7 Days Shira
The 7 days Shira route hike covers just 56 kilometers, or about 35 miles, from start to finish. That makes it one of the shortest ways to climb Kilimanjaro—only the Umbwe route is a bit shorter among the seven main paths up the mountain. You can tackle it in either six or seven days, but going with the seven-day plan is smarter because it adds an extra day for the final push to the top, giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude.
What makes the 7 days Shira Route unique?
Well, the only pro of using the Shira Route is that you avoud the day 1 and 2 steep climb to reach the fairly flat Shira Plateau.
This seven day hike along Shira route kicks off at the Murram/Morum Barrier gate, which sits at 3,414 meters high on the Shira Ridge along the mountain’s western side. Right away, you’re walking across the beautiful open Shira Plateau, where you get these amazing wide-open views of the plains, forests, and distant peaks all around. On the third day, you’ll hike past the huge rocky Lava Tower, a standout landmark that looks like a natural fortress sticking up from the ground. From there, the trail switches over to what’s called the Southern Circuit—a winding path that loops around the base of Kibo Peak’s southern ice fields. Along the way, there’s a tough climb up the steep Barranco Wall, which feels like scrambling up a sheer cliff but rewards you with killer views once you’re at the top.
7 Days Itinerary & Map
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)