9-Day Shira Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania!

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be warmly greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After checking in, enjoy a trek briefing with your guide and a thorough gear check. This is the perfect time to ask questions and get ready for your incredible adventure.

• Accommodation: Moshi Hotel (bed & breakfast)
• Activities: Trek briefing, gear check

Starting Altitude: Shira Gate (3,600m/11,811ft)
Ending Altitude: Simba Camp (3,610m/11,843ft)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration, then further to Shira Gate. The trek starts at the Shira Plateau, one of the highest starting points of any Kilimanjaro route. Today’s hike is short, allowing for acclimatization and exploring the plateau’s unique landscape before arriving at Simba Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Simba Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Simba Camp (3,610m/11,843ft)
Ending Altitude: Shira 1 Camp (3,850m/12,631ft)
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

The trail gently climbs across the vast Shira Plateau, offering spectacular views of the surrounding plains and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll pass through open moorlands adorned with unique flora, including giant lobelias and groundsels. The day ends at Shira 1 Camp, nestled on the plateau with striking views of Kibo Peak.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Shira 1 Camp (3,850m/12,631ft)
Ending Altitude: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m/12,795ft)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Today’s hike is relatively short but essential for acclimatization. The trail continues across the plateau, offering panoramic views and a chance to explore the volcanic remnants of Kilimanjaro’s ancient eruptions. As you approach Shira 2 Camp, you’ll notice the vegetation thinning and the air becoming cooler.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m/12,795ft)
Highest Point: Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft)
Ending Altitude: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trek becomes more challenging as you ascend to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic rock formation at 4,630m (15,190ft). This is a crucial acclimatization point, allowing your body to adjust to higher altitudes. After a break at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, set beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall, with views of the glaciers above.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959ft)
Ending Altitude: Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day starts with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep yet manageable ascent that rewards you with breathtaking views of the valleys below. The trail then gently descends and ascends through rolling hills, leading to Karanga Camp. This shorter day allows for additional acclimatization and rest.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
Ending Altitude: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)
Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s hike takes you to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit. The trail is steep and challenging, with a barren, rocky landscape resembling a lunar surface. Upon arrival at Barafu, you’ll have time to relax, enjoy an early dinner, and rest in preparation for the midnight summit push.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)
Summit Altitude: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft)
Ending Altitude: Mweka Camp (3,067m/10,062ft)
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Summit night! The ascent begins around midnight under a blanket of stars. With determination and guidance from your expert team, you’ll reach Stella Point at sunrise before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and then continue to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Mweka Camp (3,067m/10,062ft)
Ending Altitude: Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

The final leg of your journey takes you through lush rainforests to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Moshi Hotel