Your Kilimanjaro Shira Route adventure begins at the Shira Gate (2,580 meters / 8,465 feet) where you will sign in and meet your team. From there, you will drive to the starting point of the trek at Shira Plateau. The first day of the trek is relatively easy as you hike through the forest and moorland zones to reach Shira Camp 1 (3,505 meters / 11,500 feet). Along the way, you may see the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax, a small mammal that lives in the trees.
On day 2, you will continue your ascent to Shira Camp 2 (3,840 meters / 12,600 feet) through the heather zone. The trek is longer and steeper than the first day, but the views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape are worth the effort.
Day 3 is a challenging day as you trek to the Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet), a volcanic plug that is one of the highlights of the Shira Route. From there, you will descend to the Barranco Camp (3,976 meters / 13,044 feet) where you will spend the night. The descent to the camp is important for acclimatization and helps to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
On day 4, you will hike up the Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging section of the trek that offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. After conquering the wall, you will trek through the Karanga Valley to the Karanga Camp (3,995 meters / 13,106 feet) where you will spend the night.
Day 5 is a short trek to the Barafu Camp (4,673 meters / 15,331 feet), the base camp for the summit attempt. You will spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the early morning summit push.
The final day of the trek begins early in the morning as you start the summit attempt. You will hike to Stella Point (5,739 meters / 18,830 feet) before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. From the summit, you will descend to the Mweka Camp (3,068 meters / 10,065 feet) where you will spend the night.
On the last day of the trek, you will hike to the Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet) where you will receive your summit certificates and say goodbye to your guide and porters. From there, you will be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Your Kilimanjaro Shira Route adventure begins at the Shira Gate (2,580 meters / 8,465 feet) where you will sign in and meet your team. From there, you will drive to the starting point of the trek at Shira Plateau. The first day of the trek is relatively easy as you hike through the forest and moorland zones to reach Shira Camp 1 (3,505 meters / 11,500 feet). Along the way, you may see the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax, a small mammal that lives in the trees.
On day 2, you will continue your ascent to Shira Camp 2 (3,840 meters / 12,600 feet) through the heather zone. The trek is longer and steeper than the first day, but the views of the mountain and the surrounding landscape are worth the effort.
Day 3 is a challenging day as you trek to the Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet), a volcanic plug that is one of the highlights of the Shira Route. From there, you will descend to the Barranco Camp (3,976 meters / 13,044 feet) where you will spend the night. The descent to the camp is important for acclimatization and helps to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
On day 4, you will hike up the Barranco Wall, a steep and challenging section of the trek that offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape. After conquering the wall, you will trek through the Karanga Valley to the Karanga Camp (3,995 meters / 13,106 feet) where you will spend the night.
Day 5 is a short trek to the Barafu Camp (4,673 meters / 15,331 feet), the base camp for the summit attempt. You will spend the afternoon resting and preparing for the early morning summit push.
The final day of the trek begins early in the morning as you start the summit attempt. You will hike to Stella Point (5,739 meters / 18,830 feet) before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. From the summit, you will descend to the Mweka Camp (3,068 meters / 10,065 feet) where you will spend the night.
On the last day of the trek, you will hike to the Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet) where you will receive your summit certificates and say goodbye to your guide and porters. From there, you will be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
The Kilimanjaro Shira Route is considered to be a moderately difficult trek. It requires a good level of fitness and endurance, as well as some acclimatization to the high altitude.
The Kilimanjaro Shira Route can be completed in 6 to 8 days, depending on the itinerary and level of acclimatization.
The best time to climb the Kilimanjaro Shira Route is from June to October and from December to February, when the weather is dry and clear.
The accommodation on the Kilimanjaro Shira Route is camping. You will be provided with a tent and sleeping bag, and the porters will set up camp each night.
Yes, you will need a permit to climb Kilimanjaro, regardless of which route you choose. The permits are obtained through the Kilimanjaro National Park and must be arranged in advance.
Yes, you will need some specialized equipment for the Kilimanjaro Shira Route, such as good quality hiking boots, warm clothing, and a good quality sleeping bag. You should consult with your tour operator to determine exactly what equipment you will need.
Yes, you will need to hire a guide and a team of porters to climb Kilimanjaro. This is for your own safety and to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable trek.
