7 Days Shira Route Hike

Itinerary

The Shira Route is one of the most scenic and gradual routes for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). This route offers a longer, more gradual trek compared to other routes, providing hikers with ample time to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. While not as popular as some of the other routes, the Shira Route is a hidden gem for those seeking a less crowded but equally rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.

Detailed Itinerary of the 7 Days Shira Route Hike

7 Days Shira Route Hike takes you on Mount Kilimanjaro hike following the Shira Route till you reach the summit of Mountain Kilimanjaro at Uhuru.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to the Mountain

You shall arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you are welcomed and transferred to Moshi. From Moshi, you are driven to starting point of the hike at the Lemosho Gate or Londorossi Gate where registration takes place. On this hike, you shall get to the Shira Plateau.

Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Shira 1 Camp

On Day 2, you embark on the actual hiking adventure which is relatively short and easy covering a distance of 8 kilometers for a period of 5 to 6 hours. From Lemosho Gate, you shall ascend through verdant montane forests, teeming with wildlife and unique plant species. You will pass through the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, surrounded by dense rainforest.

The trail initially ascends gently before reaching the Shira Plateau. As you climb, the environment becomes drier and more arid. By the time you reach Shira Camp, the view is expansive, offering a stunning panorama of the mountain’s western slopes.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

On this day, embark on a hike which covers a distance of 8 kilometers for a period of 4 to 5 hours gradually ascending to Shira 2 Camp where you view the Shira Plateau and the Kilimanjaro massif. This day is an excellent opportunity for acclimatization, as the route isn’t too steep. YOu shall have Dinner and Overnight at the Shira 2 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

The fourth day takes you on a challenging hike to the Lava Tower situated at 4,600 meters (15,100 feet) requiring you to hike for a distance of 10 kilometers for a period of 7 to 8 hours. On this day, you go through acclimatization. By hiking up to Lava Tower and then descending to Barranco Camp, your body will go through the critical process of “climb high, sleep low,” which helps prevent altitude sickness.

From Shira 2 Camp, you will ascend gently until you reach Lava Tower. From here, a descent leads to Barranco Camp, nestled in the Great Barranco Valley. The Barranco Wall looms above you, providing an awe-inspiring view. Dinner and Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today, you shall embark on a relatively short hike covering a distance of 5 kilometers for a period of 4 to 5 hours via the Barranco Wall which is exceptional to explore as it offers scenic views of the valley and surrounding areas. The Barranco Wall is a relatively steep section, but it’s not a technical climb. It involves some scrambling, but the route is well marked. The hike continues gently on to Karanga Camp, located in a picturesque valley. Dinner and Overnight at the Karanga Camp.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

On Day 6, you are focused on reaching the Barafu Camp and the distance you shall cover is 7 kilometers for a period of 4 to 5 hours. Barafu Camp is the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trek is challenging due to the significant elevation gain, but the slow and steady pace allows your body to adjust and prepare for the next day’s summit bid.

From Karanga Camp, the trail ascends gradually to Barafu Camp. As you hike, the landscape becomes more barren, with the terrain dominated by rocky surfaces and a few hardy alpine plants. When you reach Barafu Camp, you’ll have spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Mawenzi Peak. Dinner and Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Summit and Descent to Mweka Camp

The final day is the culmination of your journey taking you a distance of 7 kilometers for a period of 12 to 14 hours (summit attempt and descent). The climb starts in the early hours (around midnight), so you will be trekking in the dark for the first part of the journey. The route from Barafu Camp to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) is steep and grueling. You shall continue till you reach the summit and this achievement is exceptional.

After a long, tough night of hiking, you will reach Stella Point (5,735 meters / 18,814 feet) at sunrise. From there, it’s a short but rewarding walk to the summit, Uhuru Peak. After spending some time at the summit taking photos to keep about conquering the Mountain Adventure, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, before continuing down to Mweka Camp. Dinner and Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final Day of the trek requires you to hike for a distance of 10 kilometers for a period of 3 to 4 hours through the forest to Mweka Gate, where you will be awarded your summit certificate. This is a relatively easy and scenic part of the hike, where you can reflect on your incredible achievement.