Contrary to other routes, Shira approaches Mt. Kilimanjaro from the west near Shira Ridge. Hikers will start the hike at a high elevation of around 11,800 ft. Another good thing about this route is that it is scenic and not frequented. This route crosses the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. This 7-day hike will take you to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Day 1: Arrival Day in Moshi

After clearing up the customs at the airport, you will meet our mountain guide. A transfer to the hotel in Moshi will follow after hearty greetings. Your guide will brief you about your Kilimanjaro adventure and check for the equipment and gear. You can spend the rest of the day at your hotel, or go shopping in Moshi town.

Day 2: Shira Gate – Simba Camp

After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. After registration with park officials, we will drive up a steep trail to the Shira Gate. Afterward, we will hike through shrubs and giant heather to Simba Camp.

• Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking time: 1-2 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 3: Simba Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Today, we will explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rocks. We will catch a scenic trail heading to the Shira Cathedral, a huge rock buttress with steep spires and pinnacles. Then we settle at Shira 2 Camp.

• Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking time: 2 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp –  Barranco Camp

Today, we continue eastwards up a ridge and then southeast toward the Lava Tower (15,190 ft). Lava Tower is a 300-ft volcanic rock formation. Afterward, the hike starts to descend to Barranco Camp. You relax, enjoy dinner, and sleep overnight.

• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft then to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today, we descend into a gully to the base of the massive Barranco Wall before facing a 900-ft cliff. We will also cross a series of hills and valleys on the top of the Barranco Wall. We will finally arrive at Karanga Camp. We will eat dinner and spend dinner there.

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After a morning meal, we hike and cross the junction connecting to the Mweka trail. The hike continues up to the rocky section and finally, we arrive at Barafu Camp. Your chef will prepare an early dinner and you will go to bed early to prepare for the summit attempt.

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

You will wake up at 23:30 to start all the preparations. After hot coffee and bites, we will begin the hike. We will pass through the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We will rest to catch our breath, rehydrate, and eat snacks. Rehydrating is key since this part is challenging. We will witness sunrise at Stella Point (18,900 ft). You will finally reach the Uhuru Peak. Congrats on this crucial achievement.

We will then start the descent. Our first stop is at Barafu Camp where we eat lunch and continue to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft, then down to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 5 km ascent/ 12 km descent
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent & 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Today, we have the easiest descent. After breakfast, we penetrate the rainforest zone. After we arrive at Mweka Gate, you will collect your summit certificates. We then proceed to Mweka Village to meet our professional driver.

• Elevation: 10,065ft to 5,380ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

End of program