Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing – Shira Route (7 Days)
Tour Overview
Experience one of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular and scenic climbs with our Shira Route 7 Days expedition. Starting on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), the Shira Route offers an adventurous and less-traveled path that joins the famous Lemosho and Machame routes later on. This route begins at a higher elevation on the Shira Plateau (3,500m) — providing incredible panoramic views of the mountain’s western slopes — and traverses diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone. The 7-day itinerary ensures proper acclimatization and an excellent chance of reaching Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa.
Highlights
- Remote and scenic western approach to Kilimanjaro
- Cross the stunning Shira Plateau — one of the mountain’s most beautiful regions
- Gradual ascent for better acclimatization and summit success
- Fewer crowds compared to the Marangu or Machame routes
- Professional guides, porters, and fully supported trek
Tour Details
- Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Route: Shira Route
- Duration: 7 Days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Accommodation: Mountain tents
- Best Season: June–October & December–February
- Starting Point: Shira Gate (3,500m)
- Ending Point: Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Itinerary
Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Shira Gate. Begin the trek across the Shira Plateau with gentle terrain and stunning views of Kibo Peak. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Continue hiking through moorland meadows filled with giant senecios and lobelias. Acclimatize at Shira 2 Camp with breathtaking views of Mount Meru.
An important acclimatization day. Hike to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Valley for overnight. “Climb high, sleep low” aids in altitude adjustment.
Climb the impressive Barranco Wall and enjoy panoramic views before reaching Karanga Valley Camp.
Hike through the alpine desert zone to Barafu Camp. Rest early and prepare for the summit push.
Begin the summit ascent before midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, Africa’s highest point, then descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificate presentation and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.
Package Includes & Exclude
Package Include
Professional, English-speaking mountain guides and porters
All park fees and government taxes
Accommodation in mountain tents
Meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Drinking water and hot beverages
Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi/Arusha)
Rescue fees
Package Exclude
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks