Shira Route:
Duration
6 / 7 Days
Tour Type
Mountain
Group size
1 / above
Location
Tanzania
Overview
This route is located on the west side of Mount Kilimanjaro and begins with a long drive from Moshi town to Londorosi gate, then bypasses the forest zone by car to Shira Ridge. The route is identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route, and Lemosho is an improved variation of Shira. It crosses the Shira Plateau from west to East at a flat hike before starting to get steeper and then traverses to the southern circuit of Branco. The route is less preferred despite its varied, beautiful features compared to its successor due to relative high altitudes of its starting point, which is quickly accessible by vehicle. It is possible to experience altitude sickness on day one due to a quick drive to a very high altitude. But more preferred for those who want to go for 7 days hike in comparison to the 7 days of the Lemosho route.
Meet Our Founder: Tina
The vision for Moipo Adventures began with our founder, Tina. Unlike many in the industry, Tina’s path was paved with both academic excellence and professional passion. Having formally studied Tourism Management, she dedicated herself to mastering the intricacies of international travel standards while staying true to her Tanzanian roots.
With years of hands-on experience in the tourism sector, Tina recognized that travelers were seeking more than just a "Travel"; they were seeking a connection. She founded Moipo Adventures to ensure that every guest receives the professional safety and organization they deserve, combined with the warmth and authentic insight that only a native guide can provide.
Why Choose Moipo?
When you plan your trip with Moipo Adventures, you are not just booking a tour; you are joining a community. We believe your time in Tanzania should be transformative. As locals, we know the hidden gems that aren't on the maps, the best times to witness the Great Migration without the crowds, and the most authentic ways to connect with local cultures, including the Maasai and Chagga. Whether it's hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, we take care of every detail to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Our Promise to You:
Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Shira Route
8 Days of tour | 6 Days Trekking Shira route Itinerary
Day 1Arrival to Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Driving distance: 5km / miles.
- Driving Time: 1hour.
- Habitat: Cultivated zone.
- Hotel: Bed and Breakfast.
Day 2High-Altitude drop off Destination and Trekking to Shira I Camp
We begin our journey from Moshi to Londorosi gate where will complete formalities and pack our belongs, then keep driving to Shira ridge where will start our hike. Today the drive will involve a long from Moshi to the park and short walk to reach the first camp. The trail starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Shira Camp one.
- Distance: 4km / 2miles,
- Hiking Time: 1 - 2 hours,
- Eleven: 11,800ft to 11,800ft,
- Hotel: Heath.
Day 3Trekking from Shira I to Shira II Camp
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
- Distance: 8km / 5miles,
- Hiking Time: 6 - 8hours,
- Eleven: 11,500ft to 12,631ft,
- Hotel: Heath.
Day 4Trekking from Shira II Camp to the Lava Tower and Descent to Baranco Camp
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day, and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon, we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
- Distance: 10km / 6miles,
- Hiking Time: 6 - 8hours,
- Eleven: 12,500ft to 15,190ft to 13,044ft,
- Hotel: Alpine Desert.
Day 5Trekking from Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit.
- Distance: 9km / 5miles,
- Hiking: Time: 8 - 10hours
- Eleven: 13,044ft to 15,331ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6Ascent to Uhuru peak and descent to High camp / Mweka Hut
We start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long well-earned rest.
- Distance: 5km / 3miles and 7km / 4mile,
- Hiking: Time: 6 - 8hours and 2-4hours,
- Eleven: 15,331ft to 19,341ft and 12,434ft,
- Habitat: Arctic to Heath.
Day 7Descent from High camp / Mweka hut to Mweka gate
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged Hotel
- Distance: 5km/3miles and 12km / 7mile,
- Hiking: Time: 6 - 8hours and 2 - 4hours,
- Eleven: 12,434ft – 5,380ft,
- Habitat: Rain forest.
Day 8Departure
This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
Route: Shira Kilimanjaro
Number of Days: 8 Days of tour
| No. of Pax: | 1 | 2 - 5 | 6 - 9 | 10 - Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Person | $ 2,400 | $ 2,200 | $ 2,100 | $ 2,000 |
9 Days of tour | 7 Days Trekking Rongai Route Itinerary
Day 1Arrival to Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
- Driving distance: 5km / miles,
- Driving Time: 1hour
- Habitat: Cultivated zone
- Hotel: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2High-Altitude drop off Destination and Trekking to Shira I Camp
We begin our journey from Moshi to Londorosi gate where will complete formalities and pack our belongs, then keep driving to Shira ridge where will start our hike. Today the drive will involve a long from Moshi to the park and short walk to reach the first camp. The trail starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Shira Camp one.
- Distance: 4km / 2miles,
- Hiking Time: 1 - 2 hours,
- Eleven: 11,800ft to 11,800ft,
- Hotel: Heath.
Day 3Trekking from Shira I to Shira II Camp
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization, and we will enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon, you will take an acclimatization walk, then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
- Distance: 8km / 5miles,
- Hiking Time: 6 - 8hours,
- Eleven: 11,500ft to 12,631ft,
- Hotel: Heath.
Day 4Trekking from Shira II to the Lava Tower and Descent to Baranco Camp
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
- Distance: 10km / 6miles,
- Hiking Time: 6 - 8hours,
- Eleven: 12,500ft to 15,190ft to 13,044ft,
- Hotel: Alpine Desert.
Day 5Trekking from Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
- Distance: 5km / 3miles,
- Hiking: Time: 4 - 5 hours
- Eleven: 13,044 ft – 13,106ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 6Trekking from Karanga camp to Barafu camp
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camps, we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up between 11 pm and 12 pm to start the climb to the summit.
- Distance: 4km / 2miles,
- Hiking: Time: 4 - 5 hours
- Eleven: 13,106ft to 15,331ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 7Ascent to Uhuru Peak and descent to High Camp / Mweka Hut
We start at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours, but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on the scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Mweka Camp for a long, well-earned rest.
- Distance: 5km/3miles and 7km/4mile,
- Hiking: Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours
- Eleven: 15,331ft to 19,341ft and 12,434ft
- Habitat: Arctic to Heath.
Day 8Descent from High camp / Mweka hut to Mweka gate
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged Hotel
- Distance: 12km/7miles,
- Hiking: Time: 5-7 hours
- Eleven: 12,434 ft – 5,380 ft
- Habitat: Rain forest.
Day 9Departure
This day is left for your next destination. If you have safari, then you might be used to beginning your safari by flying to Zanzibar or flying back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
Route: Shira Kilimanjaro
Number of Days: 9 Days of tour
| No. of Pax: | 1 | 2 - 5 | 6 - 9 | 10 - Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Per Person | $ 2,700 | $ 2,300 | $ 2,200 | $ 2,100 |
Included / excluded
Transfers:
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park.
- Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel.
Entry fees:
- All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
Accommodation:
- One night at hotel before the expedition and one night after.
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Please note: All accommodation is on sharing basis (i.e. you will be sharing with your travel companion a twin/double room in the hotel and a tent during the hike. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex adventurer).
Meals:
- Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike.
- All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different 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:
- 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats.
- All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery).
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters.
- Complete medical kits.
Climbing crew:
- Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 7+years of successful mountaineering experience.
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).
The climb cost excludes:
- Airline tickets;
- Visa fee;
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent);
- Personal gear rentals;
- Tips for the mountain crew (10 – 25 USD per day @person);
- Mountaineering insurance.
Others routes on Mount Kilimanjaro
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