Overview
On the Shira route the first part of the ascent happens by vehicle: you drive up the western slopes towards the Shira Plateau and begin walking at around 3,300 m. That means you gain height quickly, without the long forest days of other routes.
Six days is our shortest version of this climb. After crossing the plateau you follow the main Lemosho and Machame trail to the top. We pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any arrival day and take you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel, both included.
Because you start high, your body has less time to adjust. If you would like more margin, look at our 7-day or 8-day Shira climbs, or ask us which suits you best.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (7 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
On arrival you are driven to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel on the foothills of Mount Meru, a calm place to get ready for the climb. At 5:30 pm your guide runs through the pre-climb briefing, checks your equipment and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
DRIVE TO SHIRA BARRIER, WALK TO SHIRA ONE
After registering at Londorossi Gate, we drive up a steep park track to Shira Barrier (3,300 m) where the trek begins. You walk out onto the Shira Plateau with the main summit in view and camp in the middle of the plateau at Shira One (3,550 m).
About 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
SHIRA CATHEDRAL AND SHIRA HUT
A light day designed for acclimatization. You explore the grassland and volcanic rock of the plateau and climb Shira Cathedral (3,750 m), a great rock buttress lined with pinnacles. In the afternoon mist the plateau feels wild and remote, and from camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m) you may see Mount Meru rising above the clouds.
About 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
UNDER THE WESTERN BREACH TO BARRANCO
The morning climbs gently with wide views, leaving the plateau for lava ridges below the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m), you descend into the sheltered Great Barranco valley (3,900 m), ringed by cliffs and looking out over the plains.
About 5-7 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO BARAFU CAMP
First comes the scramble up the Barranco Wall, then a rolling trail along Kibo's south-eastern slopes with views of the Southern Icefields. After lunch in the Karanga Valley, a steady climb on firm scree brings you to Barafu Camp (4,600 m). The rest of the day is for resting and an early night before the summit.
About 6-9 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
You leave camp around 1 am by head torch and climb slowly up switchbacks of volcanic scree. Five or six hours later you reach Stella Point (5,735 m) on the crater rim as the sun comes up behind Mawenzi. Strong climbers continue about two hours return along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m), passing glaciers and ice cliffs. The way back to Barafu is fast; after refreshments you continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
About 11-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE AND BACK TO ARUSHA
An easy but long walk down a well-built path through lush, bird-filled rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate (1,650 m), then through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where a hot shower and a cold drink are waiting.
About 4-5 hours on foot. Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included, followed by your departure transfer.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.