KILIMANJARO - SHIRA ROUTE

PAMOJA SAFARIS

TRIP ITINERARY OVERVIEW

The Shira route, similar to Lemosho in its scenic beauty, approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. It starts on the Shira Plateau at a higher elevation compared to other routes, thus requiring trekkers to be somewhat acclimatized to altitude before beginning the hike. This can increase the risk of altitude sickness, so careful acclimatization is crucial. The Shira route merges with the Lemosho and Machame paths as it makes its way to the summit.

SHIRA ROUTE

DAY 01

ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA

Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you’ll be met by a Pamoja Safaris guide and taken to your lodge in Arusha.
Lodging: Serena Arusha Lodge & Spa, Arusha or similar
DAY 02

PREPARATION DAY

After breakfast at your lodge in Arusha, your guide will join you in making preparations for the climb, including talking over the plans for the days ahead, a gear check, and grabbing any rental equipment necessary. Dinner will be at your lodge that evening.
Lodging: Serena Arusha Lodge & Spa, Arusha or similar
DAY 03

Londorossi Gate to Shira 1 Camp

The trek starts at Londorossi Gate after completing the necessary park registrations. From the gate, a vehicle transports trekkers to the Shira Gate, where the hike begins. The trail through the moorland zone to Shira 1 Camp is relatively gentle and offers stunning views across the Shira Plateau towards Kibo.
Distance: 11 km/6.8 mi
Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
DAY 04
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
This is a relatively easy day meant for acclimatization. The hike across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp offers panoramic views of the mountain and is an excellent opportunity for acclimatization walks. The gentle elevation gain helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Distance: 7 km/4.4 mi
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
DAY 05
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
The trek from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower involves a significant altitude gain. This day is crucial for acclimatization, as you ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) and then descend to Barranco Camp. The descent aids in acclimatization while introducing trekkers to the stunning Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and Senecio plants.
Distance: 10 km/6.2 mi
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
DAY 06
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
The day starts with a challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall, offering impressive views of the valley below. The trail then undulates through the alpine desert with several ups and downs before reaching Karanga Camp. This day is shorter but vital for acclimatization.
Distance: 5 km/3.1 mi
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
DAY 07
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Leaving Karanga, the trail intersects with the Mweka Route (used for descending) and heads to Barafu Camp. The landscape is sparse, rocky, and barren. Barafu Camp is situated on a narrow, exposed ridge, and trekkers will prepare for the summit attempt here. Resting early is crucial, as the summit bid begins around midnight.
Distance: 4 km/2.5 mi
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
DAY 08
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
The summit bid starts shortly after midnight, traversing steep scree or snow up to Stella Point on the crater rim, followed by a less demanding hike to Uhuru Peak. After reaching the summit and spending a short time there, descend to Mweka Camp for the final night on the mountain.
Distance: 5 km/3.1 mi ascent + 12 km/7.5 mi descent
Trekking Time: 7-8 hours ascent + 4-6 hours descent
DAY 09
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent takes you through the forest to Mweka Gate. Here, you will sign out and receive summit certificates. After saying goodbye to your mountain crew, a vehicle will take you back to your hotel.
Distance: 10 km/6.2 mi
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
DAY 10
DEPARTURE
Have breakfast at the hotel and relax until your flight back. You’ll be transferred by the hotel to the airport (15 minutes drive) approximately 2.5 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
Departure

EQUIPMENT & SUPPORT

Premium Tents

High End Sleeping Pads & Bags

Experienced Guides

Price includes

$ 5900+
- start price (depending on group size & season)
  • All domestic transport
  • Fees & Taxes
  • All meals (as specified per day)
  • Base gratuity for all staff

Price excludes

-
a 30% deposit is required to book
  • International Travel
  • Private room (available for extra charge)
  • International Airfare and Visa
  •  

ADD THESE EXPERIENCES TO YOUR TRIP

Fun in the Sun on Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Island is the perfect place to spend a few days soaking up the sun after your safari adventure. Located only an hour-long domestic flight away from Arusha City, this island paradise is the perfect way to end any safari or Kilimanjaro adventure. Once the capital of the world spice trade, Zanzibar is now home to white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, amazing seafood, a colorful local culture, plenty of fun activities, and resorts and hotels of all varieties.

READ MORE

Safari

Experience the scenic ride of a lifetime, floating over the endless Serengeti plains on a hot air balloon safari. Starting at sunrise, our team of professional pilots and ground crew will have you up in the air for an hour or so, seeing the majestic scenery and wildlife in a totally different way than you’re able to on the ground. If you’re lucky, you might even get to experience the Great Migration from the air! The perfect addition to any safari adventure, any time of year.

READ MORE

Gorilla Trekking

Search for the elusive northern black rhinos that inhabit the lesser-traveled areas of Serengeti National Park alongside a team of park rangers. By far the toughest animal to spot on any Tanzanian safari, the rhinoceros is known for being difficult to locate as well as notoriously skittish around humans. Our park ranger friends, trained to observe and protect the rhinos 24/7/365, will guide us to the closest population of rhinos so that we can observe them safely in their natural habitat.

READ MORE

Ready to plan your trip?

Get in contact and one of our team members will get back to you to start planning the details of your trip.

OUR GUIDES RECOMMEND THESE TRIPS FOR YOU

4 Day Best of Tanzania
EXPLORE THIS TRIP
5 Day Best of Tanzania
Explore this Trip
6 Day Best of Tanzania
EXPLORE THIS TRIP

Join the Pamoja Safaris Adventurer's Club

Get access to the latest news and discounts before anyone else when you sign up for our quarterly newsletter.