A vehicle takes you to the Shira Plateau, at about 3,500 metres, so you start above the forest.
Quiet trails with far-reaching views of Kibo across the plateau.
Joins the Machame route towards Lava Tower and Barranco, which helps acclimatisation.
Overview
The Shira route begins on a plateau formed by an old collapsed volcano, reached by a rough 4x4 track. It skips the rainforest and starts you higher than most other routes.
That saves time but makes the first days harder for acclimatisation, so we build in a slow pace and recommend Shira for those who have been at altitude before. Compare it with the Lemosho route, which starts lower.
Tour facts
Difficulty
Challenging
Group sizes
Private, Small group
Great for
12+
Languages
English, Swahili
Start point
Moshi
Guest rating
4.8 / 5
Best months to travel
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1Londorossi Gate to Shira 1 CampMount Kilimanjaro
After registration at Londorossi Gate we drive a rough track to about 3,500 metres and walk a short way across the plateau to Shira 1 Camp.
Day2Shira 1 to Shira 2Mount Kilimanjaro
A gentle day across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp at about 3,850 metres, with time to rest and adjust to the altitude.
Day3Shira 2 to Barranco via Lava TowerMount Kilimanjaro
A climb to Lava Tower at about 4,600 metres, then a descent to Barranco Camp at 3,900 metres. The "climb high, sleep low" pattern helps your body adapt.
Day4Barranco to Karanga CampMount Kilimanjaro
The Barranco Wall scramble in the morning, then across ridges to Karanga Camp.
Day5Karanga to Barafu CampMount Kilimanjaro
A short walk up to Barafu Camp at about 4,680 metres, where we rest and eat before the summit attempt.
Day6Summit day: Uhuru Peak and Mweka CampMount Kilimanjaro
A midnight start to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, then a long descent to Mweka Camp.
Day7Mweka Camp to Mweka GateMount Kilimanjaro
A walk down to the gate, certificates and a transfer back to your hotel.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
KINAPA park fees, camping or hut fees and rescue fee for the route and nights sold
Chief guide, assistant guides, cook and porters within park crew ratios
Tents or huts as the route requires, mess tent and three meals a day on the mountain
Private transfers from your Moshi or Arusha hotel to the gate and back
Purified drinking water on the mountain
Two nights in a hotel in Moshi or Arusha, bed and breakfast, before and after the climb
Not included
International flights, visa and hotel nights beyond those included
Sleeping bag, down jacket and other personal kit (a hire list is sent with your quote)
Tips for the mountain crew, which we explain before you fly
Travel insurance that covers trekking to 6,000 metres, which is required
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
High season
1 Jan – 31 Mar
$2,150
High season
1 Jun – 31 Oct
$2,150
Low season
Best value
1 Apr – 31 May
$2,000
Low season
Best value
1 Nov – 31 Dec
$2,000
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Low season rate.
1 traveller
$3,040
--52%
2 travellers
$2,000
-0%
3 travellers
$1,940
-3%
4 travellers
$1,900
-5%
5 travellers
$1,860
-7%
6 travellers
$1,820
-9%
7 travellers
$1,800
-10%
8 travellers
$1,780
-11%
Frequently asked questions
Why is Shira harder on acclimatisation?
The starting point is already at about 3,500 metres, so you gain altitude faster than on lower routes. Slow walking and the Lava Tower day help, but the 8-day Lemosho gives more margin.
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need mountaineering experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on consecutive days. Hill walking in the months before helps a lot.
What are the chances of reaching the summit?
They depend mostly on time to acclimatise, your pace and the weather. Longer routes and a slow pace give the best chance, but no operator can guarantee a summit.
