7 Days Shira
The 8-day Lemosho Route is hands-down one of the best ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and this is a popular opinion among past climbers, mountain guides and porters. Here’s why this eight day version stands out, with simple reasons and some key facts to back it up.
What Makes the 8-Day Lemosho Route Special?
The Lemosho Route itself is already a favorite because it is very scenic as it starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro, winding through beautiful forests, wide-open moorlands, and stunning high-altitude zones then descends on the Eastern side of Kilimanjaro through Mweka Route. The 8-day version takes this awesome journey and makes it even better by adding an extra day. That extra time isn’t just for fun—it’s a game-changer for your body and your chances of reaching the top.
On this 8 day itinerary you will fully explore the Shira Plateau as you ascend through Lemosho Route, you start at Forest Camp (Mti Mkubwa) and hike through places like Shira 1, Shira 2, and Moir Hut, slowly climbing higher each day. We start our 8 day hike by walking from a place called Forest Camp (also known as Mti Mkubwa Camp) and head toward Shira 1 Camp on the first day. On the second day, we climb up about 610 meters, which is the same as 2,000 feet, making it a steady but manageable uphill walk.
By the third day, we reach Moir Hut, which sits pretty high up at around 4,200 meters (or 13,800 feet). We start this leg from Shira 2 Camp. Being at this height for a bit helps our bodies get comfortable with less oxygen, which is super important because we’re going even higher later on.
Acclimatization: Day four is exciting because it is meant for acclimatization—we hike to an area called Lava Tower, which looks like a giant shark’s tooth sticking out of the ground. It’s a cool sight with magnificent views on the mountain! After reaching Lava Tower, we head back down to Barranco Camp to rest and sleep. This day follows the acclimatization procedure of “climbing high and sleeping low”. The next day, day five, we tackle the famous Barranco Wall. It’s a steep, tricky climb where we have to scramble up using our hands and feet, but it’s a big adventure. The we trek from Karanga Camp, descend Karanga Valley and climb upto Barafu Camp on day 6.
The big moment—summit day—comes on day seven. We start walking in the dark with our head torches, around midnight, we pass Stella point aiming for the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. If all goes well, we’ll get there just as the sun comes up or a little after, which is a rewarding experience. After reaching the top of Kilimanjaro, we head back down to a place called Mweka Hut to rest. Finally, on the eighth day, we finish our trip by hiking down to the bottom, where we pick up our certificates proving we made it to the summit. Then it’s back to a hotel in Moshi or Arusha to relax and celebrate!
7 Days Itinerary & Map
This itinerary is perfect for beginners as it will give you enough time to acclimatize on this 5,895 m high mountain in Tanzania. Always remember, the longer the route, the better your chances are for making it to the summit smoothly.
Arrival Day for the 8 Day Lemosho Trek:
When you land in Tanzania, we will be ready to meet nd greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel/lodge in Moshi or Arusha. Once we reach the hotel, we will give you a pre-trek briefing, go through the gear checklist to ensure you have the right mountain climbing gear and equipment for your Kilimanjaro trek which begins the following day after you take a much needed rest.
Day 1: (Morum) Murram Barrier to Shira 1 Camp
Our Shira Route expedition begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate, where your details are recorded for Kilimanjaro National Park registration and admission. From there, we continue driving a significant distance to Murram Barrier. Your ascent starts at this point, trekking through heath and moorland to reach Shira 1 Camp, where you spend the night.
First day Shira Trek Information
- Elevation: 3,414 m to 3,500 m
- Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation Camping (Shira 1 Camp)
Day 2: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
Your hike today leads you through stunning moorland rock formations of the Shira Plateau and over volcanic rock plateaus. You also pass Shira Cathedral, on one of Kilimanjaro’s three peaks, the Shira Volcanic Cone. You spend the night at Shira 2 Camp.
Second day Shira Trek Information
- Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,847 m
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation Shira 2 Camp
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Today’s hike is an acclimatization trek that involves two segments: an ascent to Lava Tower, then a descent to Barranco Camp. This approach aligns with the “climb high, sleep low” strategy, promoting effective acclimatization.
Third day Shira Trek Information
- Part 1 | Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
- Elevation: 3,847 m to 4,630 m
- Distance: 8 km / 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Today, you trek to the striking Lava Tower rock formation, standing at 4,630 m (15,419 ft) above sea level. The four-to-five-hour journey is a standout moment of the entire Kilimanjaro climb.
- Part 2 | Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 4,630 m to 3,976 m
- Distance: 3 km / 2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation Barranco Camp
After lunch at Lava Tower, you descend to Barranco Camp, a trek lasting about two to three hours. The campsite sits in a valley beneath the Western Breach and the impressive Barranco Wall.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today’s four-to-five-hour hike is designed to aid acclimatization. After an early breakfast, you tackle the Barranco Wall. Though it appears daunting, most trekkers find it easier than expected. At the top, above the clouds, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Southern Ice Fields and the summit. The path then ascends and descends until you reach Karanga Camp.
Fourth day for Acclimatization on Shira Route
- Elevation: 3,976 m to 3,995 m
- Distance: 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 Hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
The summit is near! During a three-hour ascent, you enjoy breathtaking mountain views before arriving at Barafu Camp, located at 4,600 m (15,091 ft). An early dinner allows rest before your summit attempt later that night. Before bedtime, your guide provides a detailed briefing on preparing for summit night.
Sixth Day Lemosho Trek Information
- Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m
- Distance: 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Today is summit day! It’s time to give it your all, digging deep to reach the top.
Summit Day on Day 7 Shira Trek Information
- Part 1 | Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m
- Distance: 5 kilometers up (3.1 miles), 12 kilometers down (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
- Elevation: 5,895m to 3,068m
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation Mweka Camp
You ascend northwest through the dark, trekking over stone scree. After six to seven hours, you arrive at Stella Point on the crater rim, at 5,685 m (18,651 ft) above sea level, around sunrise. From there, you continue for about an hour along a sometimes snow-covered path to reach Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 m (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. Prepare to be awestruck by your achievement and the breathtaking views!
After summiting via the 7 days Shira Route itinerary, you descend to Mweka Camp at 3,110 m (10,204 ft) above sea level. You spend your last night on the mountain after a grueling 12-to-16-hour hike today!
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Day 7 is the final day on Mount Kilimanjaro, you complete the final descent to the base of the mountain, where your driver awaits at Mweka Gate to drive you back to Moshi or Arusha. Time to celebrate with a beer and a fantastic dinner!
Descending on day 7 Lemosho Trek Information
- Elevation: 3,068 m to 1,640 m
- Distance: 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation Maridadi Hotel or Similar in Moshi/Arusha
Collecting Summit Certificates/ End of the 7 Days Trek/ Departure
On the seventh day, after descending the mountain, you’ll receive your summit certificates. We’ll then arrange transport back to your hotel or the airport to conclude your 7-day Shira Route Trek. Upon completion, you can opt for a drop-off at the airport for your trip home or a flight to the Zanzibar Islands, or we can take you to Arusha to start a safari in Northern Tanzania.
How much does it cost?
1 Person: $3,115 A group of 2 people: $2,750 per person A group of 3 people: $2,650 per person A group of 4 people: $2,440 per person A group of 5 people: $2,395 per person A group of 6 People: $2,350 per person A group of 7+ people: $2,285 per person
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What is Included
- All Airport Transfers in Private Van
- All transfers to and from the mountain
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Sleeping Pad/Mattress
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Quality, 4-season mountain sleeping tents
- Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
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What is not Included
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- 3.5% Surcharge for online payment
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)