After a lengthy drive to the starting point (Moram Point), the trail begins in the west. The view of Kibo and Shira Peaks from the path is breathtaking.
It is identical to Lemosho Route as both join up at Shira 1 Camp and from there it leads to Shira 2 Camp or Moir Hut Camp. After a fabulous walk through a flatter area, the trail leads to a steep part before the summit. It is possible to climb this route in 6, 7 or 8 days.
There are three different options to attempt the summit:
- Take the trail that goes round the mountain from Moir Hut to Kibo Hut to summit from the east at 4,750 meters/15,583
- Take the southern circuit attempting the summit from Barafu Camp at 4,600 meters/15,092 feet
- Attempt the summit from Arrow Glacier Camp through the Western Breach wall at 4,800 meters/15,15,748 feet (which requires a special permit from the Kilimanjaro National Park management)
Because the trail starts from a high altitude, you may suffer a slight headache on day one of the climb.
Sample Itinerary For a 6-day Trek on Shira Route
Day 1: We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the mountain entrance gate. We’ll register at the gate then proceed to the starting point.
- Destination: Hotel to Londorosi Gate to Moram Point to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 3,600 meters/11,880 feet to 3,500 Meters/11482 feet
- Distance: 4 km/2.5 miles
- Hiking time: 2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2: It’s a short day with a less steep walk. On a clear day there is the best view of Shira peak and Kibo peak.
- Destination: Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation: 3,600 meters 11,880 feet to 3,850meters 12,631 feet
- Distance: 10 km/6.21 miles
- Hiking time: 4 hours
- Habitat: Heath, moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: It is an acclimatization day as we walk to a high elevation. We’ll have lunch at this point before descending to the camp for relaxation. Headaches might be there; take tylenol or aspirin while drinking plenty of water.
- Destination: Shira 2 to lava tower to Baranco Camp
- Elevation: 3,850 meters/12,631 feet to 3,950 meters/12,959 feet
- Distance: 10 km/6.21 miles
- Hiking time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland, alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Via Baranco wall, we’ll walk to Karanga Camp. It is a long day and very steep. You’ll arrive at Barafu early so there will be enough time to rest before the midnight hike to Uhuru Peak.
Before reaching Uhuru Peak, we’ll pass Stella at 5,732 meters/18,806 feet around sunrise. After reaching the peak we’ll descend back to Barafu Camp to rest. The distance from Uhuru peak to Barafu Camp is 5 km.
- Destination: Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 3,950 meters/12,959 feet to 4,600 meters/15,092 feet to 5,895 meters/19,341 feet
- Distance: 9 km/5.6 miles,12 km/7.46 miles round trip to Uhuru peak
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland, alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: From here we’ll descend. It’s a downhill walk with lots of rocks in some parts.
- Destination: Uhuru peak to Baru Camp to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 5,895 meters/19,341 feet to 4,600 meters/15,092 feet to 3,100 meters/10,171 feet
- Distance: 7 km/4.4 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert to moorland to heath
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: We’ll walk back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate where you will be met by a Diamond Glacier Adventures Officer, collect your certificates from the gate clerk, have lunch, celebrate after reaching THE TOP OF AFRICA “UHURU PEAK,” then drive back to Arusha.
- Destination: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
- Elevation: 3,100 meters/10,171 feet to 1,800 meters/5,906 feet
- Distance: 10 km/6.21 miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch