Arrival Day

Moshi - Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will be waiting for you in the airport arrival hall. You can identify him by a sign with the lead traveler’s name or your own name if you are traveling solo. The driver will then take you to Keys Hotel in Moshi town for your overnight stay.

Londorossi gate – Shira camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The day begins with a walk from Londorossi National Park gate (2,250 m.), passing through farmland and plantations. The path climbs steadily on a broad track through shrub forest and stands of giant heather, reaching the rim of Shira Plateau (3,350 m.). As we ascend, the views across the surrounding plains open up, and the area is home to various wildlife, including buffalo. Our first camp is at the center of the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m.) [3-4 hours walking]

Shira two camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, we continue hiking east across the Shira Plateau, passing the Shira Cathedral towards Shira Two camp. We gain only 700 feet in elevation, allowing us to acclimatize slowly to the altitude. The views of the plateau are spectacular. Overnight at Shira Two camp (3,850 m).

Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Today marks the last of the “easy days” with a superb 7-hour hike. We pass the Lava Tower, circle the southern flank of Kibo, and slowly descend into the stunning Barranco Valley, dotted with giant lobelia and senecio plants. Upon arriving at our most spectacular campsite, we stand in awe at the foot of Kibo Peak, looming high above on our left. Our camp is only 465 feet higher than the previous night, but we will have climbed to just over 14,000 feet during the day. This is one of our most crucial days for acclimatization.

Karanga Valley

Kilimanjaro National Park - On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream, lies the Barranco Wall – a 950 ft. barrier of volcanic rock. Though tall and steep, it is easy to climb. This is our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo Peak over our left shoulder. We descend into the Karanga Valley, where we rest for the night before the tough climb to Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The day starts with a steep hike out of the valley. The air becomes quite thin, making it hard to catch your breath. It is a tough but rewarding uphill trek to the rocky, craggy slopes at the camp. Barafu means ice in Swahili, and it is extremely cold at this altitude. Go to bed early as we will wake you at midnight for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - We begin our ascent by torchlight around midnight to reach the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree features well-graded zig-zags, and a slow but steady pace will bring us to Stella Point (5,735 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest briefly to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those feeling strong can make the two-hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that dominate the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue descending to our final campsite (3,800 m.) Millennium. Most of us will be too tired to notice the beauty of the surrounding forest. We spend our last night on the mountain at Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi town

Mount Kilimanjaro - After a well-deserved hearty breakfast, we take a short, scenic 3-hour hike back to the park gate. Tips for porters and guides should be given once all crew and client gear reach the Mweka gate safely, but remember to tip your staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details to a register. Successful climbers receive summit certificates here: green for those who reached Stella Point and gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak. From the Mweka Gate, we continue down to Mweka Village, possibly a muddy 3 km, 1-hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In Mweka Village, a delicious hot lunch will be served, after which you will be driven back to Moshi for a much-needed hot shower and a comfortable night at Keys Hotel in Moshi town.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Laundry service available at 4$ per cloth

Shira route starts on the Western Site of the Kilimanjaro. It is almost the same as the Lemosho route. But on the first day, you ascend to the 2nd camp of the Lemosho route. Only after that, do the two routes correspond.

Shira Route is one of the older and less frequented routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a challenging yet rewarding climb with stunning scenery and diverse landscapes.

Shira Route is known for its breathtaking views, particularly across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. Hikers can expect to see dramatic landscapes, including volcanic cones, glaciers, and lush valleys. The route also offers excellent views of Kibo, the summit crater of Kilimanjaro.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.