The Shira route on Kilimanjaro

The Shira route is one of the older Kilimanjaro routes, and is very similar to the Lemosho route. The only differences between them is the trail walked on first couple of days, and that the starting point of the Shira is higher. In fact, the Lemosho route can be considered the 'new-and-improved' version of the Shira route.

The Shira route approaches the summit of Kilimanjaro from the west, starting at Morum Barrier. It starts relatively high above sea level and is therefore a less frequented route as it offers a poorer acclimatisation profile. The route requires you to camp.

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 56 km / 35 miles

Duration: 6-7 days

Success rate: Medium

Along with the Lemosho route, the Shira route has all the qualities you could ask for in a Kilimanjaro climb, including beautiful views and varied terrain throughout. The Shira route, however, starts at an elevation that's roughly a kilometre higher than the Lemosho route! This means that climbers tackling the Shira route are at a higher risk of developing altitude-related symptoms from the first day.

As such, we recommend opting for the Lemosho route over the Shira route. That said, we're happy to recommend the Shira route to those who are seasoned high-altitude hikers or already live at a very high altitude.

✓ Beautiful scenery

✓ Panoramic views

✓ Varied terrain

✓ Quieter than other routes near the start

- Poor acclimatisation profile at the start

- You miss out on the beautiful forest section

All smiles at the Lava Tower Camp

Along with the Lemosho route, the Shira route is known for being one of the most beautiful Kilimanjaro routes. The spectacular western approach offers trekkers the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau, which is one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. It also offers fantastic views of Shira Cathedral, a dramatic buttress of rock.

The Shira route offers some of the best sunrises and sunsets on Kilimanjaro.

One of the downsides is that you miss out on hiking through the truly beautiful rainforest band on the mountain as you start you climb above the forest.

The beautiful terrain near Shira 2 Camp

No Kilimanjaro climb is easy, but the Shira route is one of the harder climbs given it starts at a much higher altitude. This means that a relatively high number of trekkers fall victim to the effects of altitude right from the start. From Day 3 the route offers opportunities to 'climb high, sleep low', which help you to acclimatise.

The Shira route is undoubtedly a beautiful climb, and with the right Kilimanjaro preparation it's definitely achievable. We do however recommend opting for the Lemosho route as it offers a better acclimatisation profile while not robbing you of any of the scenery offered along the Shira route.

The Shira route doesn't have the best acclimatisation profile given it starts at such high altitude. Whilst there are no official statistics, the average success rate across all Kilimanjaro operators for the seven-day Shira route is around 85%.

The scenery along the Shira route is just gorgeous

The Shira route is generally less busy than other Kilimanjaro routes such as the Machame route. You're free from big crowds during the first couple of days on the Shira route. You then join trekkers hiking the Lemosho route on the evening of Day 2 at Shira 2 Camp, and then those hiking the Machame route near Lava Tower. This is when the crowds can get a little bigger in peak season.

The Shira route only offers camping accommodation. As part of our Follow Alice climbing package all of your camping equipment is included: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and pillow. All tents are pitched and then taken down by our dedicated mountain crew throughout the trek.

Camp with a starry sky as its crown

The Shira route can be completed in either seven or eight days. The extra day gives you more time to acclimatise. In our experience, most people who have completed the right Kilimanjaro preparation and are okay with the higher altitude at the start of the climb, manage fine with the seven-day option.

Follow Alice offers the Shira route as a seven-day group or private climb. It costs $2,585 per person (based on double occupancy). This includes seven days on the mountain and one day either side at our beautiful parter lodge in Moshi. For more information on inclusions and exclusions, please read How much does Kilimanjaro cost?

– Stephen Hemmings

The trek route starts at Morum Barrier. You climb to the summit and then descend to finish at Mweka Gate.

The graphs below show the Shira route elevation in profile – first in metres, then in feet.

The Shira route is nearly identical to the Lemosho route, it just differs in the first couple of days. Where the Lemosho route starts at Lemosho Gate, the Shira route begins much higher up at Morum Barrier. So before the climbing can begin, you drive to Shira Ridge, bypassing the rainforest zone which you hike on the Lemosho route.

You then link up with the Lemosho route on the evening of Day 2 at Shira 2 Camp. After passing Lava Tower, the Shira route then follows a path known as the Southern Circuit, which traverses Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field. You then summit from Barafu, and descend via Mweka.

Map showing Kilimanjaro's Shira route

Today you're driven to Londorossi Park Gate, where you're entered in the registry of the Kilimanjaro National Park. You're then driven quite a ways to Morum Barrier. Your climb begins here, and you trek through heath and moorland to arrive at Simba Camp, where you stay for the night.

Elevation: 3,414 m to 3,500 m

Distance: 4 km / 2 miles

Hiking time: 2 hours

Habitat: Forest

Today your trek takes you past beautiful moorland rock formations and across volcanic rock plateaus. You also cross Shira Cathedral, which is one of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro. Tonight you stay at Shira 2 Camp.

Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,847 m

Distance: 6 km / 4 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Shira 2 Camp with a gorgeous sunset

Today's trek consists of two parts: the climb to Lava Tower, followed by the descent to Barranco Camp. This plan is in keeping with the 'climb high, sleep low' strategy that allows for good acclimatisation.

Elevation: 3,847 m to 4,630 m

Distance: 8 km / 4 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Today you hike up to the impressive rock formation called Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,419 ft) above sea level. It takes four to five hours to get there and is a true highlight of the entire Kilimanjaro trek.

Elevation: 4,630 m to 3,976 m

Distance: 3 km / 2 miles

Hiking time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

After lunch at Lava Tower, you head down to Barranco Camp, a hike that takes about two to three hours. The campsite is located in a valley below the Western Breach and great Barranco Wall.

Travel through dramatic landscapes on the Shira route

This is a short hiking day of four to five hours that's focused on helping you to acclimatise. After an early morning breakfast, it’s time for you to conquer Barranco Wall. Although it may look intimidating at first, trekkers usually report that it turned out to be much easier than they anticipated.

At the top of the wall, you're above the clouds and enjoy superb views of the Southern Ice Fields and the summit. The trail then winds up and down until you arrive at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 3,976 m to 3,995 m

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

It’s getting real! You’re now very close to the summit and have some amazing views of the mountain during your ascent of just three hours to reach Barafu Camp, which sits at 4,600 m (15,091 ft). An early dinner is served so you can get some rest before attempting the summit that same night. Before you go to bed, your guide briefs you in detail on how best to prepare for summit night.

Elevation: 3,995 m to 4,673 m

Distance: 4 km / 2 miles

Hiking time: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Karanga Camp sign

Today is summit day! It's time for the big push – to dig deep for everything you have to make it to the summit.

Elevation: 4,673 m to 5,895 m

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

The route ascends northwest into the dark night, and you walk over stone scree. In about six to seven hours, you reach Stella Point on the crater rim, which sits at 5,685 m (18,651 ft) above sea level. It should be around sunrise at this point. You then continue for an hour or so on a sometimes snow-covered trail before reaching Uhuru Peak, which is 5,895 m (19,341 ft) above sea level. Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa! Be prepared to be overwhelmed by your accomplishment and the magnificent views!

Uhuru Peak!

Elevation: 5,895 ft to 3,068 ft

Distance: 12 km / 7 miles

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

After reaching the summit, you descend to Mweka Camp at 3,110 m (10,204 ft) above sea level. Here you spend your final night on the mountain after having hiked for about 12 to 16 hours today!

Snap by Frederik Mann of Mweka Camp in the evening

Today you do the last bit of hiking down to the foot of the mountain, where your driver meets you at Mweka Gate. Time for a beer and great celebration dinner!

Elevation: 3,068 m to 1,640 m

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

Hiking time: 3 hours

Habitat: Forest

A pretty section of the Mweka descent route

If you want to add a little adventure onto the end of your Kilimanjaro climb, we recommend going on a Tanzania safari – you won't find a better African safari! Or hop over the border into Uganda to trek with mountain gorillas. Alternatively, if you've limited time and budget, why not do one or two extra activities in the Kilimanjaro region like visit a Maasai village or a coffee farm?

Ngurdoto Crater in Arusha National Park is a lush oasis for wildlife and a perfect day's outing from Moshi or Arusha