Local team · Soweto Corner Street, Moshi
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Shira Route 6 Days

Start high on the open Shira Plateau, skip the rainforest and join the beautiful southern circuit to the summit.

Kilimanjaro with zebras and giraffes on the plains below A climber on the trail with Kibo peak behind Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds A tent at high camp with snow on the peak above A glacier on the summit of Kilimanjaro
Overview

Why you will love it

The Shira route starts high on the western side of the mountain: you drive almost to the Shira Plateau and begin walking in open moorland. From Shira 2 it follows the classic southern circuit past the Lava Tower and over the Barranco Wall to the summit.

Because you start high, it suits hikers who have already spent time at altitude — for example after Mount Meru. The plateau, the Shira Cathedral and the views of Kibo are wonderful from the very first day.

  • Start high on the Shira Plateau
  • Shira Cathedral and wide open moorland
  • Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall
  • Descend through the Mweka rainforest

Route: Moshi – Shira Gate – Shira 1 – Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Barranco – Barafu – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Gate

When to go

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec
  • Best
  • Good
  • Rainy & quiet
Day by day

Your trip, day by day

Download PDF itinerary
Altitude day by day
2,000 m3,000 m4,000 m5,000 m6,000 mDay 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 65,895 mDay 7
  1. Day 1Arrival in Moshi

    We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (or pick you up anywhere in Moshi or Arusha) and drive you to Maridadi Hotel. In the evening your lead guide comes to brief you on the route, check your gear and answer every question.

    • Maridadi Hotel, Moshi
  2. Day 2Drive to Shira Gate and walk to Shira 1 Camp

    A scenic drive around the western slopes, high onto the mountain at Shira Gate. You start walking already above the forest, across the open moorland of the Shira Plateau, to Shira 1 Camp.

    • 3,500 m
    • Walking: 2–3 hours
    • Shira 1 Camp
    • B, L, D
  3. Day 3Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp

    A gentle day across the Shira Plateau, with time to explore the Shira Cathedral rock formations and get used to the altitude.

    • 3,850 m
    • Walking: 4–5 hours
    • Shira 2 Camp
    • B, L, D
  4. Day 4Shira 2 to Lava Tower and down to Barranco

    A rocky climb through alpine desert to lunch beside the Lava Tower (4,630 m), with an optional scramble for the brave. Then down about 600 m into the Great Barranco Valley among giant senecios — climb high, sleep low.

    • 3,978 m
    • Walking: 6–7 hours · 7 km
    • Barranco Camp
    • B, L, D
  5. Day 5Barranco Wall to Barafu Camp

    The day starts with the Great Barranco Wall — a scramble with your hands, not a rope climb, and most people's favourite part. You cross the Karanga Valley and climb on to Barafu, a windswept camp with Kibo and Mawenzi above. Early dinner and rest.

    • 4,600 m
    • Walking: 7–8 hours · 11.4 km
    • Barafu Camp
    • B, L, D
  6. Day 6Summit night: Uhuru Peak and down to Millennium Camp

    A pre-dawn start in the cold and dark, slowly up the scree to Stella Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim as the sun rises, then on to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Photos, a few quiet minutes on the roof of Africa, and the long walk down to Barafu and on to Millennium Camp for a hot meal.

    • 5,895 m
    • Walking: 7 hours up · 7–8 hours down
    • Millennium Camp
    • B, L, D
  7. Day 7Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

    A steep, happy descent through the Mweka rainforest to the gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. We drive you back to Maridadi Hotel in Moshi.

    • 1,652 m
    • Walking: 5–6 hours · 13.5 km
    • Maridadi Hotel, Moshi
    • B, L
  8. Day 8Departure

    Breakfast, then a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Not ready to leave? Add a safari or a few days on Zanzibar — we arrange it all.

    • B

Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

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Prices

One clear price — the same for every traveller

Per person in US dollars. Everything under "Included" is in the price.

Any group sizeUS$2,000per person

Children pay from 65% of the adult price — ask us for their exact price.

Included

What is in the price

Included

  • Two nights at Maridadi Hotel in Moshi, bed and breakfast — one night before and one night after the climb
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Transport to the mountain gate and back to Moshi
  • All park, camping and rescue fees, plus 18% VAT
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
  • Three freshly cooked meals a day on the mountain
  • Filtered drinking water throughout the climb
  • Double-layer sleeping mats
  • Portable toilet and a private toilet tent
  • Hot water for washing every morning and evening
  • Emergency oxygen and a medical kit carried by your guides
  • Fair wages for the whole crew, as approved by KINAPA and KIATO

Not included

  • International flights
  • Tips for the crew, driver and hotel staff
  • Travel insurance (it must cover trekking to 6,000 m)
  • Tanzania visa
  • Bank transfer and card fees
  • Personal costs — drinks, laundry and shopping
Before you go

Ready for this trip

Kilimanjaro packing list

  • Duffel bag, 80–90 litres — Waterproof. Porters carry it for you.
  • Your daypack — Water, sunglasses, camera, rain jacket and trousers.
  • Sleeping bag — Four-season, about −20 °C, with a compression sack.
  • 3 litres of water — Bottles or a bladder. Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed.

Sleeping bags and other gear can be rented from us in Moshi.

The full checklist

Tips for a successful climb

  1. Go slowly — pole pole
  2. Drink enough water
  3. Walk high, sleep low
  4. Use trekking poles
All tips
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What travellers say on Tripadvisor

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“An Amazing Trip with all of the Big 5”

MMercedes M
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“An unforgettable safari experience”

MMichael T
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“The safari of a lifetime!”

CConnector27801477223
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“Amazing experience with great guide”

JJuuli S
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“Wonderful Tanzania”

Llinda
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“Simply amazing”

JJasper B
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“Experiencia única e inolvidable”

DDiego Eduardo D
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“Meraviglioso safari”

DDebora D
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“Amazing- Unique Safari Experience!”

KK8973XOsara
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“6-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari & Materuni Waterfalls / Coffee tour”

BBrian C
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FromUS$2,000
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