Mt.Kilimanjaro via 7 days Shira Route

Mt.Kilimanjaro 7 Days Shira Overview.

Shira Route is located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning in lush, fertile rainforest. It is the first ecological zone you will encounter as you ascend Kilimanjaro. The route starts from Londorosi Gate and heads to the Shira One starting point by driving across the rainforest and heather zone. This route is recommended for those who have already experienced high altitudes before or have a shortage of time and still want to do it.

From Shira One, we will join those who started from the Lemosho Route and stay at the same camp. The next day, together we will climb up to Shira Cathedral before reaching Shira Two. After a night at Shira Two, we will head to Lava Tower before descending into Barranco Valley, one of the prettiest areas on the entire trail. We will climb the intimidating Barranco Wall and then circle along the southern circuit to Karanga and high camp Barafu Hut, which is the base campsite and rest stop for the summit attempt.

The summit attempt is made from Barafu in the early morning hours, often during the full moon. This is the coldest and windiest section of your adventure. But once the sun comes up, you can shed most of your extra layers. After reaching the summit, we will descend back to Barafu and then follow the Mweka trail to Mweka Hut, marking the beginning of the end of your trek on Kilimanjaro. For Complete Itinerary and Details for the 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Shira Route, click the link below.


DAY-1 : MOSHI TOWN-LONDOROSSI GATE TO SHIRA ONE.

Starting elevation 900m Moshi Town.
Ending elevation 1800m Londorosi Gate.
Altitude gain 900m.
Driving distance 85kms.
Driving hours 2-3 Hours.
In the morning, after breakfast, we will depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Lemosho gate. Upon arrival at the Lemosho Gate, we will complete the registration for our Kilimanjaro trek.
It will take a little time before the team of guides, chefs, and porters start trekking, as they need to sort out all the equipment for the eight-day climb. Fresh food will be brought from town after three days on the mountain. This is also a good time to have your lunch before starting the trek. The average waiting time can be 1 to 2 hours before we proceed.

LONDOROSSI GATE TO SHIRA 1 CAMP

Starting elevation 1800m to Londorossi starting point.
Ending elevation 3600m to Shira one (1) Camp
Altitude gain today to 1800m
Trekking distance 3kms
Walking hours 1hours
Overnight hut Shira one (1) Camp
Elevation Zone Rainforest/Montane Forest and moorland
After registration and once the team is ready for the hike, they will call you to take a jeep back to the starting point of the Shira Route, crossing through the thick forest of pine plantations. From the starting point, we will get off the jeep and start hiking.>
From the moorland zone to the caldera of the Shira volcano, we will explore the fascinating rock formations on the Shira Plateau, which will be our camp for the night. This camp provides the best views of the mountain from the western side.

From the Shira Barrier at 3,400 meters, where the walking begins, we will keep moving to Shira One Camp, which is at 3,600 meters. This walk will take about half an hour to one hour. After arriving at Shira One, the team will prepare hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and chocolate to warm up your body while waiting for dinner.

DAY-2: SHIRA ONE (1) CAMP TO SHIRA TWO (2) CAMP .

Starting 3620m Shira One (1) Camp
Ending 3950m Shira Two (2)Camp
Altitude gain today 330 m
Trekking distance 9 km
Walking hours 4-5 hours via Shira peak 3820m
Overnight hut Shira Two (2) Camp
Elevation Zone Moorland and Alpine Desert zone
This section of the trek is shorter and less strenuous than the previous day, allowing for a more relaxed experience. The trail crosses a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of Shira Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru, with the ever-changing landscape offering a variety of terrain to explore.

The path is adorned with unique vegetation, including the towering Senecio Kilimanjari, which can grow over 9 meters high, as well as strange and fascinating plants such as lobelias, gladiolas, and wild protea. From the top of Shira Peak, standing at an altitude of 3,820m, you will find yourself above the clouds, rewarded with panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and its stunning landscape.

The walk from Shira One to Shira Two serves as an essential acclimatization day, helping to improve your chances of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. This shorter day is an opportunity to adjust to the altitude while enjoying the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.

DAY-3 ; SHIRA TWO CAMP TO BARANCO CAMP

Starting 3950m Shira Two
Acclimatization 4600m Lava Tower
Ending 3920m Baranco Camp
Altitude gain today 980m
Trekking distance 10kms
Walking hours 6-7 hours
Overnight hut Baranco Camp
Elevation Zone Moorland and semi-desert zone
From the Shira Two camp the team will continue east up a steep and rocky trail to Lava Tower Camp 4600m the trek is long and tough for some of the tourists. The Lava Tower is the big stone left after glaciation to take place. It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers start to feel symptoms of acute mountain sickness such as breathlessness, irritability, and headaches.

The lunch will be at Lava Tower then descend again by almost 680m to the Barranco camp 3920m. Barranco Camp is the camp where you will be rewarded with a beautiful landscape that offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs, Barranco camp is the most beautiful camp all over Kilimanjaro, is the huge camp junction about four routes joining together to the same route to the summit, Barranco camp is unforgettable.

DAY-4 ; BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA HUT.

Starting 3920m Baranco Camp
Acclimatization 4280m Top of Barranco
Ending 4010m Karanga Camp
Altitude gain today 270 m
Trekking distance 5 km
Walking hours 4-5 hours
Overnight hut Karanga Camp
Elevation Zone Moorland and Alpine Desert zone
From Shira Two Camp, the team will head east, ascending a steep and rocky trail to reach Lava Tower Camp at an altitude of 4,600m. This trek is long and challenging, especially for some tourists who may begin to feel the effects of the increasing altitude. Lava Tower itself is a prominent rock formation left behind by glaciation, standing as a striking feature of the landscape.
This is often the point where some climbers start to experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS), such as breathlessness, headaches, or irritability, as the thinner air takes its toll. The team will pause at Lava Tower for lunch and some rest before beginning a descent.

The descent drops nearly 680m to Barranco Camp, situated at 3,920m. The hike to Barranco Camp offers a dramatic change in scenery, rewarding climbers with a stunning landscape. Barranco is widely regarded as the most beautiful camp on Mount Kilimanjaro, with breathtaking views and ample opportunities for photography.
Barranco Camp also serves as a major junction, where several routes converge on the final ascent path to the summit. The camp’s unforgettable beauty and strategic location make it a favorite among climbers, leaving a lasting impression of this extraordinary journey.

DAY-5 ; KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP.

Starting 4010m Karanga Camp
Ending 4600m Barafu Camp
Altitude gain today 590m
Trekking distance 4kms
Walking hours 3-4 hours
Overnight hut Barafu Camp
Elevation Zone alpine-desert zone
Today’s walk is the shortest of the trek, covering only 4 km. Despite the brief distance, the high altitude makes this leg challenging. The air becomes noticeably drier, often causing heavy breathing. Stay positive and follow your guide’s pace, as they will adjust the speed to help everyone acclimatize and maintain steady breathing while ascending.

Barafu Camp, situated on an exposed ridge, is rugged and rocky, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch and have the afternoon to rest. This downtime is crucial for conserving energy and preparing for the night’s summit attempt.
An early dinner will be served before you head to bed. The summit push begins at midnight, as you make your way toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Rest well and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

DAY-6 : BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT BACK TO BARAFU CAMP

Starting 4600m Barafu Camp
Via Stella 5720m Stella point
Ending elevation 5895m UHURU PEAK
Altitude gain today 1295m
Trekking distance 5-7kms
Walking hours 6-8 hours
Elevation Zone desert zone ice-capped summit
The trek from Barafu Camp to Stella Point is the most mentally and physically demanding part of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. However, with determination and the sense of achievement upon reaching your goal, you’ll realize that this is Kilimanjaro time—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The journey begins at midnight, with a challenging ascent from Barafu Camp (4,600m) to Stella Point (5,720m). This steep climb pushes your limits, but once you reach Stella Point, the toughest part is behind you. Stella Point marks the top of the ridge, but it’s not the highest point. That honor belongs to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m (Uhuru means "freedom").

From Stella Point, the path to Uhuru Peak is much easier and typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Reaching the summit is a triumphant moment—you’ve conquered the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and the highest point in Africa! Take a moment to celebrate and capture the breathtaking views with photos. However, it’s not safe to remain at the summit for long, as the effects of altitude sickness can set in quickly. A stay of 10–15 minutes is recommended before starting your descent.
The descent begins from Uhuru Peak back to Barafu Camp via the same route. The journey downhill takes 2–3 hours. Upon arrival at Barafu, you’ll have a short rest and enjoy lunch before continuing the descent to Mweka Hut.

BARAFU CAMP TO MWEKA CAMP

Starting 4600m Barafu Camp
Ending 3100M Mweka Camp
Altitude Lost today 1500m
Trekking distance 7kms
Walking hours 3-4 hours
Overnight hut Mweka Camp
Elevation Zone moorland and alpine-desert zone
After a well-deserved rest and lunch at Barafu Hut, we continue our descent toward Mweka Hut. The journey takes you downhill through diverse ecological zones, from the alpine desert and heath to the moorland, and finally back into the lush rainforest zone, passing through Millennium Camp (3,770m) along the way.

The trek today is long and demanding, spanning approximately 16 hours, including fewer breaks. Exhaustion is inevitable, especially after beginning the summit push at midnight. However, for those who made it to the top, the sense of achievement outweighs the fatigue. Many climbers reflect on this day as a defining moment of resilience and determination, often exclaiming, “Climbing Kilimanjaro is not difficult—train to prepare, not to fear! It’s all about mindset. Stay positive, and you’ll succeed!” Reaching Mweka Hut signifies the final stretch of your Kilimanjaro adventure, offering an opportunity to rest, reflect, and celebrate your remarkable accomplishment.

DAY-7; MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO MOSHI TOWN

Starting 3100M Mweka Camp
Ending 1820M Mweka Gate
Altitude Lost today 1280m
Trekking distance 8kms
Walking hours 2-3 hours
Overnight hut Moshi Town
Elevation Zone Rain forest zone
The great day has arrived! After seven days on the mountain without a shower, the thought of a hot bath is on everyone’s mind. Today’s trek takes us back through the lush rainforest, a journey rich with natural beauty. Along the way, you may spot various species of monkeys and the endemic Impatiens kilimanjari flower, a beautiful reminder of Kilimanjaro’s unique ecosystem.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, climbers are required to sign out of the park. For successful climbers, a special moment awaits—receiving a certificate of completion: Green Certificate: Awarded to those who reached Stella Point (5,685m). Gold Certificate: Awarded to those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the summit of Kilimanjaro.

After receiving your certificate, you'll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can finally enjoy that long-awaited hot shower and a well-deserved celebration. This is also a great time to express your appreciation to the team by handling tips for the guides, chefs, and porters who supported you throughout the climb. From here, we will assist you with plans for your next destination, whether it's heading to the airport for your return flight or embarking on an exciting safari tour to explore more of Tanzania’s breathtaking natural wonders. The adventure doesn’t have to end here—there’s so much more to discover in this beautiful country!
The tourist will have to pay $2395.00(P/P) price based on 2 person include the following services as it listed on the table below. for any query please call us or send us a message for clarifications from our team. Book This Package Now



SERVICES WE OFFER FOR KILI TREKKING


Airport pickup on arrival and return on departure time .
2 Nights hotels, meaning full one before climb and after climb.
All transfers to the mountain and back to Moshi town.
Professional, experienced, mountain guides, cookers, and porters
Guides, Porters, and Cooker salaries.
waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis).
Sleeping Mattress.
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder.
Three meals on Mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Purified or Boilled drinking water while on the Mountain.
Mess tents with tables and outdoor chairs.
VAT (18% ) and All government fees.


SERVICES WE NOT OFFER FOR KILI TREKKING


Tanzania Visa.
Hotels and Transfers (available as an optional add-on).
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for rent in here Tanzania too; don't stress if you forget some of the trekking equipment).
Tips and gratuities (Recommended Tipping Amount Per Day; Head guide $20++; Ass.Guide $18++;, cooker $15++;, Summit Porter $12++;, Waiter $12++;, Porter $10++;).
Portable flush toilet with the toilet tent as an add-on, please see we will need you to pay an extra 150$ per toilet.
Travel insurance.
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.).
Meals not listed in the itinerary.
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages.


Related Mount Kilimanjaro Best Routes Options

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KILIMANJARO-LEMOSHO ROUTE 8 DAYS 2 Person

$2485.00(P/P)

Lemosho is extremely beautiful and offers a partly untouched landscape as well as varied flora and fauna. Also for the best successful climb.

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KILIMANJARO-MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2315.00(P/P)

Machame Route is the second most popular route to summit Mt.Kili after the Lemosho route, the route approaches from south-west.

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KILIMANJARO-MARANGU ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$1865.00(P/P)

Marangu route is widely known as a Coca-Cola route due to its easiest and comfortability, the only way offer hut and beds on the mountain.

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KILIMANJARO-RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2375.00(P/P)

The Rongai route the easiest route and best during the rainy season since it receives less rainfall compared to other routes.

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KILIMANJARO-SHIRA ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2395.00(P/P)

The Shira route starts relatively high above sea level and is, therefore, a less frequented route as it offers the poorest acclimatization.

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KILIMANJARO-UMBWE ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2286.00(P/P)

Umbwe route is the very Challenging and hardest route to Mount Kili, It is for experienced hikers want to test their fitness.

Others Optional Number of Days To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be accomplished via several routes, including the Lemosho route, which typically takes 7 days, and the Marangu route, which can be completed in 5 days. Other routes, such as Shira, Rongai, Machame, and Umbwe, generally require around 6 days. Many climbers face time constraints, leading them to choose shorter itineraries. While some clients may prioritize cost savings, this is less common. Most of those who choose to pick fewer days have a time limit and have no choice other than to select a shorter hike.

A significant number of climbers make poor choices due to inadequate information regarding the importance of acclimatization protocols and their impact on summit success rates. Some individuals are physically fit but are eager to test their limits without spending excessive time on the mountain. It is crucial to recognize that each climber assumes their own risks regarding the challenges and potential failures in reaching their destination. However, the experience of climbing should be enjoyed from the entrance gate to the summit, not solely focused on reaching the top of Kilimanjaro. If you need further adjustments or have additional text to revise, feel free to share!

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KILIMANJARO-RONGAI ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2295.00(P/P)

short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly as reach a camp.

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KILIMANJARO-SHIRA ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2275.00(P/P)

The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike but has less acclimatization protocol.

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KILIMANJARO-UMBWE ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2185.00(P/P)

Very challenging, steepest, and hardest of all Mount Kilimanjaro routes. this is for experienced hikers want to test their fitness.

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KILIMANJARO-LEMOSHO ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2345.00(P/P)

Lemosho Route considered to be the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro but 7 days, in a second day of our climb will be challenging.

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KILIMANJARO-MACHAME ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2135.00(P/P)

Machame route is considered a difficult choice for 6 days since is very challenging and offers the poorest acclimatization protocol.

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KILIMANJARO-MARANGU ROUTE 5 DAYS 2 Person

$1695.00(P/P)

5 days Marangu route is a shortest and most Cheapest options to climb mount Kilimanjaro but hard and has high risk of failure to climb.