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Climbing Kilimanjaro

Start high and trek across the stunning Shira Plateau with incredible views

Best for adventurers seeking something unique

Welcome to our 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route! Challenge your mind and body on this mountain adventure of a lifetime.

Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge, amd it is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. Actually, Shira route was the original route of the Western side of Kilimanjaro, and Lemosho is the improved variation of the same.

Shira is a varied and absolutely beautiful route, but it is less favorable due to the relatively high altitude of its starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers could experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge.

The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

6 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

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Shira Route, Kilimanjaro

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Kilimanjaro Itinerary

6 days Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

Let our itinerary guide you to most iconic and hidden treasures.

  • Day 1: Shira Gate – Shira 2 Camp – Begin of Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

    Drive to Shira Gate for the start of your Kilimanjaro climb. After registering with the park authorities, hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge to the Shira 2 Camp. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery; gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here.

    • Elevation (metres): 3,600m to 3,840m
    • Distance: 10 km
    • Hiking Time: 4-5Hrs

  • Day 2: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp – Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

    After breakfast, trek east on the Shira plateau for two hours before reaching the junction for the Machame route. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier from here; we now descend to the Barranco Hut. Although you end the day at almost the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatisation.

    • Elevation (metres): 3840m to 4630m to 3950m
    • Distance: 10kms
    • Hiking Time: 6-8hrs

  • Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Valley

    After breakfast we leave Barranco camp and continue on a steep ridge passing to the great Barranco Wall, climb this imposing obstacle which turns out to be easier than it looks. You can now appreciate how beautiful Kilimanjaro is. Descend to the Karanga valley where you will set camp for the night.

    • Elevation (metres): 3950m to 4023m
    • Distance: 5kms
    • Hiking Time: 4-5hrs

    Optional: Extra Day

    You can add an extra day to your trek by staying at Barranco Camp for two nights. Then, you will hike to the Karanga Valley Camp on Day 4, the Barafu Camp on Day 5, summit on Day 6, and finish your descent on Day 7. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.

  • Day 4: Karanga Valley Camp – Barafu Camp

    We continue our climb to the Barafu camp, hike east over the intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka route which will be your descent route. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner before going to bed early in preparation for summit day.

    • Elevation (metres): 4023m to 4645m
    • Distance: 4kms
    • Hiking Time: 4-5hrs

  • Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

    Just after midnight, start the ascent through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (4,200m), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to experience. From here a further 50 minutes’ walk leads to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

    After a short time at the summit, start your descent to the Barafu camp for a rest and brunch before continuing with the descent to Mweka camp for your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.

    • Elevation (metres): 4645m to 5895m to 3090m
    • Distance and Hiking Time: Barafu Hut – Uhuru Peak (5 kms, 7-8 hrs) Decent to Mweka Hut (12 kms, 6-8 hrs)

  • Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – End of Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route

    After breakfast, continue the descent to the Mweka Park Gate. Each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate of achievement for the successful climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. It is time for celebration!

    • Elevation (metres): 3090m to 1640m
    • Distance: 10Kms – Hiking Time: 4-5hrs

What Does Include?

We take care of the details while you focus on experiencing the magic of Kilimanjaro.

Includes

  • Two nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Moshi Town
  • Full board accommodation on the mountain
  • All park fees
  • Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables)
  • Oxygen cylinder – only for emergency
  • English speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook and porters)
  • First aid kit and pulse oximeter
  • Bottled drinking
  • Mentioned transfers

Excluded

  • Sleeping bags
  • Gratuities
  • Beverage
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees
  • Flight
  • Laundry
  • All meals and drinks in Moshi town

Let Us Help You Customize Your Safari

Like all of our East African Safari holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.

Consult with an expert

Contact our team. We will establish a connection with a specialist who will meticulously design your ideal Kilimanjaro trek or safari expedition, guaranteeing that every aspect matches your individual preferences.

Prepare for Your Journey

Our team will provide you with comprehensive guidance, including insider recommendations, travel documents, and packing lists. We are present to address all of your inquiries and guarantee that your adventure is pleasurable from beginning to end.

Upon Your Return

We are eager to learn about your experience. Please provide your feedback, and we will continue to enhance the experience for future explorers. Your narratives motivate us and assist others in discovering extraordinary African excursions and Kilimanjaro treks.



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Expert Safari Guidance

Your Trusted Partner For Authentic Safari Experiences

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE, SAFETY, AND MEMORABLE ADVENTURES

Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures is a locally owned organization that specializes in personalized African safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs. The company is located in Moshi, Tanzania

We create experiences that help people find the greater version of themselves. Travel with us and you will immerse yourself in some of the most incredible places and cultures in Tanzania. We are the travel entity with a passion of sharing Tanzania your way. Whether you are looking for the thrill of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, an exciting animal immersion on Tanzania Safari Tours or relaxing through Zanzibar Beach Holidays, we can guide you on an adventure you will never forget. There are many adventures that await you in Tanzania with Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures. Feel the thunder, catch the wonder!

Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures takes pride in having a roster of professional and well-trained tour guides and company employees who work together for a common cause: To provide an unforgettable holiday. With our team, you will get a first-hand experience of African hospitality. We make sure to be able to ride the continuous change of the modern times through regular staff training. We implement our staff development after our customer’s different way of life to provide a service at par with client expectations. We strive to find a balance between comfort and authentic African experience. We make sure to provide tours with the best value for money, and we work hand-in-hand with clients to assure they will get the most fitting itinerary that serves their needs. Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures is founded with the following Motto: Every Trip is unique. Be fair, be competitive and offer the best possible service to every single client.

We make safaris an experience of a lifetime. Founded with great passion for people, wildlife and the African culture, Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures strives to give you a Tanzanian experience which is better than the best. Whether you’re looking for something luxurious or something on a tight budget, Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures has something in store for you. We truly believe a guide can make the difference between a good safari and an amazing safari. We carefully pick and train guides and on an average, our guides have about 12 years of experience and you will find them to be knowledgeable, cheerful & very professional at all times.

Guest Testimonials

DISCOVER AUTHENTIC ENCOUNTERS AND UNRIVALED EXHILARATION

READ GENUINE REVIEWS THAT SHAPE EXCEPTIONAL ADVENTURES.

Learn the reasons why Kilimanjaro Heroes Adventures is highly recommended by travellers. In the centre of Africa's renowned landscapes, our clients create enduring memories by recounting tales of incredible climbs and immersive safaris.

”What an amazing Safari in Kenya and Tanzania”

It’s been amazing traveling with Kilimanjaro Heros, we have had all the great moments we would wish to have. All that we planned worked out exactly as we were told by our expert . All the destinations that he recommended were perfectly suitable for…

CHARLES HUNT

William Sanga

Located in Tanzania

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