7 Days Shira Route – Mount Kilimanjaro

The 7 Days Shira Route is a scenic and less crowded western approach to Mount Kilimanjaro. Beginning at a higher elevation on the Shira Plateau, this route closely follows the Lemosho trail before joining the Southern Circuit.

Although it offers spectacular panoramic views and diverse landscapes, the higher starting point means acclimatization can be slightly more challenging than Lemosho. It is ideal for climbers with prior trekking experience who want stunning scenery and fewer crowds.

7 Days Shira Route on Mount Kilimanjaro

7 Days Shira Route – Quick Facts

Duration: 7 Days
Route Type: Western Approach
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Summit Success Rate: 75–85%
Highest Point: Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 ft)
Best For: Scenic views & fewer crowds

Why Choose the Shira Route?

The Shira Route was one of the original routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins at Shira Ridge and crosses the dramatic Shira Plateau before merging with the Lemosho and Machame trails.

Because the route starts at a higher elevation (reached by vehicle), acclimatization can be more demanding. However, the 7-day itinerary provides sufficient time for altitude adjustment for most trekkers.

7 Days Shira Route Detailed Itinerary

Day 0

Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet our guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

Day 1

Shira Gate to Simba Camp

- Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
- Distance: 4 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.

Day 2

Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

-Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft

-Distance: 6 km/4 miles
-Hiking Time: 2 hours
-Habitat: Heath
Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 3

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

- Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft

- Distance: 7 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 3 km/2 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower - a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

Day 4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Day 6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
*Safari and Zanzibar add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Shira Route vs Other Kilimanjaro Routes

Compared to Machame and Lemosho, the Shira Route offers similar scenery but begins at a higher altitude. Lemosho is generally better for acclimatization, while Shira provides a faster western start.

Route Duration Success Rate
Shira 7 Days 75–85%
Lemosho 7–8 Days 85–90%
Machame 6–7 Days 75–85%

Frequently Asked Questions – Shira Route

Is the Shira Route good for beginners?

It can be suitable for fit beginners, but prior trekking experience is recommended due to the higher starting altitude.

What is the success rate of the 7 Days Shira Route?

The summit success rate is approximately 75–85%, depending on acclimatization and fitness.

How is Shira different from Lemosho?

Both routes share similar scenery, but Shira starts at a higher elevation reached by vehicle, while Lemosho begins lower and allows more gradual acclimatization.

Is the Shira Route crowded?

No. It is generally less crowded than Machame and Marangu routes.

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