Mount Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Shira Kilimanjaro Route

A high-altitude approach to the Roof of Africa, offering some of Kilimanjaro's most breathtaking panoramic scenery from the very beginning.

Estimated From $2,799 / PERSON
Duration

07 DAYS

Distance

48.5 KM ↑

Summit

5,895 M

Route Profile

HIGH ALTITUDE

Expedition Intelligence

Quick Facts

Starting Point

Londorossi Gate

Western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Tour Duration

7 Days

7 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Hiking Distance

48.5 KM ↑

20 KM descending.

Elevation Gain

2,095 M

From the stated starting point to the summit.

Highest Point

5,895 M

Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa.

Difficulty Level

Challenging

Higher starting altitude means less acclimatization.

Popularity

Scenic Choice

Recommended for trekkers accustomed to high altitudes.

Accommodation

Premium Tents

Two-person tents, mattresses and private portable toilets.

* ALL ESTIMATED PRICES ARE PER PERSON, BASED ON A 2 PERSON TREK.

Expedition Brief

The Shira Route

Starting at a higher altitude, the Shira Route provides less acclimatization opportunities than many other Kilimanjaro routes.

Its major advantage is the scenery. From the beginning, trekkers experience expansive panoramic views across the Shira Plateau and surrounding landscapes.

It is recommended for trekkers who are already comfortable handling high altitudes.

Estimated Price
$2,799 USD / PERSON
01. WESTERN ENTRY

Londorossi Gate

Western gateway into Kilimanjaro National Park.

02. PLATEAU

Shira Plateau

One of Kilimanjaro's most spectacular high-altitude landscapes.

03. MOORLAND

Shira I → Shira II

Open moorland, giant lobelias and expansive mountain views.

04. ALPINE DESERT

Lava Tower

Ascend toward the iconic 4,600 m Lava Tower before descending toward Barranco.

05. SCRAMBLE

Barranco Wall

Climb the famous wall before continuing toward Karanga and Barafu.

06. SUMMIT

Stella Point → Uhuru Peak

5,756 m → 5,895 m — the Roof of Africa.

Expedition Log

Day-to-Day Itinerary

These itineraries are a starting point to help you plan your Kilimanjaro adventure. We specialize in creating tailor-made tours and personalized adventures and holidays, fully customized to match your personal preferences.

DAY 00

Preparation

Arrival and Preparations in Arusha

  • 01 Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be welcomed by our transfer team and driven to your hotel in Arusha.
  • 02 Meet your professional Kilimanjaro guide for a comprehensive pre-climb briefing and gear check.
  • 03 Ask any final questions and ensure you are fully prepared for the trek ahead.
  • 04 Relax, enjoy dinner and get a good night's sleep.
DAY 01

Shira I

Londorossi Gate → Shira I Camp

Your climb starts with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate at 2,250 m, Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance.

After permits are issued, the journey continues toward the Shira Plateau at approximately 3,800 m.

After a short trek across the spectacular moorland, arrive at Shira I Camp at 3,610 m.

Your support team will have the tents prepared and dinner ready.

Altitude

2,250 → 3,800 → 3,610 M

Distance

4 KM

Duration

1–2 HRS

DAY 02

Lava Tower

Shira I → Shira II

Enjoy breakfast with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro before setting off toward Shira II Camp at 3,850 m.

The trek through open moorland is relatively gentle, passing giant lobelias and groundsels along the way.

Altitude

3,610 → 3,850 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

Continued High Altitude

The Lava Tower

After leaving Shira II Camp, trek toward the iconic Lava Tower. This challenging section helps your body adjust to the altitude.

Lunch will be served at Lava Tower at 4,600 m, where you will spend approximately 1–2 hours.

Altitude

3,850 → 4,600 M

Distance

7 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

DAY 03

Barranco

Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

After lunch at Lava Tower, begin descending toward Barranco Camp at 3,900 m.

This descent forms part of the acclimatization process, allowing you to experience higher altitude before sleeping lower.

Altitude

4,600 → 3,900 M

Distance

3 KM

Duration

2–3 HRS

DAY 04

Karanga

Barranco Wall → Karanga Camp

Start the day by climbing the Great Barranco Wall at 4,202 m.

Although imposing, the climb is manageable and takes approximately one hour.

Continue across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp at 3,995 m.

Altitude

3,900 → 4,202 → 3,995 M

Distance

6 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

Continued Acclimatization

Hike Toward Barafu

In the afternoon, take another short acclimatization hike toward Barafu, reaching 4,270 m before returning to Karanga Camp.

Altitude

3,995 → 4,270 → 3,995 M

Distance

2.5 KM

Duration

1–2 HRS

Karanga → Barafu Summit Camp

Continue ascending to Barafu Summit Camp at 4,673 m, where your tents will be prepared for the summit attempt.

Altitude

3,995 → 4,673 M

Distance

4 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

5895
Summit Operation

The Grand Finale

5,895 METRES. ROOF OF AFRICA

Uhuru Peak

The summit attempt begins around midnight from Barafu Summit Camp.

Trek in darkness toward Stella Point at 5,756 m before taking on the final climb to Uhuru Peak.

Witness the spectacular sunrise from the highest point in Africa and celebrate your achievement.

Altitude

4,673 → 5,756 → 5,895 M

Distance

5 KM

Duration

6–7 HRS

5,895 M Highest Point
In Africa
DESCENT

Mweka

Uhuru Peak → Barafu → Mweka Camp

After a short break at the summit, descend toward Barafu Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Continue descending to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m for dinner and overnight.

Altitude

5,895 → 4,673 → 3,100 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

6–7 HRS

2 HOURS OF REST AT BARAFU CAMP EXCLUDED

FINAL STAGE

Completion

Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

Your final day on the mountain takes you through lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate at 1,640 m.

Celebrate your Kilimanjaro success with a certificate ceremony before transferring back to Arusha.

A refreshing shower, dinner and well-deserved rest mark the conclusion of your adventure.

Altitude

3,100 → 1,640 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

3–4 HRS

Included

Expedition Includes

  • + All entrance fees including government taxes.
  • + All activities unless indicated as optional.
  • + All accommodations mentioned in the itinerary.
  • + Professional driver and mountain guide.
  • + Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • + Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
  • + Transportation to and from the base of the mountain.
  • + Airport pick-up and drop-off.
  • + Camping equipment and porter services.
  • + Official certificates issued by KINAPA.
Excluded

Not Included

  • × International and/or domestic flights.
  • × Tips.
  • × Tanzania visa — USD 50.
  • × Medical and/or travel insurance.
  • × Local SIM card.
  • × Personal expenses and souvenirs.
  • × Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and unspecified meals.
  • × Climbing gear unless rented upon request.
  • × Medical evacuation by helicopter.
  • × Government-initiated increases in taxes or park fees.
ARENA AFRICA SAFARIS

LET THE WILD CLAIM
YOUR STORY.

The thundering herds of the plains, the frozen snow-lines of the peaks, and the pristine quiet of hidden archipelagos are ready.

Don't leave your definitive African odyssey to chance, co-design it alongside the architects at Arena Africa Safaris.