7 Days | Shira Route | Mount Kilimanjaro | Tanzania

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the spectacular 7-Day Shira Route, one of the western approaches to Africa's highest mountain. This route crosses the beautiful Shira Plateau before joining Kilimanjaro's Southern Circuit and continuing through Lava Tower, Barranco, Karanga and Barafu Camp to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet).
The 7-day Shira Route is designed for trekkers who want a challenging Kilimanjaro experience with several days for acclimatization before the summit attempt. The itinerary follows the principle of "climb high, sleep low", including an important acclimatization day from Shira Plateau to Lava Tower and down to Barranco Camp.
At Peak Climber Safaris, our experienced mountain crew supports you throughout the trek with professional guiding, mountain meals, camping equipment and safety procedures.
Important: This is a 7-day trekking itinerary. Arrival and departure days are additional and are not counted as trekking days.

Why Choose the 7-Day Shira Route?

The Shira Route offers a unique way to experience Mount Kilimanjaro from the western side of the mountain.
Key highlights include:
Trek across the scenic Shira Plateau
Experience several Kilimanjaro ecological zones
Acclimatize around Lava Tower
Descend to the spectacular Barranco Valley
Climb the famous Barranco Wall
Trek through Karanga to Barafu Camp
Begin the summit attempt from Barafu
Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres
Descend through the Mweka Route
Enjoy professional mountain guiding and camp support
The route is particularly attractive to trekkers who want to experience the western side of Kilimanjaro and follow the Southern Circuit before reaching the summit.

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
After checking in, you will have time to rest and prepare for your climb. Depending on your arrival time, your mountain guide will conduct a pre-climb briefing and check your trekking equipment.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 1: Shira Gate to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: Approximately 3,400 m to 3,500 m
Distance: Approximately 3–4 km
Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park entrance for registration and trekking preparations.
From the western side of the mountain, the vehicle continues toward the Shira Plateau, where the trek begins at high altitude. From the trailhead, you hike gradually through the moorland zone toward Shira 1 Camp.
Take your time and maintain a slow, steady pace. Your guide will monitor your condition and encourage regular hydration throughout the trek.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: Approximately 3,500 m to 3,850 m
Distance: Approximately 8–10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today you continue across the spectacular Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic areas of Kilimanjaro.
The trail passes through open moorland landscapes with impressive views of Kibo, the main volcanic cone of Kilimanjaro. Depending on the route conditions and your guide's recommendation, you may explore parts of the Shira Plateau as part of the day's acclimatization.
You eventually arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Elevation: Approximately 3,850 m to 4,630 m, then down to approximately 3,960 m
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is one of the most important acclimatization days of the trek.
From Shira 2, the trail gradually climbs toward Lava Tower, located at approximately 4,630 metres. The landscape becomes increasingly rocky as you enter the alpine desert zone.
After spending time around Lava Tower, you descend toward Barranco Camp, located in the spectacular Barranco Valley.
Although you climb to a higher altitude during the day and finish at a lower sleeping elevation, this "climb high, sleep low" profile helps your body adapt to the increasing altitude.
On a clear day, you may also enjoy impressive views of Kibo and the surrounding glaciers.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: Approximately 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Distance: Approximately 5–7 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall.
Although the wall looks intimidating from the camp, experienced guides help you navigate the trail safely and steadily. You will use your hands occasionally for balance as you move over sections of rock.
After reaching the top of the Barranco Wall, the trail continues across ridges and valleys toward Karanga Camp.
The relatively short hiking day gives you additional time to rest and acclimatize before the final approach to Barafu Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: Approximately 4,035 m to 4,640 m
Distance: Approximately 4–6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you hike toward Barafu Camp, the starting point for your summit attempt.
The trail climbs gradually across a dry and rocky alpine landscape. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner and the temperature drops.
After arriving at Barafu Camp, your guide will brief you about the summit attempt. You will have an early dinner and rest as much as possible before waking around midnight.
Make sure your summit clothing, headlamp, water and other essential equipment are ready before going to sleep.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp: Approximately 4,640 m
Uhuru Peak: 5,895 m
Mweka Camp: Approximately 3,100 m
Hiking Time: Approximately 10–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Stone Scree & Moorland
Today is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Kilimanjaro climb.
You will wake around midnight, have a light breakfast and begin your summit ascent in darkness.
The trail climbs slowly over steep volcanic scree toward Stella Point, located on the crater rim of Kibo.
From Stella Point, you continue along the crater rim toward the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro:
Uhuru Peak – 5,895 metres
Congratulations! You have reached the Roof of Africa.
Take some time for photographs and enjoy the incredible views from the summit, weather permitting. Your guide will help you manage your time at the summit because of the high altitude and cold conditions.
After the summit, you descend toward Barafu Camp where you will have time to rest and take lunch.
You then continue your descent toward Mweka Camp, passing through changing vegetation and lower-altitude terrain.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi
Elevation: Approximately 3,100 m to 1,630 m
Distance: Approximately 9–10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, you begin the final descent through the lush montane rainforest toward Mweka Gate.
At the gate, you will complete the park exit procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate if you successfully reached the required summit point.
Our vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Enjoy a hot shower, a relaxing meal and a well-earned celebration after completing your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8: Departure from Tanzania
Your Kilimanjaro adventure officially ends today.
Depending on your flight schedule, you can transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.
If you have additional time in Tanzania, we can also arrange:
Serengeti safari
Ngorongoro Crater safari
Tarangire National Park
Lake Manyara safari
Zanzibar beach holiday
Cultural and day trips around Moshi
Note: Departure day is not included in the seven trekking days.
GROUP SIZE AMOUNT(US DOLLAR)
1 Person $2050
2-4 People $1850
5-7 People $1800
8-10 People $1750

PRICE INCLUDES

Transfers:

Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi; Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:

Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:

Accommodation at hotel one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season );
Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.

Meals:

Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:

Comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
Complete medical kits including Diamox.
Private portable Toilet.

Climbing crew:

Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:

18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy.

PRICE EXCLUDE

International flights;
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);

Enquire Now

MAP OF SHIRA ROUTE