Arrival Day

Moshi - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a warm welcome awaits as our driver greets you in the airport arrival hall. Look for a sign with the lead traveler’s name or your own if traveling solo. The driver will escort you to Keys Hotel in Moshi town for an overnight stay.

Londorossi Gate – Shira Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The journey begins at Londorossi National Park gate (2,250 m.), traversing farmland and plantations. The path ascends steadily on a wide track through shrub forest and giant heather, reaching the Shira Plateau rim (3,350 m.). As you climb, expansive views of the plains unfold, and the area is home to diverse wildlife, including buffalo. The first camp is centrally located on the plateau at “Shira One” (3,550 m.) [3-4 hours walking].

Shira Two Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, continue hiking east across the Shira Plateau, passing the Shira Cathedral en route to Shira Two camp. The elevation gain is just 700 feet, allowing for gradual acclimatization. The plateau offers breathtaking views. Overnight at Shira Two camp, 3850m.

Barranco Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - Today marks the last of the “easy days” with a remarkable 7-hour hike. The route passes the Lava Tower, skirts the southern flank of Kibo, and descends into the stunning Barranco Valley, dotted with giant lobelia and senecia plants. Upon reaching the most awe-inspiring campsite, the towering Kibo Peak stands majestically to the left. The camp is only 465 feet higher than the previous night, but the day’s climb reaches over 14,000 feet, making it crucial for acclimatization.

Karanga Valley

Kilimanjaro National Park - Across the stream on the valley’s eastern side lies the Barranco Wall, a 950 ft. volcanic rock barrier. Despite its height and steepness, it is easily climbed and presents the day’s first challenge. The views from the wall are magnificent. The day continues by skirting the base of Kibo Peak, descending into the Karanga Valley for an overnight rest before the challenging ascent to Barafu Camp.

Barafu Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The day begins with a steep climb out of the valley. The thinning air makes breathing more difficult, but the rewarding uphill trek leads to the rocky slopes of the camp. “Barafu” means ice in Swahili, and the altitude brings extreme cold. An early bedtime is essential as the final ascent to Uhuru Peak begins at midnight.

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Kilimanjaro National Park - The ascent starts at midnight by torchlight, aiming to reach the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree features well-graded zig-zags, and a steady pace leads to Stella Point (5,735 m.) in about five or six hours. A brief rest allows for sunrise views over Mawenzi. Those feeling strong can undertake the two-hour round trip along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing near the stunning glaciers and ice cliffs. The descent to Barafu is swift, and after refreshments, the journey continues to the final campsite (3,800 m.) Millennium. The surrounding forest’s beauty may go unnoticed due to fatigue. The last night on the mountain is spent at Mweka Camp.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi Town

Mount Kilimanjaro - After a well-deserved hearty breakfast, a short, scenic 3-hour hike leads back to the park gate. Tips for porters and guides should be given once all crew and client gear safely reach Mweka Gate, but remember to tip your staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, climbers can sign the register and successful climbers receive summit certificates. Those reaching Stella Point receive green certificates, while those reaching Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From Mweka Gate, continue to Mweka Village, possibly a muddy 3 km, 1-hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In Mweka Village, enjoy a delicious hot lunch before being 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

The Shira route begins on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro and closely resembles the Lemosho route. On the first day, climbers ascend to the second camp of the Lemosho route, after which the two routes align.

The Shira Route is one of the older and less traveled paths on Mount Kilimanjaro. It provides a challenging yet fulfilling climb, featuring stunning scenery and diverse landscapes.

Renowned for its breathtaking views, the Shira Route offers vistas across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the world’s largest high-altitude plateaus. Hikers can anticipate encountering dramatic landscapes, including volcanic cones, glaciers, and lush valleys. The route also provides excellent views of Kibo, the summit crater of Kilimanjaro.

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