Shira Route
The Shira route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. After a scenic drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge, the vehicle bypasses the rainforest zone and the hiking trail begins directly on the plateau. This gives you more time at higher altitudes for acclimatisation and some of the finest views on the mountain.
6 Days Shira Route
The drive to Shira offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru and Longido. The plateau is a mix of grassland, heath and moorland with giant senecios. You may see elands and signs of buffalo or leopard. The route then joins the Southern Circuit and summits from Barafu, with descent via the Mweka route.
What to Expect on the Trek
Shira Plateau
You cross the entire Shira Plateau from west to east on a pleasant, relatively flat hike with wide-open views and changing vegetation.
Lava Tower acclimatisation
Day 2 climbs to Lava Tower (about 4,650 m) before descending to Barranco – the classic “climb high, sleep low” strategy.
Southern Circuit
The route traverses beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Fields, offering changing angles of the summit before the final push.
Quiet western start
Because the vehicle takes you past the forest, you begin higher and enjoy a less crowded approach than the southern trailheads.
Shira 6 Days Quick Facts
| Route type | Camping route approaching from the west |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 days on the mountain plus arrival day |
| Start | Shira Gate / Shira Ridge (drive from Moshi) |
| Finish | Mweka Gate |
| Summit | Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m (19,341 ft) |
| Accommodation | Private four-season mountain tents |
| Main acclimatisation section | Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco |
| Technical skills | None required |
Explore the Detailed Itinerary
Day 0Arrival in Tanzania
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Joyful Adventures representative and transfer to your hotel. The hotel provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay, and your guide will brief you and check your gear.
Day 1Drive to Shira Gate, hike to Shira 2 Camp
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery – gaiters and trekking poles are useful. We continue a short distance until we reach Shira 2 Camp.
Day 2Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction toward Kibo. We then turn southeast toward Lava Tower (“Shark’s Tooth”). Shortly after the tower we reach a second junction and continue down to Barranco Camp. Although you finish at roughly the same elevation as you started, this day is crucial for acclimatisation.
Day 3Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast we leave Barranco and climb the steep Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. It is a shorter day that gives the body more time to adapt.
Day 4Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit with views of the summit from many angles. Here we rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Day 5Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
Very early (midnight to 2 am) we climb between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers toward Stella Point on the crater rim – the most demanding part of the trek. After a short rest we continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. We then descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and poles help on the loose gravel.
Day 6Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Lower elevations can be wet and muddy. A vehicle meets you at the gate and drives you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30–60 minutes) or Arusha.
Elevations, distances and times are approximate and can change with weather and group pace.
Camps and Altitude at a Glance
| Night | Camp | Approx. altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shira 2 Camp | 3,850 m / 12,600 ft |
| 2 | Barranco Camp | 4,000 m / 13,000 ft |
| 3 | Karanga Camp | 4,050 m / 13,250 ft |
| 4 | Barafu Camp | 4,700 m / 15,350 ft |
| 5 | Mweka Camp (after the summit) | 3,090 m / 10,150 ft |
Price Includes & Excludes
Includes
- Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
- Professional, experienced mountain guides
- All park fees
- Airport transfers
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the mountain
- Guides, porters and cook salaries and park fees
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Moshi/Arusha before and after the climb
Excludes
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips and personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
- Travel insurance
Read our booking terms and check the Tanzania visa guide before you travel.
How to Prepare for the Shira Route
Train for altitude
The first hiking day gains significant elevation. Practise long hikes with a daypack and break in your boots well before travel.
Pack for every climate
You move from forest and heath to alpine desert and arctic summit conditions. See our equipment and gear list.
Go slowly
Drink plenty of water, walk at a steady “pole pole” pace and tell your guide about any symptoms. Read about safety on Kilimanjaro.
Choose your season
The dry seasons (January–mid-March and June–October) usually give the best conditions. See the best time to trek.
Shira 6 Days: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 6-day Shira route good for acclimatisation?
Yes. The route includes the important Lava Tower day (climb high, sleep low at Barranco), which helps the body adapt before summit night.
Where does the Shira route start?
It starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro. You drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge / Shira Gate; the vehicle bypasses the rainforest zone and the hiking trail begins on the plateau.
How does Shira differ from Lemosho?
Shira begins higher on the plateau and skips most of the forest. Lemosho starts lower at Lemosho Glades and offers a longer, more gradual approach. Both join the Southern Circuit.
Do we sleep in tents on the Shira route?
Yes. You sleep in quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain tents at designated campsites. There are no huts on this route.
When does the summit attempt start?
The summit attempt normally starts between midnight and 2 am from Barafu Camp, depending on the group and conditions.
What is not included in the price?
Flights, alcoholic and soft drinks, visa fees, tips and personal spending money for souvenirs, and travel insurance are not included.