7 Days Shira Route | Jeby Tours
7 Days Shira Route

7 Days Shira Route

Kilimanjaro's Unforgettable Experience

Overview

Routes On Kilimanjaro

Overview

An off road vehicle transports climbers to the Shira gate, located at 11,500 feet, where the hike begins to Simba Camp. This is a sizable altitude gain for someone who slept at Moshi or Arusha on their previous night. Complications from altitude can occur due to failed acclimatization.It is nearly identical to the newer Lemosho route. However, it begins at a higher altitude. The unique thing about this route is that instead of walking from a starting gate, a vehicle transfers the group to a high altitude plateau. The road is only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles and can become impassable during wet periods.

Highlights

  • The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended.
  • The descent is down Mweka, in the south-east. Because the starting point is far from Moshi and Arusha, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate.
  • Scenically, Shira is beautiful because it crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, and then combines with the Machame route to share its viewpoints around the southern circuit. Shira has low traffic until it combines with Machame.
  • Shira is ideal for those who are confident in their ability to acclimatize to altitude, and to walk over steeper paths for extended periods.

Shira Route

Your Adventure Begins

Shira Gate to Simba Camp

Shira Route

Day - 1

Shira Gate to Simba Camp

Depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, about a 4-hour drive; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. Then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where the hike begins. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.

Where To Stay : Simba Camp
Simba Camp
Simba Camp
Countinue Your Journey
Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Shira Route

Day - 2

Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. You will begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.

Where To Stay : Shira2 Camp
Simba Camp
Simba Camp
Countinue Your Journey
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

Shira Route

Day - 3

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

The trial continues to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Where To Stay : Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp
Barranco Camp
Countinue Your Journey
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camping

Shira Route

Day - 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camping

The days begins by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall crossing a series of hills and valleys until the trail descends sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Where To Stay : Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp
Karanga Camp
Countinue Your Journey
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Shira Route

Day - 5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Leaving the Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. The trail continues up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Where To Stay : Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp
Barafu Camp
Countinue Your Journey
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Shira Route

Day - 6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you will begin to push for the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. The ascend is in total darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, arriving at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, you now descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you can enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Where To Stay : Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp
Countinue Your Journey
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Shira Route

Day - 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On the last day, the descend continues to Mweka Gate where you collect your summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, and then continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village and drive back to the hotel in Moshi.

Where To Stay : Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp

Routes

Exculdes & Inculdes

Inculdes
  • Park Entry Fees
  • Camping fees
  • Rescue fees
  • 3 meals a day on the mountain
  • Treated and boiled drinking water
  • 4 season mountain tents, mattress, dining tent, tables, chairs, cutleries, lamps
  • Safety equipment pulse oximeter, oxygen box
  • Guides, porters and chef salaries, tents, meals
  • Government taxes
Excludes
  • Personal gears
  • Mountain crew tips
  • Other meals and drinks
  • Medical insurance
  • Emergency evacuations

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