7-Day Climbing Kilimanjaro Via Shira Route
Day By day Itinerary
A 7 day ascent to the roof of Africa. Starting at Morum Barrier on the north western side of Kilimanjaro this trek cuts out a day at Lemosho and starts right on the Shira Plateau. It joins the Machame Route above Shira 2 Camp on day 3 and circumnavigates Kibo to the south before summiting from Barafu via Stella Point. Descent is via the Mweka route.
​
HIGHLIGHTS
Kilimanjaro! Afromontane forest, Shira plateau, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!
Tour Highlights
Grade
8-days
Transport
Van
Accommodation
Camping
Food
Full Board
Areas to visit
Arusha - Mount Kilimanjaro NP
Included
-
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
-
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
-
Clean, purified drinking water
-
Sleeping Mattress
-
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
-
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
-
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
-
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
-
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
-
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
-
All meals while on the Mountain
-
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
-
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
-
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
-
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Excluded
-
Travel insurance
-
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
-
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
-
Tips and gratuities
-
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
-
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
-
International and domestic flights
-
Meals not listed in the itinerary
-
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
-
Tanzania Visa
You can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences, and our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Day 1: Hotel to SHIRA 1
START – 12,205FT / 3720M
END – 11,844FT / 3610M
DISTANCE – 2.5 MILES / 4KM
TIME – 2-3 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
​
From Arusha we set out in vehicles to Londorosi gate to sign into the park and then transfer up to Morum Barrier to start hiking at around 3700 metres AMSL. Lunch is taken either at the gate or at Morum before embarking on a leisurely hike to camp crossing 2 seasonal steams. You arrive in camp mid-afternoon.
DAY 2 – SHIRA 1 TO SHIRA 2
START – 11,844FT / 3610M
END – 12,632FT / 3850
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 3-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
​
After a significant altitude gain the day before, today is a short day and you arrive in Shira 2 camp in time for lunch. A good day for acclimatisation with the option of an afternoon walk to explore the Shira Plateau with your guides.
Day 3: SHIRA 2 TO BARRANCO CAMP
START – 12,632FT / 3850M
END – 12,796FT / 3900M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 6-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
​
From Shira 2 we traverse across the slopes of Kibo. Here relatively little flora or fauna can survive the extreme temperature ranges and conditions that typify this zone. Today is a “walk high sleep low” day. You ascend into alpine desert to Lava Tower (Alt: 15,092ft, 4600m) where lunch is taken before descending to Barranco Camp. This is a long day but note that the next time you head to this altitude is at base camp – a great acclimatisation day!
Day 4: BARRANCO TO KARANGA CAMP
START – 12,796FT / 3900M
END – 13,108FT / 3995M
DISTANCE – 3 MILES / 5KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
​
From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Today is a relatively short day’s hike and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising. In the evening a practice walk for the summit is taken to make sure you are completely comfortable with the kit you are going to summit in.
Day 5: KARANGA TO BARAFU CAMP
START – 13,108 / 3,995M
END – 15,332FT / 4673M
DISTANCE – 2.5 MILES / 4KM
TIME – 4-5 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – ALPINE DESERT
​
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp; yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the remainder of the evening.
DAY 6 - KILIMANJARO SUMMIT / MWEKA CAMP
START – 15,332FT / 4673M
END – 10,171FT / 3100M
DISTANCE – 11 MILES / 18KM
TIME – 14-16 HRS
CLIMATE ZONES – ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, HEATH
​
Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m) and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (Alt: 18,865ft, 5750m) affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down however. The first stage is to get back to our base camp for a quick change of clothes and refuel before the long hike downhill to Mweka Camp. The downhill is hard on the knees and walking poles at this stage are highly recommended. You should reach Mweka Camp before dusk for your final night on the mountain.
Day 7: MWEKA CAMP TO ARUSHA
START – 10,171FT / 3100M
END – 5,381FT / 1640M
DISTANCE – 6 MILES / 10KM
TIME – 3-4 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
​
After breakfast you descend once again through afromontane forest and around midday, after saying farewell to your crew, you are picked up and transferred back to your lodge for a well deserved shower! Later that evening you will be visited by a Summits Africa Representative to congratulate you, to find out how the trip went and to answer any final questions you may have about your onward journey.
7 days Shira Route gallery
