The 7-Day Shira Route with Kilipeak Adventure offers a scenic, high-altitude trek across Kilimanjaro’s western plateau, culminating at Uhuru Peak via Barafu Hut. It’s best suited for trekkers with prior altitude experience.
Route Highlights.
• High Starting Elevation: Begins at 3,600m, which can be challenging for those without prior altitude exposure.
• Scenic Plateau: The Shira Plateau offers dramatic views and fewer crowds than other routes.
• Southern Ice Field Traverse: A rare opportunity to witness Kilimanjaro’s glaciers up close.
• Summit via Barafu Hut: A classic route to Uhuru Peak, shared with Lemosho and Machame routes.
Arrive In Tanzania
Arrive any time at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) pick up by Kilipeak Adventure staff and drive to Arusha We stay at Kerama Silent Lodge, We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Kerama Silent Lodge: Bed, and Breakfast-included.
Day 1: Shira One Camp.
After breakfast at the hotel in Arusha, we drive approximately two hours through the rural countryside to Londorossi Gate. After completing the necessary registration formalities at the Kilimanjaro National Park office, we continue a short distance on a steep track through farmland and plantations to the starting point of the Shira Route. We begin our ascent through shrub forests, with the trail climbing steadily and offering expansive views of the Kibo Icefield. The day’s trek concludes at the rim of the Shira Plateau, where we set up camp for the night.
Londrossi Gate to Shira One Camp (3550 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Day 2: Shira Hut.
Today we follow a gentle trail leading to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a prominent rock formation offering stunning views across the plateau. After enjoying the scenery, we continue toward our next campsite at Shira Hut. As this camp is quite exposed, it can be significantly colder than the previous night, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing.
Shira Camp One to Shira Hut (3,840 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Day 3: Barranco Valley Camp.
Today we follow a gentle ascent with panoramic views as we traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro. The trail leads us beneath the imposing Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach. After enjoying a hot lunch at the base of Lava Tower (4,600m), we begin our descent into the Great Barranco Valley, eventually reaching Barranco Camp at 3,900 meters for the night.
Moir Hut to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
Day 4: Karanga Camp.
A steep climb up the eastern wall takes us just below the Heim Glacier, offering spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. We then tackle the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding ascent that separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley, followed by a final steep climb to reach Karanga Camp for the night
Barranco Valley to Karanga camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Day 5: Barafu Camp.
Today we take the Traverse Route that takes up the Barafu Ridge, we walk up quite slowly to the final camp before your last ascent day to the summit. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): 3-4 hours walking.
Day 6: Summit – Mweka Camp.
Today marks the final ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Shortly after midnight, we begin our climb toward Uhuru Peak, trekking through the cold and darkness with headlamps lighting the way. The trail is steep and demanding, but as dawn breaks, we reach Stella Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, we begin our descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and refreshments. We then continue down to Mweka Camp, where we spend our final night on the mountain.
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp (3100 m): 13-15 hours walking.
Day 7: Mweka Gate- Arusha Town.
A gentle walk takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka gate successful climbers will receive their summit certificates. After lunch, we drive back to Arusha for shower and celebration.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: 3-5 hours walking.
Dinner and overnight at Kerama Silent Lodge: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
Departing Day
After saying bye to our team of guides then you need a private departure transfer which is included from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have an option to have a short safari or any other option we will discuss.
Starting price: $2,450 per person for basic group climbs.
E-mail us at any time to discuss your trip and get an accurate quotation.
TREKKING KILIMANJARO FOR CHARITY CHALLENGE?
The above climb can be undertaken for your own personal charity or group charity.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – 7 Day Shira Route Group Join Includes:• Tanzania VAT on tourism activities
• Airport transfers
• Accommodation night before and the night after the climb
• All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits.
• Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
• Emergency oxygen
• Basic first aid kit
• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress
• Porter to carry your duffel bag (max weight 15kg / 32 lbs)
• Chemical portable toilet
Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Shira Route – 7 Day Shira Route Group Join Excludes:
• Flights and airport taxes
• Items of a personal nature
• Compulsory tips for guides, porters, and cook (See tipping guideline)
• Highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
• Snacks, personal medicine, and water purifying tablets
Safety:
Success is what we want during our trip. We are prepared for any urgent situation and also have in place a complete evacuation procedure in case of altitude sickness. We carry first aid supplies, supplement summit oxygen, and Pulse Oximeters).
Travel insurance:
All customers traveling with Kilipeak Adventure are required to have fully comprehensive travel insurance. The policy needs to be valid from the date that the initial order is placed so as to provide cover for a cancellation prior to departure. During travel, the insurance needs to provide comprehensive medical, evacuation, and repatriation cover.
