Kilimanjaro route
Shira Route
The 6 and 7-day itineraries from Shira Gate to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Every day's distance, walking time and habitat, gate to summit.
- Duration
- 6–7 days
- Price from
- On request
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Starting point
- Shira Gate
About the Shira Route
The Shira Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the western side, beginning at a higher elevation and crossing the expansive Shira Plateau early in the trek. It offers scenic views and a direct connection into the Southern Circuit, best suited for experienced trekkers.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Best for: Scenic plateau views, western approach
Prices
Prices are per person and vary slightly based on group size and season. Contact us for an exact quote.
| Duration | Itinerary | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 6 days | Day by day below | On request |
| 7 days | Day by day below | On request |
6-day Shira Route itinerary
The 6 day Shira Route follows a faster ascent profile from a higher starting elevation, making acclimatization more aggressive. It is best suited for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with altitude.
Shira Gate to Shira 2 Camp
- 1,830 m / 6,000 ft → 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Montane Forest
Drive from Moshi to Shira Gate and begin trekking through forest along a gradual ridge. The trail can be muddy at lower elevations. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- 3,850 m / 12,600 ft → 4,650 m / 15,250 ft → 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Semi-Desert
Traverse the Shira Plateau and ascend toward Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp. This is an important acclimatization day.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 4,000 m / 13,000 ft → 4,050 m / 13,250 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue into Karanga Valley. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 4,050 m / 13,250 ft → 4,700 m / 15,350 ft
- 4 km / 2 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend to Barafu Camp and prepare for the summit attempt.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,700 m / 15,350 ft → 5,895 m / 19,340 ft → 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles up; 13 km / 8 miles down
- 5–7 hours up; 5–6 hours down
- Arctic to Forest
Summit attempt followed by descent to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
- 3,090 m / 10,150 ft → 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Final descent and return to Moshi.
7-day Shira Route itinerary
The 7 day Shira Route adds an additional acclimatization day, allowing for a more gradual ascent and improving overall summit success rates. This version is recommended for trekkers seeking a better balance between pace and altitude adaptation.
Shira Gate to Shira 2 Camp
- 1,830 m / 6,000 ft → 3,850 m / 12,600 ft
- 8 km / 5 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Montane Forest
Begin trekking from Shira Gate through forest to Shira 2 Camp.
Shira 2 Camp to Shira Plateau — acclimatization day
- about 3,850 m / 12,600 ft sleeping altitude; optional hike to about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- 3–6 km / 2–4 miles
- 3–5 hours
- Moorland
Spend a day exploring the Shira Plateau with optional acclimatization hikes. This allows your body to adjust before moving higher.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- 3,850 m / 12,600 ft → 4,650 m / 15,250 ft → 4,000 m / 13,000 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 5–6 hours
- Semi-Desert
Ascend toward Lava Tower and descend to Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 4,000 m / 13,000 ft → 4,050 m / 13,250 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 4,050 m / 13,250 ft → 4,700 m / 15,350 ft
- 4 km / 2 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend to Barafu Camp and prepare for summit.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,700 m / 15,350 ft → 5,895 m / 19,340 ft → 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
- 5 km / 3 miles up; 13 km / 8 miles down
- 5–7 hours up; 5–6 hours down
- Arctic to Forest
Summit attempt followed by descent to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
- 3,090 m / 10,150 ft → 1,680 m / 5,500 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Final descent and return to Moshi.
Climb the Shira Route with Baraka
Send your dates and group size and you'll get the detailed itinerary and a quote back.
Other Kilimanjaro routes
- Lemosho Route · 8 and 9 days
- Machame Route · 6 and 7 days
- Marangu Route · 5 and 6 days
- Rongai Route · 6 and 7 days
- Umbwe Route · 6 and 7 days
- Northern Circuit · 10 days
