Kilimanjaro route guide
A high western start with open plateau scenery.
The route
Shira begins on Kilimanjaro’s western side and reaches the plateau by vehicle before continuing on foot. The route offers beautiful views, favourable conditions and good ‘climb high, sleep low’ days, but its high starting altitude means the first day should be approached carefully.
Edward’s adviceEdward recommends Shira for its views and acclimatisation profile, especially for guests with previous altitude experience.
Day by day
Complete registration, drive onto the plateau and take a short, gentle walk to camp. For day 1 of the 7-day Shira Route, the park formalities and team briefing are completed before the walking starts. Edward introduces the terrain ahead on Hotel pickup to Londorossi Gate to Shira Camp and uses the opening kilometres to find a comfortable group pace.
Cross the plateau at a slow pace with time to adjust to altitude. The terrain on day 2 of the 7-day Shira Route determines where the group pauses and how Edward divides the walking time. On arrival after Shira 1 to Shira 2, the crew serves a warm meal while the guide reviews that day’s altitude response and the next morning’s plan.
Reach 4,600 m for acclimatisation before descending to the sheltered Barranco Valley. The altitude reached on day 3 of the 7-day Shira Route is used deliberately before the route drops towards its overnight point. During the evening after Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco, Edward compares appetite, energy and any symptoms before discussing the next section.
Climb the Barranco Wall and traverse beneath the southern glaciers. The terrain on day 4 of the 7-day Shira Route determines where the group pauses and how Edward divides the walking time. On arrival after Barranco to Karanga, the crew serves a warm meal while the guide reviews that day’s altitude response and the next morning’s plan.
A measured climb to high camp leaves time for summit preparation. The terrain on day 5 of the 7-day Shira Route determines where the group pauses and how Edward divides the walking time. On arrival after Karanga to Barafu, the crew serves a warm meal while the guide reviews that day’s altitude response and the next morning’s plan.
The summit stage of the 7-day Shira itinerary starts before midnight from Barafu Camp following the separate Karanga stage. Headlamps trace the upper slopes towards Stella Point and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), where the first light reveals the crater and glaciers. After the summit, descend for food and recovery before continuing to Mweka Camp. Before day 6 of the 7-day Shira Route begins, Edward checks the clothing, water and headlamps needed for the night ascent. The rhythm and rest stops on this Shira Route summit stage are adjusted to the group rather than fixed to a race against the clock.
Complete the descent and return to your hotel with the team. For day 7 of the 7-day Shira Route, the park formalities and team briefing are completed before the walking starts. Edward introduces the terrain ahead on Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and uses the opening kilometres to find a comfortable group pace.
Walking times are estimates. Weather, trail conditions and the group’s safe pace can change the daily schedule.
Final route prices
Every listed amount is a final price per person in your selected currency for the stated route duration and group size. The inclusions and exclusions are listed directly below the table.
What’s included
What’s not included
Airport transfers
Pickup$50 per car
Drop-off$50 per car
Pickup$25 per car
Drop-off$25 per car
Rental equipment
Sleeping bag$35
Sleeping mattress$10
Duffle bag$30
Small backpack$25
Walking poles · pair$10
Warm hat$5
Sun hat$5
Sunglasses$10
Down jacket$20
Summit trousers$20
Hiking boots$30
Gloves · pair$5
Gaiters · pair$10
Trekking trousers$15
Rain jacket$10
Rain trousers$15
Poncho$25
Sweater$10
Leggings$10
Long-sleeve top$10
Ready when you are
Share your preferred dates, group size and itinerary length. Edward will prepare a clear personal quote.
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