Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft) · Drive high and start on the Shira Plateau
Trip Info
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Accommodation
Mountain tents
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Departure City
Moshi / Arusha
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Arrival City
Moshi / Arusha
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Best Season
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
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Guide
Guided mountain crew
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Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
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Group Size
1 – 12 guests
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Stay Category
Camping
Overview
The Shira Route starts high on the western Shira Plateau, reached by a scenic drive. Trekkers begin above the forest at around 3,600 m and enjoy wide open moorland views before joining the southern circuit towards the summit.
This 7-day itinerary is led by our professional mountain crew of guides, cooks and porters. Every day is paced to help you acclimatize, with daily health checks, hot meals and a carefully planned summit night to give you the best chance of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Drive high and start on the Shira Plateau
- Open moorland with big views of Kibo
- Lava Tower acclimatization day
- Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley
- Descent via Mweka
Places You’ll See
Shira Route
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides & porters
- Camping equipment & tents
- All meals on the mountain
- Rescue fees
- Airport transfers (Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport)
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal trekking gear rental
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
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Day 01: Shira Gate – Shira 1 Camp
A scenic drive up to the Shira Plateau, registration at the gate, and a short walk across open moorland to Shira 1 Camp.
- Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,610 m / 11,844 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
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Day 02: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
An easy walk east across the Shira Plateau with constant views of Kibo, arriving at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch and an afternoon acclimatization stroll.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 7 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,610 m / 11,844 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
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Day 03: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
A key acclimatization day: climb through the alpine desert to the 4,630 m Lava Tower for lunch, then descend into the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels. Climb high, sleep low.
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
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Day 04: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then follow a scenic up-and-down trail across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
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Day 05: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
A short climb through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp. Arrive early for lunch, rest, an early dinner and a full summit briefing before sleeping a few hours.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
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Day 06: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Wake near midnight for the summit push. Climb steadily to Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu for a rest and continue down to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Distance: 17 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
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Day 07: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
A final walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Ending Altitude: 1,640 m / 5,381 ft
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This package is specifically the Shira Route for 7 days. Other day options are listed as separate packages.
No technical climbing is required, but good fitness and preparation help a lot.
Dry seasons January–March and June–October are the most popular.
