Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 7 Days Shira Route
From $. 2,074 USD* / 24/7 service / 9 days
*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)
The Shira Route is one of the oldest routes on Kilimanjaro, following an ancient trail used by early climbers. It is often regarded as one of the more scenic and less-crowded routes compared to others like the Marangu or Machame Routes. The Shira Route begins at Shira Ridge, which lies at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), meaning trekkers begin at a higher elevation compared to the base routes like Marangu or Machame. This provides a slightly higher risk of altitude sickness but also gives trekkers a unique view of the mountain from the start.
Key Features:
- Length: 7 days (can be adjusted to 6 or 8 days depending on acclimatization needs).
- Starting Point: The Shira Route typically starts at the Shira Gate (3,800 meters).
- Finish: The summit is reached via the Stella Point and then to the Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on the mountain.
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. The high altitude and long days of trekking make the route difficult but manageable with proper preparation.
- Crowds: Less crowded than popular routes like Machame or Marangu, offering a more serene experience.
- Best Time to Trek: The dry seasons from June to October and December to February.
Day 1: Arrival At Kilimanjaro International Airport
After clearing customs and immigration, you will be greeted by your safari guide. Transfer to your accommodation in Arusha to check in and freshen up. We have suggested bellow a comfortable accommodations based on your budget from 3 stars, 4stars or 5stars.
If you arrive in morning time, you will have rest at your hotel and after lunch, take a compliment short tour of Arusha town. Visit the local market for an authentic experience, and if time permits, visit the Arusha Declaration Museum to learn about Tanzania’s history. Experience the local culture by interacting with the friendly locals.
Evening enjoy a welcome dinner at your accommodation or local restaurant to try local dishes like NyamaChoma(grilled meat) or/and Ugali(cornmeal).
Accommodations:
- 3 Stars: Planet Lodge Arusha
- 4 Stars: Arusha Hotel By Sheraton
- 5 Stars: Melia Arusha
Day 2: Shira Gate to Simba Camp
- Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
- Distance: 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
We depart Moshi/Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.
Day 3: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We 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.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue 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 we 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.
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640 meters (15,223 feet) to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) to 3,100 meters (10,170 feet)
- Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
- Distance: 18 km (11.2 miles)
- Acclimatization: High
This is the most challenging day of the trek. You will wake up around midnight and begin the climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. The ascent is done in stages, passing through Stella Point before reaching the summit. The summit climb takes about 6-8 hours, and the last part is challenging due to the altitude, freezing temperatures, and lack of oxygen.
After reaching the summit and taking in the awe-inspiring views, you will begin your descent to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). The descent to Mweka is long and tiring, but much less strenuous than the ascent.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) to 1,650 meters (5,413 feet)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Acclimatization: Low
The final day of the trek involves a relatively easy descent through the rainforest back to the Mweka Gate. Once you reach the gate, you will complete your departure formalities and receive your summit certificates. You will then be transferred back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodations:
- 3 Stars: Planet Lodge Arusha
- 4 Stars: Arusha Hotel By Sheraton
- 5 Stars: Melia Arusha
Day 9: Departure:
Late morning breakfast, them you will have city tour and have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in local craft shops.
Departure: Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure or proceed with safari tour or flight to Zanzibar.
| What Included on the Package | What Excluded on the Package |
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Kilimanjaro Mountain Packing List
Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings.
Clothing:
- 4-5 Pairs of underwear
- Top and bottom base layer – Icebreaker (Women) or SmartWool (Men)
- 3-4 Short sleeve and 1-2 long sleeve trekking shirts
- 1-2 Pairs of hiking trousers
- 1 Fleece jacket – Helly Hansen (Men) or The North Face (Women)
- 1 Insulated winter jacket – Arc’Teryx Atom (Men) or North Face Nuptse (Women)
- 1 Insulated trekking trousers
- 1 Hardshell jacket – North Face Resolve Resolve (Men) and North Face Venture 2 (Women)
- Lightweight raingear
Headgear:
- Sun hat, ideally with a neck cover
- Warm beanie or fleece headband
- Bandana or neck gaiter
- Headlamp – PETZL Tikka
- Sunglasses
Hands and Walking:
- Lightweight inner gloves – New Balance Lightweight Gloves
- Warm outer gloves/mitts – Gore-Tex Gloves (Men) or Black Diamond Mercury Mitts (Women)
- Adjustable trekking poles – Black Diamond Alpine
Footwear:
- Mid-weight hiking boots – Salomon Quest (Women) or KEEN Targhee (Men)
- Camp trainers (Men) / Trekking sandals (Women)
- 4-5 Pairs of trekking socks – SmartWool or Bridgedale
- 1 Pair of warm/thick trekking socks
- Bags and Daypack (click for details)
- 80-90L Waterproof duffle bag – North Face Base Camp
- 20-30L Daypack – Osprey Talon 22
- Daypack raincover
- Travel bag organisers (optional)
Sleeping Accessories:
- 4-Season sleeping bag – Marmot Trestles or Hyke & Byke Unisex
- Insulated sleeping mat
- Inflatable pillow (optional)
General Accessories:
- Large volume water bottle or hydration bladder – Platypus Hydration Bladder for backpack
- Water Purification Tablets
- Baby wipes
- Sweat-resistant suncream
- Blister plasters
- Insect repellant
- General medications (Paracetamol, Imodium)
- Pee bottle (optional)
Technology:
- Camera
- GoPro (optional)
- Solar Backpack Charger (optional)
- Spare batteries and camera memory card
- Kindle with backlight (optional)
Other Bits and Bobs
- Energy bars
- Energy drink supplement
- Ziplock bags for important possessions (passport, money, phone, etc.)
- Trekking towel
- Toiletries, including one roll of toilet paper
- Passport, visa, insurance, yellow fever card (if applicable)
- Small lock for your duffle bag.
Important Information’s to know:
- Children under 10 years are not allowed to Summit Kilimanjaro.
- The duration of transfers/walking are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions and customers fitness.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
Preparation for the Climb
Physical Preparation
Getting in shape for the Kilimanjaro climb is crucial. Engage in a well-rounded fitness program, focusing on cardiovascular endurance, strength training, and hiking practice. Aim for at least three to six months of preparation:
- Cardio Training: Engage in activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking. Gradually increase your duration and intensity.
- Strength Training: Focus on building strength in your legs, back, and core to ease the physical demands of the trek. Squats, lunges, and leg presses are beneficial.
- Hiking Practice: Go on regular hikes, both on flat and inclined terrains, to prepare your body for the conditions you will encounter on Kilimanjaro.
Mental Preparation
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Preparing mentally involves:
- Researching the Climb: Understand the route, what to expect in terms of altitude sickness, and the physical demands.
- Setting Realistic Goals: Know your limits and be prepared for the possibility of needing to descend if necessary.
- Practicing Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote mental resilience, such as meditation or yoga, to prepare for the mental aspect of high-altitude trekking.
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Spotted in Serengeti Safaris has been helping travelers from around the world to make their travel Matter as they journey with a sense of purpose, knowing their travel will help have a positive impact on the planet, people, and wildlife.
We are honored to have been awarded multiple Travelers’ Choice Awards for being among the best tour operators in Tanzania. These accolades demonstrate our commitment to delivering outstanding experiences for our guests and we are proud to be acknowledged as a leading tour company in the region. We look forward to taking you on one of our award-winning adventures.
