Mount Kilimanjaro climbing
8 Days Shira Route
From $2,200 Per Person
Duration
8 Days
Accommodation
Camping
Starting Date
Any day of your choice
The Shira Route is one of the most scenic approaches to Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning at a relatively high altitude on the western side of the mountain.
Starting at Shira Gate (approx. 3,600 m), this route skips the rainforest and immediately introduces climbers to the moorland and alpine landscapes of the famous Shira Plateau—one of the highest plateaus in the world.
This 8-day Shira itinerary is designed to provide excellent acclimatization, with an extra day compared to the 7-day version. The itinerary follows the proven “climb high, sleep low” principle, significantly improving summit success rates.
The route later joins the Machame Route, passing through iconic highlights such as Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, and Barafu Camp, before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Price (Per Person)
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,600 |
| 2–4 People | $2,400 |
| 5+ People | $2,200 |
(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, drive from Arusha or Moshi to Shira Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro.
Begin trekking across the Shira Plateau, enjoying wide-open views and fresh mountain air.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight.
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: 10 km
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Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
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Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today you leave the main trail and head toward the quieter side of the mountain.
Trek through alpine desert terrain to Moir Hut, located in a remote and peaceful area.
Optional acclimatization hikes are available in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Moir Hut)
Day 4: Moir Hut (4,200 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 a key acclimatization day.
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630 m) before descending to Barranco Camp, following the climb high, sleep low principle.
Arrive at Barranco Camp, surrounded by towering cliffs and scenic landscapes.
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: 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
Climb the famous Barranco Wall and enjoy one of the most exciting sections of the trek.
Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.
This shorter day supports further acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Karanga Camp)
Day 6: 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, trek to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push.
Arrive early, rest, and prepare for the midnight ascent.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barafu Camp)
Day 7: 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 to Stella Point (5,756 m) before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mweka Camp)
Day 8: 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.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
From $2,200 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
- 5 Days
5 Days Marangu Route
From
$1,500
- 7 Days
7 Days Machame Route
From
$1,850
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From
$2,050
- 9 Days
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$2,350
- 12 Days
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