The Kilimanjaro Shira Route, Camps, Success Rates, Distance & Map.
The Kilimanjaro Shira Route, Elevation, Camps, Success Rates, Distance & Map.
At 3,600 meters, the Kilimanjaro Shira Route begins. This route’s high beginning point is a big drawback, and some hikers get altitude sickness right away since their bodies haven’t had the time to adjust.
As a result, this is not the best option for hikers who are unfamiliar with high altitude trekking. This route isn’t even a possibility for the majority of local operators.
The Lemosho Route and the Shira Route are nearly the same. Before Lemosho was developed to enhance the route’s starting location, Shira was actually the original route.
For information on the Shira route, its altitude profile, and other (far better) options, continue reading if you’re still interested.
Kilimanjaro Shira Route Map
You can finish the Shira Route in six, seven, or eight days.
As previously stated, Shira travels a nearly identical path as Lemosho, but with a different beginning place. The Shira Route starts higher up and farther north at the Shira Gate, whilst the Lemosho Route starts at the Londorossi Gates amid the stunning Kilimanjaro rainforest.
Trekkers can acclimate before joining the Lemosho Route on day two at Shira Camp 2 by traveling from Shira Gate to Simba Camp, which is at a very similar elevation, on the first day.
The path descends to the Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit after joining the Machame route via Lava Tower after Shira Camp 2 (see map below). The ascent to Uhuru Peak is made via Barafu Camp and up the southern slopes of Kibo, just like the Machame, Umbwe, and Lemosho Routes.
The Mweka Route is the descent route.
The Lemosho Route page, which is the same except for the start point and first day of trekking, has a detailed daily schedule that is not available on this website.
Climbing Mount KILIMANJARO | Shira Route
Kilimanjaro Shira route
Should I hike the Shira Plateau route
For two reasons, we advise against taking the Shira route. First of all, the 3,600-meter starting point is extremely high, meaning you won’t have much time to acclimate and there’s a good chance you’ll suffer symptoms of altitude sickness. Second, the Shira route begins in a relatively arid and unimpressive location, avoiding the breathtaking rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s western flank.
Which route should I do instead of the Shira Route
An excellent substitute for the Shira Route is the Lemosho route. Although it starts in the rainforest and offers a decent acclimatization profile, it also begins on the western flank of Mount Kilimanjaro. Make sure the first camp you stay at is called Mti Mkubwa (also known as Big Tree Camp) to ensure you are booked onto the Lemosho route, as some operators use the Shira route name interchangeably with the Lemosho.