7 days Shira Route
An extended Shira itinerary for deeper acclimatisation.
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Cross the spectacular Shira Plateau with low initial traffic before joining the Machame route along the southern circuit. Full itinerary, prices from $1,650 per person, and local guides from Moshi.
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Scenically, the Shira Route is exceptionally beautiful because it starts at a higher elevation and crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, before combining with the Machame route to share its viewpoints along the southern circuit. Shira enjoys low traffic during the initial days until it merges with Machame.
Shira is ideal for hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatise quickly to high altitude and walk over steeper paths for extended periods. Starting your drive directly to a higher drop-off point delivers immediate panoramic alpine views.
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and check your gear to ensure you have all necessary equipment. Any missing items can be rented on this day.
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. We continue a short distance until we reach Shira 2 Camp for dinner and overnight.
From the Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. Our direction changes southeast towards the Lava Tower (Shark’s Tooth, 4,650m). After lunch at altitude, we descend down to Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around a similar elevation, this climb-high sleep-low profile is vital for acclimatisation.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and tackle the steep, rewarding Barranco Wall before trekking through the Karanga Valley, connecting with the junction that links to the Mweka Trail. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
We continue climbing up to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit which offers magnificent views of the summit from multiple angles. We make camp, rest early, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit night.
Rising between midnight and 2:00 AM, we ascend between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers over heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. From Stella Point, we complete the final snow-capped hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After celebrating on the roof of Africa, we descend past Barafu for lunch down to Mweka Camp.
On our final morning, we complete the descent to Mweka Gate to collect your official summit certificates. The trail can be wet and muddy. A vehicle meets you at Mweka Village to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
The best months for climbing the Shira Route are January to March and June to October, offering stable weather and clearer views. Be sure to pack thermal layers, a waterproof outer shell, broken-in trekking boots, a down jacket, a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, and trekking poles. Physical preparation including regular cardiovascular training will ensure you handle the high-altitude start with confidence. Read more on our Kilimanjaro General Info guide.
Shira crosses the spectacular, high-altitude Shira Plateau with low initial traffic before joining the Machame route along the southern circuit.
Prices range from $2,000 for a solo trekker down to $1,650 per person for larger groups (10+ people).
Yes, it starts at a high elevation and requires strong confidence in your ability to acclimatise quickly to altitude.
Airport transfers, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi, park entry and camping fees, professional mountain crew, 3 hot meals daily, drinking water, rescue fees, 18% VAT, portable oxygen, and emergency first-aid kit.
The driest and clearest months are January to March and June to October.
An extended Shira itinerary for deeper acclimatisation.
Similar scenic beauty with a gradual rainforest start.
Send your dates and group size and we’ll confirm availability and your itinerary.
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