7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek Via Shira Route
The Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking package provides a unique 7-day ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point. This less-traveled trail starts near Shira Ridge and closely parallels the Lemosho Route, which replaced Shira as the preferred path after improvements. Although the Shira Route features diverse scenery, it is less popular because of its higher starting altitude and limited vehicle access.
This Shira Route itinerary suits trekkers seeking a quieter, more scenic experience with excellent acclimatization. The route offers striking views of Shira Cathedral, Lava Tower, the Great Barranco Wall, and the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Trekkers cross diverse habitats, from montane forests to alpine deserts and ice-capped summits. With a high summit success rate and fewer crowds, the Shira Route provides a memorable adventure.
7 Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Shira Route – Trail Map
your guide map for kilimanjaro trek via shira route
7-Day Trek Itinerary (9-Day Total Travel Package)
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, a driver will transfer you to your lodge in Arusha, known for its comfort and views of Mount Meru, or to a lodge in Moshi. Upon arrival, you will attend a detailed briefing with your climbing manager and lead guide. They will review your equipment, explain the route, answer questions, and ensure you are prepared for the trek. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
ACCOMODATIONS
Samora River Lodge ( Bed & Breakfast)
After breakfast, drive to Shira Gate /Londorosi to begin your trek. Today’s route is relatively easy to support acclimatization. You will walk through grassy moorland, view volcanic rock formations, and follow a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a large rock formation surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. After exploring, proceed to Simba Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Distance: About 4 km
- Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Overnight: Simba Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water provided.
ACCOMODATIONS
Simba Camp ( Full Board)
Today offers a gentle hike to help you acclimatize. After breakfast, you will explore grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations, follow a scenic route to Shira Cathedral, and continue to Shira 2 Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Distance: About 6 km
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water provided.
ACCOMODATIONS
After breakfast, you will trek east up a ridge and continue southeast toward the Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic rock formation. Lunch will be served near the Lava Tower. You will then descend to Barranco Camp through the unique Senecio Forest. Although the day starts and ends at similar elevations, time spent at higher altitude supports acclimatization. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at Barranco Camp.
- Total Distance: About 10 km
- Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours ascent, 2 to 3 hours descent
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water
ACCOMODATIONS
“Climbing the Great Barranco Wall begins at 3,976 meters and requires a steep, non-technical scramble rising nearly 900 feet before arriving at Karanga Camp (3,995 m).”After breakfast, descend into the ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall, then climb the steep, non-technical wall rising nearly 900 feet. From the top, cross several hills and valleys before a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. A final steep ascent leads to Karanga Camp. This shorter day aids acclimatization. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at Karanga Camp.
- Distance: About 4 km
- Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water are provided.
ACCOMODATIONS
After breakfast, leave Karanga and follow the trail to the Mweka Route junction. Continue over rocky terrain to Barafu Hut, completing the Southern Circuit with its diverse summit views. Set up camp, rest, and have an early dinner to prepare for summit day. From Barafu, you can see both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Dinner and overnight will be at Barafu Camp.
- Distance: About 4 km
- Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided; water available.
ACCOMODATIONS
“The final summit push to Uhuru Peak reaches the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, before a long descent to Mweka Camp (3,068 m).” The summit ascent begins at midnight and is the trek’s most mentally and physically demanding part, with strong winds and cold temperatures at high altitude. You will climb in darkness for several hours, taking short, frequent breaks. Near Stella Point (5,761 m), you will witness a sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa, you will begin your descent. Lunch is served at Barafu Camp before continuing to Mweka Camp. The rocky trail is hard on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended. Mweka Camp sits in the upper forest, where late-afternoon mist or rain is common. Enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
- Distance: About 5 km ascent + 12 km descent
- Hiking Time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak
- Descent Time: 4 to 6 hours to descend to Mweka
- Habitat: Stone scree, ice-capped summit, rainforest
- Overnight: Mweka Camp
- Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Drinking Water
ACCOMODATIONS
After breakfast, begin your final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and have lunch. Say goodbye to your mountain crew, then drive to Moshi or Arusha for dinner and overnight accommodation.
- Distance: About 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Overnight: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water included.
ACCOMODATIONS
Samore Lodge Arusha or the Same ( Bed and Breakfast Service)
After breakfast, you may depart for your next destination or opt for a safari in the national parks. Transfers are provided to Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport, or other destinations, including Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Nairobi via Namanga. We wish you a safe journey.
- Overnight: None (Departure day)
- Meals Plan: Breakfast and Drinking Water
ACCOMODATIONS
No Accommodation / Upon Request
Costs & Inclusions for 7 Day Kilimanjaro Trek Via Shira Route
Price Per Person (USD)
All prices include park fees, guide, porters, meals on the mountain, and 2 nights at Samora River Lodge.
| Group Size (Pax) | Price Per Person | Accommodation Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Solo Climber | $3,540 | Samora River Lodge + Mountain Camping |
| 2 Climbers | $2,840 | Samora River Lodge + Mountain Camping |
| 3 Climbers | $2,560 | Samora River Lodge + Mountain Camping |
| 4+ Climbers | $2,450 | Samora River Lodge + Mountain Camping |
💡 Tip: Larger groups pay less per person — invite friends and save.
What's Included & What's Not
A clear breakdown of everything covered in your Kilimanjaro trek package — and what you'll need to arrange separately.
| Price Includes | Price Excludes |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers — pick-up on arrival day, drop-off after the climb | International and local airfare |
| Accommodation in Arusha at Samora River Lodge (2 nights, bed & breakfast) | Local transportation before and after the climb |
| Transfers from the hotel to Lemosho Gate and from Mweka Gate to the hotel | Personal expenses — laundry, beverages, etc. |
| Quality sleeping tents shared by 2 clients | Lunch and dinner at Samora River Lodge |
| Mess tents, crew tents, tables, chairs, eating utensils, cooking equipment | Tips for the mountain crew (see our Kilimanjaro tipping guide) |
| Sleeping mats | Private toilet and hot shower tent |
| Clean, purified drinking water | Yellow fever vaccinations, COVID-19 test |
| All meals while on the mountain | Passport and visa |
| Kilimanjaro entrance fees / conservation fees | Travelers insurance (recommended: covers up to 6,000 m) |
| Kilimanjaro camping fees | Helicopter evacuation cost in high altitude (Kilimanjaro SAR) |
| Rescue fees and all taxes | Optional tours not mentioned in this itinerary |
| Salaries for porters, cook, and guides | Tanzania Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance — $44 per person |
| Oxygen cylinder | |
| Oxygen saturation meter | |
| First aid kit | |
| Flying Doctors Emergency Service (before or after the climb) |
Booking Process
If you’re satisfied enough with the information, you can book this tour directly, remember to confirm your booking with a deposit of 40% of the total cost per person. This is needed to secure accommodation and other services which belong to third parties.
At that point, we will issue you with an invoice that includes a balance due date. We must receive the full payment not less than thirty (30) days before the departure date.
In the case of holidays booked within less than thirty (30) days of the departure date, we must receive the full cost within seven (7) working days of our sending written confirmation and invoice.
In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit, as well as any other cancellation charges.
Before you do any payment don’t hesitate to discuss with your tour planner the best option. Your satisfaction is our happiness.
HOW TO MAKE PAYMENTS
Blessing Safaris Limited is a licensed Tour Operator in Tanzania, duly incorporated under the Companies Act of 2002, bearing registration number 141173960. The company’s Tax Identification Number (TIN) is 141-173-960.
Blessing Safaris Limited is recognized by the Tanzania Tourism Licensing Board (TTLB), also known as TALA, with Safari TALA No. 034220 and Mountain Climbing/Trekking TALA No. 036308.
To verify this information, please visit the official Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) search and verify for “ Blessing Safaris ” and “ Blessing Safaris Limited”
If you need additional assurance or verification of our legal status, you may contact our bank (NMB Bank) to confirm our business credentials.
Upon booking, you will receive an invoice detailing the amount due and our bank account information. After payment, you will receive a paid invoice as proof of payment.
Terms and conditions
Click Here to View Terms & Conditions or download a pdf file
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking experience like?
The Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking is a 7-day journey beginning near Shira Ridge on the mountain’s western side. This route is less crowded than Marangu or Machame, offering a quieter, more personal experience. Nearly identical to the original Lemosho Route, it provides a scenic, less-traveled option for climbing Kilimanjaro. The trek features diverse habitats, from montane forest to alpine desert, and offers impressive views of Shira Cathedral, the Lava Tower, and the Barranco Wall.
How difficult is Mount Kilimanjaro climbing via the Shira Route?
The Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking is considered moderately difficult, mainly due to its high starting altitude at Shira Gate (3,597 m). The trail’s gradual slope and built-in acclimatization days suit fit beginners and experienced hikers. With a steady pace and proper preparation, most trekkers reach Uhuru Peak successfully.
What is the best time for Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking?
The best time for Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking is during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These months provide clear skies, dry trails, and optimal views. While the Shira Route starts on the drier northern side and receives less rain during the wet season, the dry months offer the most comfortable conditions and highest summit success rates.
How many days does the Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking take?
The Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking itinerary spans 7 days, plus 2 extra days for hotel stays, including arrival and departure. The climb itself takes 7 days, allowing more time for acclimatization than shorter routes. An acclimatization day at Karanga Camp and a gradual ascent profile help your body adjust to the altitude, contributing to a higher summit success rate.
What should I pack for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing on the Shira Route?
Proper packing is essential for a successful Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking experience. Bring layered clothing for varying temperatures, a warm down jacket, waterproof pants, sturdy hiking boots, a cold-rated sleeping bag, trekking poles, a headlamp, and a water bottle. We will check your gear on arrival and assist with rentals if needed. The right equipment makes the climb safer and more enjoyable.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking?
Altitude sickness is a concern on all Mount Kilimanjaro routes, including the Shira Route, which starts at a higher elevation. The itinerary includes acclimatization features such as a climb-high-sleep-low day at Lava Tower and a shorter day at Karanga Camp. Our guides monitor your health and assist with any symptoms. Staying hydrated, eating well, and walking slowly are the best ways to prevent altitude sickness.
What happens if I cannot reach the summit during my Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking?
Not all climbers reach Uhuru Peak, and that is perfectly acceptable. Your safety is our top priority on the Shira Route Kilimanjaro Trekking package. If you feel unwell or a guide determines it is unsafe to continue, you will descend with support. Many trekkers still value the journey and scenery, even without summiting. You will receive a certificate for reaching the highest point, Stella Poiak, and we will support you throughout.
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