Shira Route

The Shira route is another path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, and it is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira route bypasses this walk by using a vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge. On the first day on the mountain, climbers begin their hike from 11,800 feet (3,600 m) and spend their first night at the same elevation at Simba Camp. Then, the route merges with Lemosho and follows the southern circuit route.

Brief Information

Day One

Arrive, meet & transfers to Springland hotel for overnight at bed & breakfast.

Day Two

Breakfast and depart for Londorossi Park Gate, then 3 hours walk to the Lemosho Glades [2,100 m].  A further 3 hours walk along the forest trails to MTI MKUBWA Campsite, Picnic lunch, dinner and overnight.

Day Three

Breakfast and proceed the steep trail crossing several streams in the giant heather zone.  The Shira ridge is crossed [3,600m] to the Shira Plateau, 5 hours walk - camp by the stream

Day Four

Breakfast and commence a 1 – 1/5 hrs walk across the plateau leads to Shira Hut camp, on moorland meadows by a stream [3,840m]. A variety of walks are possible on the plateau, making this day an excellent acclimatisation day.

Day Five

A rocky path leads East up towards the Lava Tower.  Shortly beyond this, you descend to Barranco Campsite [3,950 m] 4-5 hours walk.

Day Six

Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then follow a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley Campsite [3 Hrs], 4000m, located right beneath the icefalls of the southern glaciers. .

Day Seven

The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation [3 hours, 4,600m]

Day Eight

Start just after midnight for the 6 hours ascent of the screes leading to Stella point [5,725m].  From here a further 40 minutes walk to Uhuru Peak [5,895m]. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut [3,100m] 11-14 hours total walking time].

Day Nine

A 3-4 hours descent through beautiful forest to the park gate.  Drive back to the Springland hotel [bed & breakfast]

Day Ten

Airport transfers for your homebound flight.