Kilimanjaro climb Shira Route 7 Days
The Kilimanjaro Climb Shira route 7 days route is the route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and is almost identical to the Lemosho route. Actually, Shira was the original path and Lemosho is an improved variant. While the Lemosho starts at the Londorossi Gate and goes through the rainforest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira Route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to the Shira Gate, which is located near Shira Ridge.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay.
Day 1: To Londorosi gate to Shira one campsite.
You will drive from Moshi to the trailhead to the Londorosi gate for registration. Following this, you will then board a vehicle again and drive further up to the Moram gate. You will trek through the moorland and heather vegetation heading to the east crossing ridges and valleys as well as a long flat distance to Shira One campsite. Elevation : 1200m to 1830m to 3500m Distance: 18 km. Hiking Time : 3 hours Habitat: Montane forest to moorland and heath vegetation.
Day 2: Shira Camp 1 (3500m) – Shira Camp 2 (3840m)
This day’s trek is designed to be relatively gentle, primarily aimed at aiding your acclimatization process. The route takes you through the moorlands and volcanic rocks, leading up to Shira Cathedral—a substantial rock encircled by imposing spires and pinnacles. After exploring Shira Cathedral, the journey continues to Shira Camp 2 (3840m), where lunch is provided. The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest.
Dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp 2 (3840m).
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 (3840m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Barranco Camp (3960m)
Following breakfast at Shira Camp 2, your route progresses eastward, passing a ridge, and then turns southeast toward the Lava Tower (4630m). The surroundings gradually transform into a more barren landscape as you approach the Lava Tower. Lunch will be served at this point.
Post-lunch, the terrain descends through the Barranco valley, leading all the way to Barranco Camp (3960m), which is nearly at the same altitude as Shira Camp 2 (3840m) where you spent the previous night. This combination of ascending to the Lava Tower and then descending to Barranco Camp is beneficial for acclimatizing to changes in altitude.
Dinner and overnight stay at Barranco Camp (3960m).
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4200m).
Following breakfast at Barranco Camp, your journey proceeds towards the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face standing at approximately 260 m. This wall is challenging, and during some parts of the ascent, you may find it necessary to use all four limbs for better grip. Upon completing the strenuous ascent of the Barranco Wall, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the southern glacier of Kibo.
The subsequent trek entails navigating through a series of ups and downs, leading to Karanga Camp (4200m), where you are expected to arrive around lunchtime. Following lunch, the remainder of the day is dedicated to rest at Karanga Camp.
Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp (4200m).
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4200m) – Barafu Camp (4640m)
During this day, you will traverse a trail cutting through an alpine desert until you reach Barafu Camp (4640m). On this journey, you will encounter robust cold winds emanating from the ever-approaching icy summit of Kibo. Lunch will be provided at Barafu Camp, and after the midday meal, the remainder of the day is devoted to relaxation in preparation for the impending summit night.
An early dinner will be served so that you can catch a few hours of sleep before midnight. If feasible, it is advisable to retire around 7 PM since you will be awakened shortly before midnight to commence the final ascent to the summit (5895m). Additionally, take some time to organize your climbing equipment and attire before retiring for the night.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp(3,100 m)
At around midnight, you will be awakened with a cup of hot tea and a light snack before commencing the ascent to Stella Point (5739m) on the crater rim. The journey to Stella Point involves navigating through heavy scree, requiring a consistent pace to enhance your chances of reaching the crater rim.
After a brief rest at Stella Point, the ascent continues through a snow-covered trail until reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m) within 1 to 2 hours. Standing on Uhuru Peak, you will find yourself on the “Roof of Africa,” enjoying breathtaking views of distant landscapes bathed in the morning sun. Capture as many photographs as possible, relish the moment, and then begin the descent.
The time spent at the summit is limited, as prolonged exposure to the cold, fatigue, and reduced oxygen levels can make resuming the journey challenging.
Commencing the descent from the summit, you will pass through Stella Point and Barafu Camp. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, a brief break with a warm meal is taken before descending further to Mweka Camp (3100m).
Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Camp (3100m).
Day 7: Mweka Camp(3100m) – Mweka Gate(1980m) – Arusha
Following breakfast at Mweka Camp, you will commence a relaxed descent through the rainforest, making your way to Mweka Gate (1980m). At Mweka Gate, certificates will be presented to those who reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
Our drivers will be awaiting your arrival at the gate, ready to transport you to your hotel in Arusha. Here, you can indulge in a long, warm shower and celebrate the success of your achievement.
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