Kilimanjaro Shira route

Climb Kilimanjaro via the Shira route

6 to 8 day trekking options with 7+ days our recommended.
Suitable for intermediate to advanced trekkers with a small scrambling portion but no technical equipment or experience required.
Nights spent in four season mountain tents built for any weather.
A medium traffic route starting from inside of the park on the Shira Plateau.
A proffessional support team of guides, cook, waiter and porters with external monitoring (KPAP) for fair working standards on each and every trek

Overview

Shira route

This non-technical Kilimanjaro camping route is the ‘original’ western approach (now not as popular due to the Lemosho route allowing for a lower start) taking you directly into the national park up to 3400m where you start your trek. This skips the forest zone and leads you into the Shira plateau around the collapsed Shira peak. The scenery on the west is spectacular before the route joins the southern circuit passing the small ‘scrambling’ (using your hands and legs) section at the Barranco wall which truly gives you that mountain climbing feeling without any special equipment or experience. This route generally is not recommended for anyone unless you are already acclimatized to 3000m as without this you may experience altitude sickness from day 1.

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Overview

Itinerary

Price& includes

KPAP and fair treatment

When to visit

Other routes

Combine with

Planning a trek

What to expect

Why us

FAQs and blog

Itinerary

Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile

6 days on trek (8 day tour)
^{Overnight: Shira 1 > Shira 2 > Barranco > Barafu > Mweka}
^{Level: Intermediate}
^{Traffic: Low to Medium}

Map

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing (time to be confirmed) with your mountain guide. A shared shuttle airport transfer is included from Kilimanjaro International Airport (time and flight to be confirmed) to Moshi.

Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx trekking time: None
Approx trekking distance: None
Start Altitude: Unknown
End Altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included: None

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Simba Farm Lodge

Style: Mid-range farm lodge
Location: Sanya Juu, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Original Maasai Lodge

Style: Mid-range Maasai lodge
Location: West Kilimanjaro Area, outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 2 - Moshi (or Sanya Juu / West Kilimanjaro) to Londrossi gate to Shira One camp

You will be transferred by road from Moshi or Sanya Juu (09:00am) to Londrossi gate. After registration you continue driving into the National Park via the 4x4 access road through the forest till the Morrum Barrier where you begin your trek. You may encounter some wild animals on your drive today in the forest reserve. Your hike today is relatively gentle and a slow pace through the heather and moorland zone towards the Shira Plateau until your first campsite. This is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Approx driving distance: 1-3 hours
Approx trekking time: 2-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi
Start Altitude: 3405m or 11170ft
End Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3505m or 11500ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +100m or +330ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira One Camp

Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft

Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp

Todays hike takes you gradually across the Shira Plateau within the heather and moorland and an optional extra hike to the Shira Cathedral peak (3880m) before gradually taking you to Shira two camp. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones and has been shaped by lava and volcanic activity to create a stunning jagged peak and offering a unique western view of Kibo, the highest of the peaks and your final destination on the tour.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
Approx trekking distance: 6km or 4mi
Start Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
End Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3872m or 12705ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +340m or +1115ft / -27m or -90ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira Two Camp

Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3900m or 12795ft

Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Your hike today takes you towards to Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft). Today helps you to acclimatize and also is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 6-8 hours
Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
Start Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
End Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or +2575ft / -670m or -2200ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft

Day 5 - Barranco camp to Barafu camp

This morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert winding around the mountain then through the Karanga valley. From the Karanga camp you continue on the path until Barafu camp where you will prepare for your summit attempt tonight.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 7-8 hours
Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6.5mi
Start Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
End Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +680m or +2235ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Stella point (5685m or 18650ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you to Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend back down to the base camp for your breakfast / brunch. After your gear is packed up you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and eventually stopping at Mweka camp in the rain forest zone for a well-deserved rest.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
Approx trekking distance: 19km or 12mi
Start Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft

Day 7 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.

Approx driving distance: 1 hour
Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
Start Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
End Altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight at Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Day 8 - Departure day or continue with next activity

Today has no planned activities and is only a departure day for you head home (time and flight to be confirmed), continue with your next tour activity or book extra nights to recover. Speak to a tour consultant for all of your options.

Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx trekking time: None
Approx trekking distance: None
Start Altitude: Unknown
End Altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included: Breakfast

No overnight accommodation included

7 days on trek (9 day tour) * Recommended *
^{Overnight: Shira 1 > Shira 2 > Barranco > Karanga > Barafu > Mweka}
^{Level: Intermediate}
^{Traffic: Low to Medium}

Map

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx trekking time: None
Approx trekking distance: None
Start Altitude: Unknown
End Altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included: None

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Simba Farm Lodge

Style: Mid-range farm lodge
Location: Sanya Juu, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Original Maasai Lodge

Style: Mid-range Maasai lodge
Location: West Kilimanjaro Area, outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 2 - Moshi (or Sanya Juu / West Kilimanjaro) to Londrossi gate to Shira One camp

Approx driving distance: 1-3 hours
Approx trekking time: 2-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi
Start Altitude: 3405m or 11170ft
End Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3505m or 11500ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +100m or +330ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira One Camp

Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft

Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
Approx trekking distance: 6km or 4mi
Start Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
End Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3872m or 12705ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +340m or +1115ft / -27m or -90ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira Two Camp

Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3900m or 12795ft

Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 6-8 hours
Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
Start Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
End Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or +2575ft / -670m or -2200ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft

Day 5 - Barranco camp to Karanga camp

This morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert slowly winding around the mountain till the Karanga valley which you descend into and again up till your camp. Karangu valley is the last water point.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
Approx trekking distance: 6km or 4mi
Start Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
End Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4250m or 13945ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +290m or +955ft / -210m or -690ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Karanga Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft

Day 6 - Karanga camp to Barafu Camp

Today you climb almost casually through the empty landscape of the alpine desert where you keep a slow pace even though the path is not extremely steep. Kibo cone starts to near and you may finally glimpse the Mawenzi peak (Kilimanjaro’s second peak) in the east. The short distance means you have plenty of time at your summit camp to rest and prepare for the summit attempt tonight.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi
Start Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
End Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +600m or +1970ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft

Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
Approx trekking distance: 19km or 12mi
Start Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft

Day 8 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Approx driving distance: 1 hour
Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
Start Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
End Altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight at Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Day 9 - Departure day or continue with next activity

Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx trekking time: None
Approx trekking distance: None
Start Altitude: Unknown
End Altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included: Breakfast

No overnight accommodation included

8 days on trek (10 day tour) * Recommended *
^{Overnight: Shira 1 > Shira 2 > Moir Hut > Barranco > Karanga > Barafu > Mweka}
^{Level: Intermediate}
^{Traffic: Low to Medium}

Map

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx trekking time: None
Approx trekking distance: None
Start Altitude: Unknown
End Altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included: None

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, outside of town center
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Simba Farm Lodge

Style: Mid-range farm lodge
Location: Sanya Juu, just outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Overnight (optional) at Original Maasai Lodge

Style: Mid-range Maasai lodge
Location: West Kilimanjaro Area, outside of the park
Altitude: Unknown

Day 2 - Moshi (or Sanya Juu / West Kilimanjaro) to Londrossi gate to Shira One camp

Approx driving distance: 1-3 hours
Approx trekking time: 2-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 7km or 4.5mi
Start Altitude: 3405m or 11170ft
End Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3505m or 11500ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +100m or +330ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira One Camp

Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft

Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
Approx trekking distance: 6km or 4mi
Start Altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
End Altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3872m or 12705ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +340m or +1115ft / -27m or -90ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Shira Two Camp

Style: Shared Public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3900m or 12795ft

Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower (optional) to Moir Hut Camp

Today you take a steady pace across the edges of the heather and moorland then into the alpine desert towards the northern Kilimanjaro area. If your fitness is high enough you can take an optional detour via the Lava Tower camp which is great for acclimatization. Moir hut is quite an isolated camp mostly used by those on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit but provides a unique northern view of the Kibo cone. You can also optionally hike to the nearby Lent group from Moir hut for vies of these eroded cones and ridges from where you may be able to gaze down into the wilderness plains of Kenya to the north.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi
Start Altitude: 3900m or 12795ft
End Altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +730m or 2395ft / -490m or -1605ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Moir Hut Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4140m or 13585ft

Day 5 - Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Your hike today takes you back south towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert to your first high altitude at the lava tower (4630m or 15190ft, if you didn’t already reach here the day before). Today helps you to acclimatize and is a great indicator to see how your body can handle the higher altitude. From the Lava Tower you begin your steep descent anti clockwise around Kibo and into the Barranco Valley passing the large flowering mountain cacti (Kilimanjaro Senecios) unique to Kilimanjaro. The day ends around the same elevation as you started on the edge of the heather and moorland.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 6-8 hours
Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
Start Altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
End Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +490m or +1605ft / -670m or -2200ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Heather & moorland, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft

Day 6 - Barranco camp to Karanga camp

This morning you will leave the camp and ascend the Barranco wall. This is an impressive non-technical scramble and gives a feeling of mountain climbing (without any previous experience or advanced equipment required) and is rewarded with a superb view from the top back into the camp and the Heim glacier on the peak. The remainder of the hike will be through the alpine desert slowly winding around the mountain till the Karanga valley which you descend into and again up till your camp. Karangu valley is the last water point.

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 3-5 hours
Approx trekking distance: 6km or 4mi
Start Altitude: 3960m or 12990ft
End Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4250m or 13945ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +290m or +955ft / -210m or -690ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Karanga Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft

Day 7 - Karanga camp to Barafu Camp

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 4km or 2.5mi
Start Altitude: 4040m or 13255ft
End Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
Highest Altitude reached: 4640m or 15225ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: +600m or +1970ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Alpine desert, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft

Day 8 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Approx driving distance: None
Approx trekking time: 14-18 hours
Approx trekking distance: 19km or 12mi
Start Altitude: 4640m or 15225ft
End Altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
Altitude +gain / -loss: +1255m or +4206ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Meals included: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Style: Shared public campsite
Location: Rainforest, Kilimanjaro National Park
Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft

Day 9 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Approx driving distance: 1 hour
Approx trekking time: 3-4 hours
Approx trekking distance: 10km or 6mi
Start Altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
End Altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight at Bristol Cottages

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi, town center
Altitude: Unknown

Day 10 - Departure day or continue with next activity

Approx driving distance: 1-2 hours
Approx trekking time: None
Approx trekking distance: None
Start Altitude: Unknown
End Altitude: Unknown
Highest Altitude reached: Unknown
Altitude +gain / -loss: Unknown
Meals included: Breakfast

No overnight accommodation included

Price, includes, add-ons and excludes

Prices depend on your group size, exact route chosen, dates of travel and much more. Please contact our sales team for a tailor made quote! You can see our standard includes, optional extras / add-ons / comfort upgrades and standard excludes below.

Standard packages usually include

All taxes and VAT applicable
1 night(s) before the climb at a pre climb lodge in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis
1 night(s) after the climb at a post climb lodge in Moshi on bed and breakfast basis
All National Park conservation, park entry, camping and rescue fees for applicable
Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking Mountain guide/s
1 x luggage porter carrying personal luggage of 15kg per person max
Specialist tent crew and luggage porters to service and set-up campsites and carry all camping equipment and food provisions.
Four season mountain tent (sharing, or single for 1 person groups), chairs, tables, dedicated group dining tent
Trained and experienced personal mountain cook and waiter porter
All meals on the mountain and eating utensils and cutlery
Pre-climb briefing and equipment check with the guide in Moshi
1 x transfer from a Moshi based lodge to park gates per group including crew transfer for remote gate (Rongai or Lemosho gates)
1 x transfer from park gates to a Moshi based lodge per group
Luggage storage while on trek
Boiled drinking water on trek (from 1st camp onwards)
Twice daily health checks with guides and a high-grade medical oximeter
1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per group and first aid kit
Hand washing station, sanitizers, and small personal wash basin
Shared public toilet facilities at public campsites
1 x approx. 100Ltr rubberized hold all bag / packsack for personal duffel bag
Basic sleeping mattress per person

Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades

Extra Pre climb or post climb accommodation
Single tent (if not already indicated as included)
Additional emergency oxygen cylinders
Comfort upgrades such as a portable toilet, foldable bed, larger tent, upgraded menu, celebration items etc.
Shared or private airport / non-group gate transfers and out of Moshi transfers
Domestic flights
One day trips
Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation membership
Extra guides or porters
Personal mountain equipment such as sleeping bags, walking poles, duffel bags etc.
Pre-included tip / fair living wage salary
Extra days on the mountain

Standard packages usually exclude

Tips / gratuities
Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol etc.
International flights
Insurance
Visas
Items of a personal nature
Water on first day of trek
Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders etc. (note: soft plastics are not permitted on the mountain)

KPAP and fair treatment of your crew

The exploitation and mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. By climbing with us - a qualified KPAP Partner company - you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.

An 'undercover' KPAP porter monitors us on each and every Kilimanjaro trek.

Porters and crew are paid at least a fair minimum wage agreed with their unions.
Salaries are all paid within 2 working days from the descent of a climb.
Transparent tipping procedures to ensure porters receive the full tip intended for them.
Fair tipping recommendations for both the climber and crew.
Loads carried by our porters do not exceed 20kg of company gear.
Porters are provided with three meals per day on the mountain.
Crew are provided with proper shelter and sleeping dedicated for them.
Equal climbing opportunities to all porters registered with our company
We inspect crew gear each trek to ensure proper kit is taken for a safe trek.
Transport for crew is provided to remote gates (Rongai / Lemosho).

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project independently monitors everyone of our treks for fair treatment standards to ensure unbiased reporting of our treks and the best working conditions for your crew. Click to read more.

When to visit

These recommendations are based on weather patterns and trends. Mountains are extremely unpredictable and we always recommend you to be prepared for any weather outcome regardless of the predicted season.

Excellent time

January, February, July, August, September, October

Within our predicted dry season, these months generally have dry conditions and good mountain weather making the trek more achievable. These are also the busiest months and you may find all routes are busy in this period.

Good time

March, June, November, December

These months generally are between our dry season and wet season where conditions are generally dry on the mountain however you may still experience some rain. These are generally great months for those looking to avoid the crowds as most will travel in the excellent time above.

Mixed time

April, May

Our predicted 'long rain' season in Tanzania where the chances of rain are high and downpours can be heavy (tropical!) and make trekking very difficult. For a seasoned mountaineer this can be a great time to avoid all of the crowds who usually skip these months.

Other routes

If this isn't the right route for you, some of the below are alternative routes to consider.

Machame route
6 to 8 days, beginner to advanced, high traffic

^{click to read more}

Lemosho route
7 to 9 days, beginner to intermediate, low traffic

^{click to read more}

Northern Circuit
8 to 10 days, beginner to intermediate, low traffic

^{click to read more}

Combine with

This package is usually combined with one of the below. We can also tailor a custom itinerary combining any of our packages for you.

+ Wildlife Safari

+ Climb Mount Meru

+ Waterfall & Coffee day trip

Planning a trek

Need some help planning a Kilimanjaro trek?

Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about private or group treks, when to climb, getting to Kilimanjaro / Tanzania, visas, documents, choosing a route, training for your climb, health and vaccines, Kilimanjaro packing list, hiking boots, rental equipment, tipping, insurance, money:

Planning your Kilimanjaro trek

What to expect

Want to find out more about what to expect from a Kilimanjaro trek with Shah Tours?

Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about your mountain crew, safety on the mountain, AMS and mountain sickness, food, drink, equipment, comfort upgrades, toilets and bathrooms, emergency oxygen, communicating on the trek, weather, park rules and luggage:

What to expect on Kilimanjaro

Why us

Why choose Shah Tours for your Kilimanjaro trek?

As one of Kilimanjaro's oldest and longest serving Kilimanjaro operators, we are one of the best providing: 35+ years experience, family owned and operated, high quality equipment and fleet, responsible and externally monitored, superior & experienced guides, safe, secure and reliable with over 2000+ happy clients each year:

Why us

FAQs and blog

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FAQ's and blog

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Overview

Itinerary

Price & includes

KPAP and fair treatment

When to visit

Other routes

Combine with

Planning a trek

What to expect

Why us

FAQs and blog

Need some help?

If you like what you see on this page get in touch with our sales team for a tailor made itinerary using any of the below.

Latest COVID entry requirements for tourists arriving into Tanzania (updated 12 January 2023)

12 January 2023 By Shah Tours in Hiking and trekking, Islands and beaches, Nature and culture, Wildlife and safaris

Mount Kilimanjaro Height

19 March 2022 By Shah Tours in Climb Kilimanjaro, Hiking and trekking

Airport for Kilimanjaro treks and wildlife safaris

25 February 2022 By Shah Tours in Hiking and trekking, Islands and beaches, Nature and culture, Tanzania safari

Tripadvisors Travellers’ Choice for Kilimanjaro and safaris in 2020

08 October 2020 By Shah Tours in Hiking and trekking, Islands and beaches, Nature and culture, Wildlife and safaris

Tips for a Kilimanjaro climb during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

23 September 2020 By Shah Tours in Climb Kilimanjaro, Hiking and trekking

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Contact us

Get in touch with us today to start planning your next holiday!

Phone

Reception / whatsapp: +255655071655

24/7 Emergency: +255627060504

Skype: shah-tours

Email

info@shah-tours.com

Postal address

P.O.Box, 1821, Moshi, Tanzania

Head office address

6 Sekou Toure road, Shanty Town, Moshi, Tanzania

OUR MOST POPULAR TOURS

These are some of Tanzania's best highlights and our most popular tours.

High altitude trek to 5895m or 19,431ft

Mount Kilimanjaro

Hiking and Trekking

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5895m or 19,431ft

A journey to Mount Kilimanjaro is an exploration, not merely a climb. For some the appeal is simple: it is the highest mountain on earth whose summit is accessible to any committed walker without advanced skills, technical experience or special equipment. A well-prepared city-dweller may be able to reach 'the roof of Africa'. This is the allure of the highest free-standing mountain in the world and what is said to be the easiest of the ‘7 summits’; the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.

Worlds No 1 safari destination

Tanzania safari

Wildlife and Safaris

A journey into the real wild

With some of the worlds’ most famous and iconic safari parks, Tanzania is usually rated the best safari destination in the world. A first time safari can take you into famous 'Discovery channel' destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, Manyara and Tarangire parks in the Northern circuit where the experience and accommodation are well established suiting any traveller from budget to luxury and highly customisable to suit your travel plan. Return visits are common and there are so many different experiences on and off the beaten track.

Paradise beachs on the Indian ocean

Zanzibar

Islands and Beaches

Paradise islands on the Indian ocean

Tanzania’s eastern coast lies on the Indian Ocean with many islets offering a rich Swahili history, beautiful beach holidays, exotic spice islands with white sands, blue waters for snorkelling or diving and water safari experiences. Plenty of beach resorts are dotted along the islands of Zanzibar and the mainland suitable for any budget as well as solo, group, family and honeymooners.

CONTACT US

Sales & inquiries: +255 655 071 775
24/7 Emergency line: +255 627 060 504

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Climb Kilimanjaro via the Shira route

Overview

Shira route

Jump to section

Itinerary

Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Overnight (optional) at Simba Farm Lodge

Overnight (optional) at Original Maasai Lodge

Day 2 - Moshi (or Sanya Juu / West Kilimanjaro) to Londrossi gate to Shira One camp

Overnight at Shira One Camp

Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp

Overnight at Shira Two Camp

Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Day 5 - Barranco camp to Barafu camp

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 7 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Overnight at Bristol Cottages

Day 8 - Departure day or continue with next activity

No overnight accommodation included

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Overnight (optional) at Simba Farm Lodge

Overnight (optional) at Original Maasai Lodge

Day 2 - Moshi (or Sanya Juu / West Kilimanjaro) to Londrossi gate to Shira One camp

Overnight at Shira One Camp

Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp

Overnight at Shira Two Camp

Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Day 5 - Barranco camp to Karanga camp

Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 6 - Karanga camp to Barafu Camp

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 7 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 8 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Overnight at Bristol Cottages

Day 9 - Departure day or continue with next activity

No overnight accommodation included

Day 1 - Arrival and pre-climb briefing day

Overnight (optional) at Bristol Cottages

Overnight (optional) at Chanya Lodge

Overnight (optional) at Simba Farm Lodge

Overnight (optional) at Original Maasai Lodge

Day 2 - Moshi (or Sanya Juu / West Kilimanjaro) to Londrossi gate to Shira One camp

Overnight at Shira One Camp

Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp

Overnight at Shira Two Camp

Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower (optional) to Moir Hut Camp

Overnight at Moir Hut Camp

Day 5 - Moir Hut Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco camp

Overnight at Barranco Camp

Day 6 - Barranco camp to Karanga camp

Overnight at Karanga Camp

Day 7 - Karanga camp to Barafu Camp

Overnight at Barafu Camp

Day 8 - Barafu Camp to Stella point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp

Overnight at Mweka Camp

Day 9 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate to Moshi town

Overnight at Bristol Cottages

Day 10 - Departure day or continue with next activity

No overnight accommodation included

Price, includes, add-ons and excludes

Prices depend on your group size, exact route chosen, dates of travel and much more. Please contact our sales team for a tailor made quote! You can see our standard includes, optional extras / add-ons / comfort upgrades and standard excludes below.

Standard packages usually include

Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades

Standard packages usually exclude

KPAP and fair treatment of your crew

The exploitation and mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. By climbing with us - a qualified KPAP Partner company - you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.

An 'undercover' KPAP porter monitors us on each and every Kilimanjaro trek.

The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project independently monitors everyone of our treks for fair treatment standards to ensure unbiased reporting of our treks and the best working conditions for your crew. Click to read more.