Want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Explore Scenic Shira Plateau via Shira Route on Mount Kilimanjaro
Shira Route is not only one of the oldest routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, at 56km or 35 miles long, it is also one of the shortest routes, just 3 km shorter than Umbwe Route, which measures 53 km. Nowadays, it is rarely used because the Kilimanjaro Park Authority made an improvement on this route and came up with the Lemosho Route. Shira Route begins from the western side of the mountain, just like Lemosho, and they meet up at Shira 1 Camp. It is only the starting points that are different, but the entry gates are the same. Lemosho’s first camp of overnight is at Mti Mkubwa before proceeding to Shira 1 camp the next day. As for the Shira Route, you drive higher, past the Lemosho Gate for Morum Barrier, which is a short distance from Shira 1 Camp, then hike to Shira 1.
Why was Shira Route Improved?
Shira Route’s starting point is located quite high, elevation of 3,414 at the Morum Barrier on Shira Ridge. This alone is not good for acclimatization and in the past, several climbers have shown signs of altitude sickness earlier than expected.
The Shira route is the precursor to the Lemosho route, which we consider a refined upgrade. The Shira starts at a high-risk altitude of 3,414 m at Morum Barrier, where elevations above 3,000 m pose challenges. In contrast, the Lemosho begins roughly a kilometer lower, allowing trekkers more time to acclimatize properly.
How to climb Kilimanjaro using Shira Route
Begin your Shira Route trek by traversing the stunning Shira Plateau, where breathtaking vistas of the surrounding terrain unfold. On the third day, after passing the striking Lava Tower, the Shira route follows the Southern Circuit, a trail that winds beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo Peak. Along this path, you’ll tackle the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall.
Your trek leads to Barafu Camp, one of two base camps situated in Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone, positioned east of the mountain’s summit, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Upon hopefully conquering Uhuru Peak during your summit attempt, you’ll descend along the southeastern flank of the mountain, concluding your journey at Mweka Gate (1,640 m). The Shira route ensures you won’t backtrack, offering a unique descent path.
Among Kilimanjaro’s routes, the Shira is one of the less frequented. It begins quietly but merges with the bustling Lemosho route by the end of Day 2, transforming it into one of the mountain’s busier trails.
Day 1
Morum Barrier to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation (ft): 11,200ft to 11,500ft Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 2 hours Habitat: Moorland
Day 2
Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft Distance: 14 km Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Moorland
Day 3
Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Semi Desert
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft Distance: 5km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft Distance: 4 km Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft) Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent Habitat: Arctic
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Moshi
Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
How hard is the Shira route?
What makes Shira unique?
Explore the Shira Plateau
Breathtaking Panoramic Views
What you will see along the Shira Route, at Shira Plateau
A popular day hike trail
What’s the Scenery Like on the Shira Route?
Our Opinion on the Shira Route
The Shira route, much like its relative the Lemosho route, offers everything you’d want from a Kilimanjaro climb: gorgeous scenery and diverse landscapes from start to finish. However, its starting point at 3,414 meters is a big drawback, as it puts climbers at a higher risk of altitude sickness right from the first day.
We also think it’s a shame that the Shira route skips Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest zone, which is a highlight of other routes.
For these reasons, we suggest choosing the Lemosho route instead. It starts about a kilometer lower in the rainforest, so you get to enjoy the same stunning views as the Shira route, plus the beauty of the rainforest. The lower starting point also gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude, boosting your chances of staying healthy and reaching the summit.
That said, we’d happily recommend the Shira route to experienced high-altitude trekkers, those who’ve done pre-acclimatization, or people who already live at a similar high altitude and are used to it.
How Much Does it Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro Using the Shira Route?
7 Days Shira Route Price
1 Person: $2,900
A group of 2 people: $2,400 per person
A group of 3 people: $2,300 per person
A group of 4 people: $2,275 per person
A group of 5 people: REQUEST PRICE
A group of 6 People: $2,155 per person
A group of 7+ people: REQUEST PRICE
6 Days Shira Route Price
1 Person: $2,400
A group of 2 people: $2,200 per person
A group of 3 people: $2,125 per person
A group of 4 people: $2,000 per person
A group of 5 people: $1,900 per person
A group of 6 People: $1,800 per person
A group of 7+ people: REQUEST PRICE
Why choose Shira
Since you are here, it is apparent that you want to climb Kilimanjaro using the Shira Route and here is why you should.
Stunning Views from the Start
The Shira route begins on the Shira Plateau, offering wide-open, beautiful views of the surrounding landscape right from day one, making it a scenic choice.
Less Crowded Start:
The route is quieter in the beginning compared to other popular trails, giving you a peaceful trekking experience before it joins busier paths like the Lemosho route.
Unique Path with No Backtracking:
The Shira route takes you up the mountain and down a different path (via Mweka Route), so you get to see new scenery throughout your climb.
