Tour DescriptionPark FeesPersonal GuideRescue FeesNot Included
4x4 pop-up roof safari vehicleMeals not listedOptional ToursPersonal ExpensesTanzania VisaTips and Items of Personal Nature
Day 1: Arusha
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).To Arusha at Ilboru Safari Lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at Ilboru Safari Lodge, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure. We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Day 2: Shira One 3,550 m/11,800 ft
We take a ride to Londorossi National Park gate to complete the necessary registration formalities, before driving a short distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations (9,200 ft). We continue climbing steadily on foot through shrub forests and stands of giant heather to reach the rim of Shira Plateau (11,000 ft). The views across the surrounding plains open up as we approach our first camp, Simba Camp.
5-6 hours · 2 miles
Day 3: Shira Hut 3,840 m/12,500 ft
Today is an easy day to help acclimatization and to explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (12,300 ft), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds.
3-5 hours · 4 miles · elevation: +700 ft.
Day 4: Moir Hut 4,200 m/13,800 ft
The morning walk is a steady climb away from the moorland of Shira Plateau to reach the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills, with expansive views in all directions. After lunch in our camp close to Moir Hut (13,800 ft), there is the option of a more strenuous afternoon walk to reach the summit of the Lent Hills (15,400 ft). We can explore the area beneath the Northern Icefields, a remote place rarely visited by tourists, with unusual views of Kibo. Few visitors get to this remote corner of Kilimanjaro.
3-4hours · elevation: +1,300 ft.
Day 5: Lava Tower camp 4,550 m/14,900 ft
We enjoy a morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, walking on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch at our Lava Tower (14,900 ft), there is a steep but spectacular afternoon walk on the rocky lower slopes of the Western Breach. This afternoon excursion is highly recommended for acclimatisation purposes and for the superb views of hanging glaciers on both sides of the Breach.
4-5 hours · elevation: +1,100 ft.
Day 6: Karanga campsite 4,000 m/13,100 ft
A steep descent into the bottom of Barranco Valley (12,800 ft) leads us to the famed Barranco Wall and its steep climb. At the top the undulating trail crosses the flanks of Kibo with superb vistas of the Southern Icefields. The terrain is volcanic scree, with pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows, and a powerful sense of mountain wilderness. Our next camp is at Karanga Camp (13,100 ft), the last water point on the approach to the summit.
5-6 hours · elevation: -1,700 ft.
Day 7: Horombo Hut 3,720 m/12,200 ft
We follow an easy path on compacted scree with wide views that gains altitude unrelentingly to reach Barafu Hut (14,800 ft) for lunch. There is a short acclimatisation hike to the plateau at the bottom of the southeast valley (15,700 ft). The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the early morning final ascent.
3-4 hours · elevation: +2,600 ft. gain · -900 ft. loss
Day 8: Mweka forest camp 3100 m/10,170 ft
13-15 hours · 12.4 miles · elevation: -6,200 ft.
Day 9: Mweka Gate 1,650 m/5,413 ft


Mount Kilimanjaro is an inactive strato-volcano in northeast Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. At 5,895m (19,340 feet) above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain. Aided by its relatively easy ascent - Kilimanjaro has become a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. It's also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Group Size | Price Per Person |
---|---|
1 | 1,900$ |
2-3 | 1,800$ |
4-5 | 1,770$ |
6+ | 1,700$ |