Climb Kilimanjaro

Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro above clouds

Elephant with Mount Kilimanjaro and birds in background

Aerial view of snow-capped mountain kilimanjaro peak above clouds

Porters trekking towards snowy mountain peak of Kilimanjaro

Shira Route Duration – 8 Days

Another Fantastic Approach to Kilimanjaro from the West

The Shira route offers another fantastic approach to Kilimanjaro from the west, closely mirroring the Lemosho route. Originally, Shira was the main path, with Lemosho being the improved version. Unlike Lemosho, which starts at Londorossi Gate and takes you through the enchanting rainforest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route gives you a head start. A vehicle transports climbers directly to Shira Gate near the Shira Ridge. From there, you’ll begin your adventure at an elevation of 11,800 feet (3,600 meters), spending your first night at Simba Camp at the same altitude. The next day, the Shira route merges with Lemosho, following the breathtaking southern circuit route.

While Shira is undeniably beautiful and diverse, Lemosho is often recommended due to the more gradual acclimatization it offers. Starting at the high altitude of Shira Gate can lead to altitude-related symptoms right from day one. Therefore, climbers choosing the Shira route should be confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly. Despite this, the Shira route remains an exciting and scenic path for those ready to take on the challenge.

Map showing Kilimanjaro routes and camps highlighting the Shira route

Trip Duration:

8 days

Route:

Shira Route

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Your Day to Day Itinerary

All our itineraries are suggestions; they can be adapted and customised to suit your needs and preferences or for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.

Day 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation:

650 meters (2,133 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

The Lemosho route is perfect for climbers seeking a more private and tranquil hiking experience. While it eventually joins the popular Machame route, the first three days are blissfully quiet with few other trekking groups.

On the first day, you’ll arrive at Londorossi Gate around 11 a.m. Spend about an hour there while Topi Adventure registers your climb and the porters and guides finalize preparations. Please note that the arrival time at the gate may vary depending on road conditions.

Once registration is complete, you’ll drive to the trailhead and enjoy a picnic lunch before starting your trek to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. As you hike through the lush rainforests of Kilimanjaro, take in the stunning views of trees and birdlife. Arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon and relax, soaking in the serene atmosphere of your first night on the mountain.

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation:

650 meters (2,133 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

On the second day, you’ll leave the dense rainforest behind as you hike toward Kilimanjaro’s beautiful moorland. This day offers a stunning array of the mountain’s wildflowers, showcasing the most incredible variety you’ll encounter on your journey.

As the trail flattens, you’ll be treated to your first view of the majestic Kibo Peak. After enjoying lunch, you’ll ascend the Shira Plateau, a vast landscape formed by Kibo’s ancient lava flows filling the Shira crater.

Upon reaching Shira 1 Camp, you’ll have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. This camp offers a serene setting to unwind and prepare for the next stage of your adventure.

Day 3 – Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

Elevation:

110 meters (428 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Heath

Today’s journey is an essential part of acclimatization, with a series of ascents and descents. After breakfast, you’ll head east across the Shira Plateau for about two hours, reaching the junction that connects the Shira and Lemosho Routes.

Continuing through the barren landscape, you’ll hike for another thirty minutes before stopping for lunch. After lunch, you’ll reach the highest point of the day at 4,530 meters. From here, you’ll begin a quick descent to Barranco Camp, dropping 690 meters in elevation.

From the high point, you can take a detour via Lava Tower, a striking 300-foot lava formation jutting out of the mountainside. The descent to Barranco Camp takes you through a valley filled with unique flora, including the distinctive Senecio Kilimanjaro plants.

Barranco Camp is considered the most scenic campsite on the route. Nestled in a canyon among the forests of Senecio Kilimanjaro beneath the Heim Glacier, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Meru, the Heim Glacier, Kibo’s southern face, and the imposing Barranco Wall. With its dramatic landscapes and crucial acclimatization, this day will be a memorable part of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

Day 4 – Shira II Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation:

110 meters (428 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Heath

Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation:

250 meters (820 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Moorland

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you’ll set out for Karanga Valley. The day begins with the thrilling challenge of scrambling up the Barranco Wall, a steep climb that takes about an hour and a half. In some sections, you’ll need to use your hands to pull yourself up, making this the most physically demanding part of the day.

Once you reach the top of the Barranco Wall, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. The trail then levels out, providing a more leisurely hike across fairly even terrain. You’ll then make a short but steep descent into the lush, green Karanga River Valley.

Karanga Camp is perched on the ridge above the river valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This camp provides a perfect spot to rest and prepare for the days ahead as you continue your journey towards the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 6 – Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

Elevation:

400 meters (1,320 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you’ll embark on the hike to Barafu Camp. Along the way, you’ll pass several of Kibo’s glaciers and encounter the junction connecting the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. The day’s trek includes views of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers, adding to the breathtaking scenery.

The trail to Barafu takes you through an alpine desert characterized by its sparse vegetation and stunning panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll prepare for your summit ascent by having an early dinner and trying to get some sleep. You’ll be waking up before midnight to begin your final push to the summit. This day’s hike is crucial for positioning you for the ultimate challenge ahead.

Day 7 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation:

Ascend 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) - Descend 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Arctic

Around midnight, you’ll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, you’ll hike by the light of your headlamp, tackling the steep and slow Machame ascent to the crater rim at Stella Point. This section is the most challenging part of your entire trek.

Upon reaching Stella Point, the path to Uhuru Peak gradually climbs. Though not technically challenging, the altitude makes it more demanding. The hike along the crater rim takes approximately forty-five minutes. When you finally reach Uhuru Peak, you’ll have the ultimate reward of standing on the Roof of Africa. Take plenty of photos with your guide and group to commemorate this incredible achievement.

After savouring the summit, you’ll begin your descent, enjoying breathtaking views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. Once back at Barafu Camp, you’ll have brunch, drink lots of tea, and take a short break before continuing your descent. The final stretch to Mweka Camp will take an additional three to four hours. At Mweka Camp, you can rest and reflect on the unforgettable journey you’ve just completed.

Day 8 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation:

Descend 1,600 meters (5,250 feet)
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

After breakfast, you’ll embark on the final leg of your Kilimanjaro journey, descending to Mweka Gate. This last hike is a beautiful one, taking you through the lush cloud forest of Kilimanjaro. However, be cautious during the descent, as the trail can be slippery.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll find our vehicles waiting at the lower station to take you back to Moshi or Arusha. Here, you can purchase t-shirts, souvenirs, and sodas to commemorate your adventure. Enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch at the gate before departing the mountain. Reflect on your incredible achievement and the unforgettable experiences you’ve had on this extraordinary journey.

Climb Kilimanjaro

Shira Route Duration – 8 Days

Another Fantastic Approach to Kilimanjaro from the West

Trip Duration:

Route:

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Feeling a little adventourous?

We can help plan your adventure of a lifetime!

Your Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 3 – Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 4 – Shira II Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 6 – Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 7 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 8 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

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