7-Day Kilimanjaro Shira Route: Remote & Scenic Guided Tour
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7d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Start at High Altitude: Unlike other routes, the Shira route starts at 3,600m. This is perfect for trekkers who are already acclimatized or want to spend more time in the heather and moorland zones.
Crossing the Shira Plateau: You get to trek across one of the highest plateaus on earth, offering spectacular 360-degree views of the mountain and the plains below.
Less Crowded: Shira is the "quieter twin" of the Lemosho route. It offers the same stunning western views but with significantly fewer hikers at the starting point.
Stargazing Paradise: Due to the high starting elevation and clear skies on the western side, the Shira route offers some of the best night-sky photography opportunities on Kilimanjaro.
Complete Circuit: You explore the remote western side and descend via the southern circuit, giving you a diverse experience of the mountain's ecology.
Available options
7-Day Kilimanjaro Shira Route: Remote & Scenic Guided Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Bottle of water.
All Fees and Taxes
The salary of a tourist guides & Porters.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,100 m → 3,500 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and transferred to Londorossi Gate for registration. From there, you will drive to the Shira Plateau and begin your trek across open moorland. Enjoy wide views and unique vegetation before reaching Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight.
2
Day 2: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Today’s hike is gentle and scenic across the Shira Plateau, offering stunning views of Mount Meru and the western side of Kilimanjaro. This day helps with acclimatization. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for dinner and overnight.
3
Stop 3
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,630 m (Lava Tower) → 3,976 m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
A key acclimatization day. You will hike up to Lava Tower, where lunch is served, then descend to Barranco Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adapt to altitude. Enjoy impressive views of the Barranco Wall.
4
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,976 m → 4,035 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Start the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding scramble. The trail then continues through alpine desert terrain to Karanga Camp. Dinner and overnight at camp.
5
Stop 5
Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,673 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
A short but steep hike to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. After an early dinner, rest and prepare for the midnight climb to the summit.
6
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reach the summit in time for sunrise, then descend via Stella Point back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
7
Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificates, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.
Activities Clients Will Do
Guided high-altitude trekking
Acclimatization hikes
Barranco Wall climb
Midnight summit attempt
Sunrise at Uhuru Peak
Rainforest and alpine desert trekking
What's not included
Alcohol
Mountain climbing equipment
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
RU
UK
JA
EN
ZH-CN
IT
FR
ES
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Moshi
Moshi is a vibrant town nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the gateway to Africa's highest peak, it attracts climbers, trekkers, and travelers seeking to explore Tanzania's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
Top Attractions
Mount Kilimanjaro
The highest peak in Africa, offering challenging climbs and breathtaking views.
Adventure
7-9 days for the climb
Expensive (including guides, permits, and gear)
Moshi Market
A bustling market offering fresh produce, local crafts, and a glimpse into daily life.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to enter, budget for purchases
Kilimanjaro National Park
A protected area surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro, offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
Nature
Day trips or multi-day hikes
Moderate (park fees apply)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ugali
A thick porridge made from maize flour, often served with stews or vegetables.
Staple food
Vegetarian
Nyama Choma
Grilled meat, usually goat or beef, seasoned with local spices.
Main dish
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Hiking in Kilimanjaro National Park
Coffee tasting
Visiting local spas
Exploring local markets
Visiting traditional villages
None
Coffee tours in Marangu
Best Time to Visit
June to October and December to February
These months offer the best weather for climbing Kilimanjaro and exploring the town. The skies are clear, and the temperatures are pleasant.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Swahili, English
- Widely spoken: Swahili, English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Moshi is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help
Getting there
By air
- Kilimanjaro International Airport • 40 km (25 miles) from Moshi
By train
Moshi Railway Station
By bus
Moshi Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded and may not follow strict schedules.
Taxis
Available • Apps: None widely used
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Moshi Town Center
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Area
Day trips
Marangu
30 km (18.6 miles) • Half day
A charming town known for its coffee plantations and historical significance.
Chala Village
20 km (12.4 miles) • Full day
A traditional Chagga village offering insights into local culture and traditions.
Festivals
Kilimanjaro Marathon • February
Moshi Agricultural Show • July
Pro tips
- Hire a reputable guide for climbing Kilimanjaro
- Try local coffee and tropical fruits
- Visit local markets for authentic shopping experiences
- Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
- Carry small change for markets and public transport
$2,600
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
