Shira Route at Mount Kilimanjaro – 7 Days Safari Itinerary

Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) with breathtaking landscapes, unique ecosystems with routes that lead you to the summit (Uhuru). One of the routes less explored but equally rewarding is the Shira Route.

The Shira Route is one of the more remote and scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is particularly known for its stunning views and moderate level of difficulty, making it a perfect choice for climbers looking for a less crowded path to the summit.

Shira Route

The Shira Route is one of the oldest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro and is known for its scenic beauty and moderate difficulty. It starts from the Shira Gate, located on the western side of the mountain, at an elevation of around 1,830 meters (6,000 feet). The route is slightly different from the more famous Machame and Marangu routes because it begins at a higher altitude, which means that climbers bypass the rainforest zone.

• Distance: Approximately 66 kilometers (41 miles) round-trip
• Duration: 7 days (the standard route, although it can be done in 6 days)
• Difficulty: Moderate (with the main challenge being the altitude, especially during the summit push)
• Accommodation: Camping (except for the final night at the summit)
• Route Description: The Shira Route is one of the quieter routes, offering a combination of breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a gradual ascent. It passes through the heath and moorland zones before transitioning into the alpine desert. The route’s approach to the summit is relatively direct, and it converges with the Machame Route at Barafu Camp.

Why Choose the Shira Route?

There are several reasons why climbers may choose the Shira Route for their Kilimanjaro ascent:

• Less Crowded: The Shira Route is much quieter than the Machame or Marangu routes, giving climbers a more peaceful and intimate experience. For those who prefer solitude, this route is ideal.

• Scenic Beauty: The Shira Route offers spectacular views of the mountain and its surroundings. As you ascend, you can witness an incredible variety of ecosystems, from lush lowland forests to alpine deserts.

• Good for Acclimatization: Since the Shira Route starts at a relatively high altitude, climbers are able to skip the rainforest zone and begin their climb in the moorland zone. This provides a good opportunity for acclimatization, as the higher starting point offers a faster altitude gain.

• Challenging Yet Manageable: The Shira Route is considered moderate in difficulty, making it an excellent choice for climbers who want a bit of a challenge but aren’t looking for a route as steep as the Umbwe Route or as long as the Machame Route.

• Connection with Other Routes: After the first few days, the Shira Route joins with the Machame Route, allowing climbers to benefit from the infrastructure and support of the more popular paths while still enjoying the peace and solitude of the Shira Route for the initial days.

The Shira Route Trek: Day-by-Day Breakdown

The Shira Route is typically done over 7 days (6 days in some cases), which allows for proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent. Below is a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the trek:

Day 1: Shira Gate to Shira Camp

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,780 meters (5,840 feet)

The journey begins at the Shira Gate, located at an elevation of 1,830 meters. After registration and some brief introductions, the trek starts with a gradual ascent. The route ascends steadily through the moorland zone and eventually leads to Shira Camp, situated at 3,610 meters.

• Trail Conditions: The trail starts off relatively easy, with a gentle climb through lush vegetation, including a variety of wildflowers and grasses. The landscape becomes more barren as you move up into the moorland.
• Accommodation: Shira Camp offers great views of Kilimanjaro’s summit and provides a serene camping experience with an ideal spot for your first night at high altitude.

Day 2: Shira Camp to Shira Hut 

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 230 meters (755 feet)

Day 2 involves a steady hike across the Shira Plateau, a vast and impressive high-altitude desert. The path meanders across the plateau, where the terrain is often rocky, and the altitude starts to become more noticeable. The destination for the day is Shira Hut, located at 3,840 meters.

• Trail Conditions: This is a gentle, more gradual ascent with a chance to enjoy the views of the plateau and surrounding landscapes.
• Accommodation: Shira Hut provides spectacular views of the mountain’s glaciers and is a great place to acclimatize as you prepare for the tougher days ahead.

Day 3: Shira Hut to Barranco Camp 

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 110 meters (360 feet)

On Day 3, the trek continues to Barranco Camp, located at 3,950 meters. The trail ascends briefly before descending to the Barranco Valley, famous for its stunning landscapes. As you approach Barranco Camp, you’ll have great views of the Barranco Wall, a massive rock formation that climbers will need to tackle on the following day.

• Trail Conditions: This is a longer day, but the descent into the Barranco Valley allows climbers to adjust to the altitude. The Barranco Wall appears imposing but is manageable with proper technique.
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp offers a picturesque setting, nestled between volcanic rock formations with clear views of the Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 900 meters (2,950 feet)

The next day starts with the challenge of climbing the Barranco Wall, a series of steep rock ledges that climbers scramble up, but which isn’t technically difficult. Once on top, the path becomes much more gradual as you continue to Karanga Camp, a serene stop nestled in a sheltered area.

• Trail Conditions: The Barranco Wall scramble is challenging but not technical. The rest of the route to Karanga Camp is a moderate ascent.
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp is a lovely, quiet campsite offering excellent views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 

• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 640 meters (2,100 feet)

The journey continues through the alpine desert zone, with a gradual ascent towards Barafu Camp, which is the base camp for the summit push. The environment becomes increasingly barren, with only small alpine plants dotting the landscape.

• Trail Conditions: The final stretch to Barafu Camp can be rocky, and the air will begin to feel thinner as you ascend.
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp is where climbers rest before summiting. It’s a basic but essential stop to prepare for the long day ahead.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Mweka Camp 

• Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
• Duration: 12-16 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) to Uhuru Peak, followed by descent

Summit day is the most demanding part of the trek. Climbers begin the ascent in the early hours of the morning (typically around midnight) in order to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. After summiting, climbers descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

• Trail Conditions: The ascent is challenging, as the terrain becomes steeper and the air thinner. After reaching the summit, the descent is long but manageable.
• Accommodation: After a hard day of summiting, climbers rest at Mweka Camp before completing the descent the following day.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet)

On the final day, climbers descend to the Mweka Gate through the dense rainforest, enjoying the cooler temperatures and lush vegetation.

• Trail Conditions: The descent is much easier than the ascent but can still be challenging due to the rocky terrain.
• Celebration: Once at the Mweka Gate, climbers are congratulated and receive their summit certificates.

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