Mount Kilimanjaro climbing
7 Days Shira Route
From $2,000 Per Person
Duration
7 Days
Accommodation
Camping
Starting Date
Any day of your choice
The Shira Route is one of the most scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, starting at a higher altitude on the western side of the mountain.
Unlike other routes, the trek begins at Shira Gate (approx. 3,600 m), meaning climbers skip the rainforest zone and immediately enter the moorland and alpine landscapes. This makes the route incredibly beautiful but also more challenging in terms of acclimatization, especially in the early days.
The route crosses the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, before joining the Machame Route near Lava Tower. From there, the climb continues through Barranco, Karanga, and Barafu Camps before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
This 7-day Shira itinerary provides sufficient time for acclimatization using the “climb high, sleep low” approach, improving summit success rates.
Price (Per Person)
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,400 |
| 2–4 People | $2,200 |
| 5+ People | $2,000 |
(Prices may vary depending on season and group size.)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Shira Gate (3,600 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
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Distance: 4 km
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Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Shira Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
Due to the high starting altitude, the trek begins gently across the Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking views.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for a short hike and early overnight to begin acclimatization.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 1 Camp)
Day 2: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
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Distance: 7 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Moorland
Today you trek across the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the most scenic areas on Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak as you make your way to Shira 2 Camp.
This is a relatively short day designed to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 2 Camp)
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) – Lava Tower (4,630 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
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Distance: 10 km
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Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today is an important acclimatization day.
You climb to Lava Tower (4,630 m), gaining altitude before descending to Barranco Camp.
This “climb high, sleep low” strategy significantly improves your ability to adapt to high altitude.
Arrive at Barranco Camp, located in a scenic valley below the famous Barranco Wall.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barranco Camp)
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
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Distance: 5 km
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Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Start the day by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding scramble.
Continue trekking across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
This shorter day allows for continued acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Karanga Camp)
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
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Distance: 4 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, hike to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt.
The landscape becomes rocky and barren, offering stunning views of the summit.
Arrive early, rest, and prepare for the midnight ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barafu Camp)
Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
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Distance: 17 km
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Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Around midnight, begin your summit attempt.
Climb slowly to Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mweka Camp)
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
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Distance: 10 km
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Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
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Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate before transfer back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $2,000 per person
Price varies by group size
Price Includes
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Kilimanjaro National Park fees
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Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
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Accommodation
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All meals during the trek
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Drinking water on the mountain
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Airport transfers
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Transport from hotel to the mountain gate and back
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Rescue fees and emergency oxygen
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Government taxes
Price Excludes
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International and domestic flights
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Tanzania visa
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Travel insurance
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Personal climbing gear
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Tips for guides, porters, and cook
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Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)
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Hotel accommodation before and after the climb
Climb Kilimanjaro on expertly guided routes. 97.6% summit success rate
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