7 Days Shira Route

Tanzania
7 days

Overview

Kilimanjaro’s Shira Plateau is a stunning region, showcasing views of Mt. Meru and the Great Rift Valley. The Shira route is best for those pre-acclimatized to 4000m. Access to Shira Hut (4000m) is via a short drive or hike, offering wildlife viewing and varied landscapes. The quick elevation gain necessitates further acclimatization before summiting Uhuru Peak via the Western Breach or Barafu Hut.

Duration

7 days

Places to Visit

Stunning view of Gilman's Point, Mount Kilimanjaro showcasing rugged landscapes and rocky peaks.

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Day by Day Itinerary

You will be picked up by the staff of African Traits from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.

Accommodation: Sg Resort
Meals: Dinner

Altitude range: 1,500 meters (4,900 ft) – 3,850 meters (12,600 ft)

Hiking time: 1 hour
Distance: 3 km
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we start a long drive to Lemosho Gate where you will complete the necessary registration. Afterwards, we continue our travel up the Shira Plateau to the trailhead. You will have a short hike through the rain forest to Shira Two Camp where your tent will be pitched.

Accommodation: Shira Two Camp
Meals: Dinner

Altitude range: 3,850 meters (12,600 ft) – 4,600 meters (15,100 ft) – 3,950 meters (12,950 ft)

Hiking time: 7 hours approx
Distance: 14 – 15 km’s (9 miles)
Habitat: Semi desert and rocky terrain

From Shira Camp, the route turns east towards Kibo and you will find yourself hiking through semi-desert up to the fairly rocky conditions that surround Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,100 ft). After lunch, we descend approximately 650 meters to Barranco Camp. Along the way, you will have good views overlooking Western Breach and Breach Wall. Tonight’s camp is located in a valley just below the Breach and gives an impressive view of Great Barranco Wall.

Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Dinner

Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
Distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

This is a short day meant for acclimatization. We take on a route that heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. We turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, we would have reached Barafu Hut.

The last water stop on the route is the Karranga Valley, as there is no water available at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales, the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents.

Accommodation: Karanga Valley Campsite
Meals: Dinner

Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Lorem ipsum dolor

Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic

At 2am, we start our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We head in a northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and have a well-earned sleep.

Accommodation: Mweka Hut
Meals: Dinner

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village where our vehicle awaits to drive us back to the Hotel in Arusha.

Accommodation: Sg Resort
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

Inclusions

Full board accommodation whilst on safari in the above-mentioned Public Camps
Private safari guide
Maasai Experience tour
Extended Toyota Land Cruiser
Private 4 x 4 safari jeep with pop-up roof for game viewing
Transfers in both directions between the International Airport and Moshi.
All entrance Park fees
Ngorongoro Crater fees
18% VAT to our entrance fees.
All meals while on safari.

Exclusions

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival, USA and CANADA passport holders USD 100
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed above
Optional Tours (balloon rides USD. 540 per person)
Tips and any items of personal nature

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s Included and Excluded in Every Tour?

The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.

What Are Your Cancellation Terms?

Our cancellation terms are standard within the industry. For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit the designated page.

What Vaccines and Health Requirements Are Needed?

The requirements vary depending on the country and nationality. For the most accurate information, please visit the page specific to your destination and consult the corresponding embassy page for the latest information.

Can I Choose Other Accommodation Than What’s Specified?

Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.

Will My Mobile/Cellular Phone Work During the Tour?

Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.

What Activities Can My Kids Do While on a Safari?

A safari offers an enriching experience for children, allowing them to observe animals in their natural habitat. Some camps and lodges offer amenities for children, such as playrooms and pools, though these are not universally available. We suggest bringing activities that your children enjoy.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.

What If I Have Special Needs or Requirements?

We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.

What Are the Road Conditions Like?

Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.

Is Electricity Available 24 Hours in the Lodges and Camps?

Most standard camps and lodges are equipped with generators, so electricity is generally available 24 hours. However, some interruptions may occur but are typically not a significant concern for guests.

What About My Special Diet and Food Preferences?

We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.

Is Tipping Required?

Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.