Shira Route – 7 Days (High start, wide horizons)
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Shira Gate → Shira 1 → Shira 2 → Lava Tower (acclimatization) → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Trek Types: Private • Small-Group on request • Camping (hut night not included)
Starting Point/End: Moshi or Arusha (hotel pickup/drop-off)
Overview
The Shira Route drives high to the Shira Gate (~3,500–3,600 m) and begins on the open Shira Plateau—huge skies, quick views of Kibo, and wide-angle horizons from day one. Because it starts high, it suits trekkers who are already acclimatized (or who’ve just climbed Mount Meru). The trail then joins the southern circuit at Barranco, continues to Barafu, and makes a steady night ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) before descending via Mweka.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Shira Gate → Shira 1 (High Moorland)
Drive to the west side for registration, then begin an easy walk across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 with sweeping views if clouds are clear.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 2: Shira 1 → Shira 2 (Plateau Traverse)
Gentle traverse to Shira 2. After lunch, take an optional acclimatization walk toward Cathedral Point for extra altitude and sunset views.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs (+1–2 hrs optional)
Day 3: Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,630 m) → Barranco (3,960 m)
Climb steadily to Lava Tower for a key acclimatization stop, then descend into the fertile Barranco Valley. Textbook walk high, sleep low day.
Hike: ~6–7 hrs
Day 4: Barranco Wall → Karanga Valley
Fun, non-technical scramble up the Barranco Wall, then rolling terrain to Karanga Camp. Afternoon rest, hydration, and optional short walk.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu (Summit Camp)
Short, steady push on alpine scree to Barafu. Early dinner, summit briefing, and lights out—night ascent ahead.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Midnight start via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise. Celebrate, descend to Barafu for a hot drink, then continue down the Mweka route to Mweka Camp for recovery.
Hike: 12–15 hrs total (ascent + descent)
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha
Final descent through heather and rainforest to Mweka Gate for summit certificates. Private transfer to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Safari Booking
Professional mountain team: lead guide(s), assistant guides, cook, and porter crew
Kilimanjaro park/conservation fees and mountain camping fees
Quality camping gear: sleeping tents, dining tent with tables/chairs, sleeping mats
All meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, packed or hot lunches, hot dinners) + hot drinks
Treated drinking water throughout the trek
Basic medical kit on the mountain (pulse oximeter; supplemental oxygen for emergencies)
Pre-trek briefing and gear check in Moshi/Arusha
Private transfers: hotel ↔ park gates (start and finish)
Summit certificates
International flights and Tanzania visa
Pre/post-trek hotels in Moshi/Arusha (available on request)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, down jacket; rentals available)
Travel insurance (recommended for high-altitude trekking)
Optional upgrades (private toilet tent, single-tent supplement)
Snacks/energy gels, bottled drinks, and personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for the mountain crew
Any services not mentioned as included