7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS Shira Route Scenic Highlands to the Summit
Tour Overview
The Shira Route is a beautiful and open-way climb that begins across wide highlands and gradually rises toward the dramatic glacial slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its quiet atmosphere and vast landscapes, this route offers panoramic views, gentle acclimatization, and a peaceful experience away from crowds.
Walkers move through rainforest, open moorlands, rocky alpine desert, and finally the icy summit zone, enjoying diverse scenery at every stage. The climb is demanding but rewarding, offering memorable moments and breathtaking views throughout the journey.
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Duration: 7 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival Day – Arusha / Moshi Town
You will be welcomed at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is dedicated to relaxing, checking your climbing equipment, and meeting your guide.
You will receive a full briefing about the route, safety, and daily schedule. In the evening, the gentle mountain light creates a calm atmosphere perfect for preparing mentally and physically for the ascent.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Where to Stay
Mid - Range: Tulia Boutique Hotel
Luxury: Mount Meru Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Dinner
Day 1:
Shira Gate to Simba Camp
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Change: 1,950 m → 2,700 m
The trail enters a cool rainforest where tall trees create a natural canopy. Light filters gently through the foliage, casting subtle patterns along the path. The atmosphere feels calm and alive at the same time, with birds and small wildlife adding movement to the scene.
As the trail rises, the forest remains peaceful, offering a steady pace and beautiful textures. Simba Camp sits in a quiet clearing, surrounded by greenery and soft mountain air, providing a serene setting for the evening.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Simba Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch & Dinner
Day 2:
Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Change: 2,700 m → 3,200 m
Once you leave the forest, the landscape expands into vast highlands. Wide moorlands unfold in every direction, filled with golden grasses and distinctive heathers. The mountain becomes clearer, standing softly against the sky.
The open space creates a peaceful atmosphere and a sense of depth, perfect for capturing broad landscape compositions. Shira 2 Camp rests on a plateau where evening light warms the terrain and highlights the subtle contours of the highlands.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Change: 3,810 m → 4,630 m → 3,976 m
Today the route climbs toward the striking Lava Tower, a sharp volcanic formation rising from a rugged landscape. Shadows fall across the rocks, revealing strong textures and dramatic shapes.
After reaching the high point, the trail descends into the Barranco Valley where tall cliffs frame the path and create a powerful visual contrast. The valley feels wild and quiet, filled with natural drama. Barranco Camp offers a sheltered space where the atmosphere softens as the day ends.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barranco Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Distance: ~4–5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Change: 3,976 m → 3,995 m
The day begins with the Barranco Wall, a steady ascent that reveals sweeping views as you climb. The wall’s dark rock contrasts with the pale sky, offering a strong visual element.
Beyond the wall, the terrain becomes calmer and more open, with rocky surfaces stretching toward distant ridges. Karanga Camp sits in this remote setting, surrounded by quiet space and a sense of altitude, ideal for contemplative moments and landscape photography.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Karanga Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Distance: ~4–5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,995 m → 4,673 m
Higher altitude brings colder air and sharper light. Glaciers appear on the slopes, catching reflections and revealing the mountain’s icy character.
Barafu Camp sits exposed on a ridge with clear views toward the summit, creating a dramatic and inspiring atmosphere. The environment feels still and powerful, offering strong contrasts between rock, ice, and sky. Climbers rest here while preparing for the early morning summit attempt.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barafu Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Distance: ~18 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Change: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,068 m
The summit climb begins in darkness, where the mountain feels silent and focused. Slow, steady steps carry you upward while the cold air sharpens the senses.
As dawn arrives, the landscape transforms. Warm colours spread across the slopes, and glaciers glow with a soft radiance. Standing on Uhuru Peak, surrounded by light and open sky, delivers a moment of awe and accomplishment.
Afterward, you descend to Mweka Camp where the atmosphere becomes softer and more comforting, offering relief after the long climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mweka Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7:
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,068 m → 1,640 m
The descent returns you through moorland and rainforest, where greenery and bird calls gradually reappear. The colours grow richer and the atmosphere feels lively again.
At Mweka Gate you receive your summit certificate, marking the completion of your climb. You then transfer to your hotel where you can rest and enjoy a warm, relaxing evening.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
You are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
This day offers time to reflect on the mountain experience and the images captured along the way. If you have booked a safari, your adventure continues.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$ 567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
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