7 Days Shira Route

Shira Route - Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

The 7 Days Shira Route offers an incredible and scenic approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning on the western slopes and crossing the beautiful Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.

This route combines breathtaking scenery, low crowd density, and excellent acclimatization, giving climbers the best chance to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa.

7 Days Shira Route Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival Day

Precious Safaris welcomes you to Tanzania!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, one of our professional drivers will meet you and transfer you to the Green Mountain Hotel in Arusha. After arriving at your hotel, take some time to relax before your mountain guide visits in the evening for a briefing and gear inspection prior to your trek.
Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel

Day 2: Shira Gate (3,600m) → Simba Camp (3,596m)

Distance: 4 km | Hiking time: 1–2 hours | Habitat: Moorland
We leave Arusha and drive to Londorossi Gate, a trip that takes about four hours. At the gate, we handle entry paperwork while the guides and porters get your gear ready. After that, we drive up a steep road to Shira Gate, where our hike begins. The trail leads us through shrubs and tall heather until we arrive at Simba Camp.
Highlights: First views of Kibo Peak, scenic plateau landscapes.
Overnight: Simba Camp

Day 3: Simba Camp (3,596m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

Distance: 6 km | Hiking time: 2–3 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Today is a relatively easy day to help everyone adjust. We’ll start by exploring the grassy moorland and the volcanic rocks on the plateau. After that, we’ll follow a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a large rock formation with steep spires and pinnacles, before ending the day at Shira 2 Camp.
Highlights: Expansive plains, volcanic formations, and a colorful sunset over the plateau.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,850m) → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Distance: 10 km | Hiking time: 6–7 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert → Moorland

Today you’ll trek east toward Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization, where you’ll stop for lunch before descending to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day helps your body adjust to altitude.

Highlights: Stunning views of the Western Breach and Lava Tower.
Overnight: Barranco Camp — one of the most scenic spots on Kilimanjaro.

Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,900m) → Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Distance: 6 km | Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert

The day begins with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, offering rewarding views from the top. The trail then continues through ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp.

Highlights: Barranco Wall adventure, panoramic views of Kibo and the southern glaciers.
Overnight: Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp (3,995m) → Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Distance: 4 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Barafu Camp, your final stop before the summit. This section passes through a dry alpine environment with fewer plants but dramatic mountain views.

Highlights: Views of Mawenzi Peak, preparation for summit push.
Overnight: Barafu Camp — early dinner and rest before summit attempt.

Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,673m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 17 km | Hiking time: 10–14 hours | Habitat: Arctic → Moorland

Your summit night begins around midnight. You’ll ascend slowly through the dark, cold night toward Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. After a short rest, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!

After enjoying breathtaking views and photos, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.

 Highlights: Sunrise from the summit, standing on the Roof of Africa.
 Overnight: Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Distance: 10 km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

A gentle descent through the lush rainforest takes you to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Highlights: Celebration, certificate award ceremony, and farewell with your mountain crew.

DAY 9: Departure

Before heading to the airport, you have the option to undertake a day-trip tour to various destinations such as Arusha ParkTarangireLake ManyaraNgorongoroNapuru Waterfalls, or Ilkidinga Cultural Tourism. Alternatively, you may decide to prolong your stay and discover more of Tanzania’s attractions. Thank you for choosing Precious Safaris.

Enquire this Tour

    PRICE FOR 7 DAYS SHIRA ROUTE

    Mount Kilimanjaro
    PRICE PER PERSON
    • 1 Person = $2320
    • 2 People = $2025
    • 3 People = $1895
    • 4 People = $1795
    • 5 People = $1775
    • 6+ People = $1760

    PRICE INCLUDE

    – Airport pick-up and return transfers
    – 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (Bed and Breakfast)
    – Lunch box and drinking water
    – Transfer from the hotel to Londros Gate
    – Pick up from Mweka Gate to the hotel
    – Conservation fees
    – Camping fees, Forest fees, Rescue fees
    – Enough food for all days on the mountain (Three meals per day)
    – Quality Tents, Sleeping mats, Comfortable Chairs, and Tables
    – Wages for Porters, Cooks and Guides
    – Mountain Climbing Certificate
    – First Aid Kit
    – Pulse Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder

    PRICE EXCLUDE

    – Passport and Visa
    – Mountaineering Insurance( cover up to 6000m is recommended)
    – Lunch and dinner at the Hotel
    – Domestic and International flights
    – Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary
    – Extra night at the Hotel
    – Hiking Gear, Sleeping Bag (available on rental)
    – Private Toilet
    – Items of a personal nature
    – Value Added Tax (VAT 18%)
    – Tip

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    7 Days Machame Route

    8 Days Lemosho Route

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    Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost

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    Best Time for Kilimanjaro Climbing

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