Kilimanjaro Shira Route

Day 1: Shira gate – Simba Camp

Your Kilimanjaro adventure starts in Moshi, where you depart for Londorossi Gate to handle park entry formalities. After that, a scenic drive takes you up a steeper path to Shira Gate, the official starting point for your trek. Today’s hike begins with a gentle climb through fields of shrubs and giant heather, eventually reaching Simba Camp for the night.

Day 2: Simba Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Ease into your trek with a relaxed day focused on acclimatization. Explore the vast grassy plains and unique volcanic rock formations scattered across the Shira Plateau. The trail takes a scenic turn as you approach Shira Cathedral, a massive rock formation, before reaching your campsite at Shira 2 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp – Barranco Camp

The trek continues eastward on day three. Climb a prominent ridge towards the Lava Tower, a towering 300-foot volcanic rock formation. Your descent takes you through a strange but beautiful forest known as the Senecio Forest before arriving at Barranco Camp. Even though you start and end the day at similar elevations, the time spent at higher altitudes is crucial for acclimatization.

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Day four prioritizes acclimatization. Begin by descending into a deep valley at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. The challenge comes next with a steep climb up this nearly 900-foot cliff face, though it requires no technical skills. After conquering the wall, traverse a series of hills and valleys before a final climb leads you to Karanga Camp for the night.

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Leaving Karanga Camp, join the Mweka Trail and continue your ascent on a rocky path towards Barafu Camp. Reaching Barafu Camp marks the completion of the Southern Circuit, offering incredible panoramic views of the mountain from various angles. Here, you’ll rest up, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare yourselves for the exciting summit push the following day.

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Summit day arrives! We begin our challenging climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, very early in the morning. This climb tests both your physical and mental strength as you navigate darkness and extreme cold. As we near Stella Point, we’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach the summit – Uhuru Peak! From the peak, we descend all the way down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu Camp for lunch. Expect cooler temperatures and possibly mist or rain in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Moshi

The final day! Descend through the rainforest on a path that can be muddy at lower elevations. Reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificates. From the gate, continue to Mweka Village for transportation back to your hotel in Moshi, celebrating your incredible Kilimanjaro adventure!