Shira Route 7 Day Itinerary, Prices & Hiking Dates
The Shira Route 7 Day Itinerary, Prices & Hiking Dates
Starting close to Shira Ridge, the Shira Route is a lightly traveled path. The Lemosho route is almost the same. Actually, Lemosho is the enhanced version of Shira, which was the original route. The Lemosho route with a “high altitude drop off” is another name for this route.
The comparatively high altitude of Shira’s starting location, which is easily accessible by car, makes it less desirable than its successor despite being a varied and picturesque route. While camping at 11,800 feet on the first day, climbers may experience some altitude-related problems.
Starting with a lengthy drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge, the route heads west toward Mount Kilimanjaro. The hiking track starts on Shira Ridge, and the car avoids the rain forest area. The Shira Way is a pleasant, rather level journey that traverses the whole Shira Plateau from west to east. Before reaching the summit from Barafu, the route then follows the Southern Circuit, which passes beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field. The path via Mweka is used for descent.
The Shira Route 7 Day Itinerary
- High starting altitude: Because the course starts at about 3,600 meters, you are immediately exposed to high altitude circumstances, which can raise your risk of altitude sickness.
- Beautiful scenery: A highlight is the Shira Plateau, which offers wide-ranging vistas and unusual geological structures.
- Shorter route: Compared to other routes, Shira is relatively short, often taking 6-7 days to complete.
- Fewer crowds: Climbers are less likely to be in your company if you choose this less popular choice.
- Similar to Lemosho: The Shira and Lemosho route share certain similarities, with Lemosho being a more popular and typically easier choice.
Is the Shira Route Right for You
For a shorter, less congested ascent, the Shira route is ideal for seasoned hikers who have acclimated to high altitude. It is usually advised to start your high altitude trekking journey at a lower elevation if you are a beginner.
Are you curious to learn more about the Shira route or want to see how it stacks up against other Kilimanjaro routes? I am happy to give you more information regarding the schedule, the degree of difficulty, and the routes that are suitable for your experience and fitness level.
Detailed Shira Route 7 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp
After around four hours of travel from Moshi, we arrive at Londorossi Gate, where we will finish the necessary paperwork while porters and guides set up their equipment. After that, we drive up a rocky trail to the Shira Gate, where the climb will start. The journey begins with gigantic heather and shrubs and continues till we arrive at Simba Camp.
Elevation: 11,800 ft. to 11,800 ft.
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Heath
Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
To aid in acclimatization, today is a reasonably simple day. We start by investigating the plateau’s grassy moor and volcanic rock formations. After that, we go along a picturesque route to the Shira Cathedral, a massive rock fortress encircled by sharp spires and pinnacles, before arriving at Shira 2 Camp.
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
To get to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, we start the day by going down a ravine. After that, we ascend the steep, non-technical cliff that is almost 900 feet high. We descend sharply into Karanga Valley after traversing a sequence of hills and valleys from the top of the Barranco Wall. We reach Karanga Camp after another strenuous ascent. The purpose of this shorter day is acclimation.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After leaving Karanga, we arrive at the intersection where the Mweka Trail joins us. We keep going up to Barafu Hut’s rocky part. You have now finished the Southern Circuit, which provides a variety of perspectives on the summit. In order to get ready for the summit day, we set up camp here, relax, and have an early dinner. From here, one can see the two peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
We start our ascent quite early in the morning (about midnight). This part of the journey is the most physically and mentally taxing. At this altitude and time of day, the wind and cold can be severe. We take regular but brief stops as we climb for several hours in the dark. You will be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you will ever see approaching Mawenzi Peak, which is located close to Stella Point (18,900 feet). At last, we reach Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point on both the African continent and Mount Kilimanjaro.
We now descend from the summit, making a lunch halt at Barafu before continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site. Trekking poles are useful because the terrain is extremely rocky and can be very taxing on the knees. Because Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, late afternoon mist or rain is possible. We savor our final meal on the mountain and have a good night’s sleep later in the evening.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
We continue the descent to Mweka Gate on our final day and pick up the summit certificates. It can be muddy and wet at lower elevations. We will be picked up at Mweka Village and driven back to the Moshi hotel.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
End of the Shira Route 7 Day Itinerary
Shira Route Success Rate
The Shira route’s success rate on Kilimanjaro changes as the climb progresses.
- 6-day Shira Route: Estimated success rate is around 55-60%.
- 7-day Shira Route: Estimated success rate is around 75-85%.
- 8-day Shira Route: Estimated success rate is around 85%.
Important factors affecting success rates:
- Acclimatization: Because of its higher starting point, the Shira route might make acclimation more of a challenge. To better acclimatize, longer excursions are recommended.
- Physical fitness: To increase your chances of successfully completing the climb, it is vital to practice and prepare properly.
- Altitude sickness: Kilimanjaro often presents this kind of difficulty. Important things to remember are tuning into your body and obeying your guide’s instructions.
To maximize your chances of reaching the summit, it is vital to choose the proper itinerary based on your fitness level and acclimatization demands. The Shira route offers spectacular scenery, but ultimately, it is up to you to decide.
Are you interested in learning more about the Shira route or other possibilities for climbing Kilimanjaro?