Shira Route
The Shira route is very similar to Lemosho, but it starts higher (around 3,400–3,600 m). After registration at Londorossi Gate you continue by vehicle to Morum Barrier, where the hiking trail begins. Because of the high starting altitude, this route is less ideal for trekkers with little or no high-altitude experience.
7 Days Shira Route
On the first day you drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and continue to Morum Barrier before joining the main path at Shira Camp. The high start can cause altitude symptoms early, so good fitness and previous altitude experience are helpful. After Shira 2 the route joins the Machame / Lemosho path via Lava Tower and Barranco, then continues on the Southern Circuit to Barafu and the summit.
What to Expect on the Trek
High western start
You begin at Morum Barrier (about 3,414 m), skipping most of the rainforest and starting already on the plateau.
Shira Plateau & Cathedral
You cross beautiful moorland, volcanic plateaus and the Shira Cathedral area before reaching Shira 2 Camp.
Climb high, sleep low
Day 3 climbs to Lava Tower (about 4,630 m) then descends to Barranco – excellent acclimatisation practice.
Quieter early days
The route is less used than the southern trailheads, so your first two days are often quieter.
Shira 7 Days Quick Facts
| Route type | Camping route approaching from the west |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 days on the mountain plus arrival day |
| Start | Morum Barrier (via Londorossi Gate) |
| 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 |
| Best suited for | Trekkers with some high-altitude experience |
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 1Morum Barrier to Shira 1 Camp
You are driven to Londorossi Park Gate for registration, then continue to Morum Barrier. The climb begins here through heath and moorland to Shira 1 (Simba) Camp for the night.
Day 2Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Your trek takes you past beautiful moorland rock formations and across volcanic plateaus. You also cross the area of Shira Cathedral, one of the peaks of the old Shira volcano. Tonight you stay at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Today’s trek has two parts: the climb to Lava Tower followed by the descent to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day is excellent for acclimatisation. After lunch at Lava Tower you descend into the Barranco Valley beneath the Western Breach and the great Barranco Wall.
Day 4Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
A shorter day focused on acclimatisation. After breakfast you conquer the Barranco Wall. Although it looks intimidating, most trekkers find it easier than expected. At the top you enjoy superb views of the Southern Ice Fields. The trail then winds to Karanga Camp.
Day 5Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
You continue to Barafu Camp with excellent views of the mountain. An early dinner is served so you can rest before the midnight summit push. Your guide briefs you in detail on how best to prepare for summit night.
Day 6Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then down to Mweka Camp
Summit day. You leave around midnight and climb over stone scree to Stella Point on the crater rim (around sunrise). From there you continue to Uhuru Peak – the highest point in Africa. After celebrating you descend all the way to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Day 7Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast you continue the descent 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 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 1 Camp | 3,500 m / 11,480 ft |
| 2 | Shira 2 Camp | 3,847 m / 12,620 ft |
| 3 | Barranco Camp | 3,976 m / 13,044 ft |
| 4 | Karanga Camp | 3,995 m / 13,106 ft |
| 5 | Barafu Camp | 4,673 m / 15,331 ft |
| 6 | Mweka Camp (after the summit) | ≈ 3,100 m / 10,170 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
Respect the high start
Because you begin above 3,400 m, previous altitude experience is helpful. Take the first two days slowly and stay well hydrated.
Pack for every climate
You move from heath and alpine desert to 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 7 Days: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 7-day Shira route good for beginners?
Shira starts at a high altitude (around 3,400–3,600 m). It is less ideal for trekkers with little or no high-altitude experience. Lemosho or longer options generally offer better acclimatisation for first-timers.
Where does the Shira route start?
You drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to Morum Barrier (about 3,414 m). The hiking trail begins there on the western side of the mountain.
How does Shira differ from Lemosho?
Shira starts higher on the plateau and joins the Lemosho / Machame path at Shira 2. Lemosho begins lower in the forest at Lemosho Glades and offers a longer, more gradual approach.
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.