Overview
The Shira Route is one of the lesser-known paths to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, starting at a higher altitude compared to other routes. It begins at the Shira Gate, located on the western side of the mountain. The route merges with the Lemosho Route on the second day, allowing trekkers to experience the best of both trails.
History and Significance
The Shira Route was once a fully accessible vehicle trail, but due to environmental concerns, it was closed to motor vehicles. Today, trekkers can only hike the route, making it an eco-friendly and challenging choice for adventurers. It is said that the Shira Route offers some of the most breathtaking views of the mountain and its surroundings.
Preparing for the Climb
- Selecting the Right Time – Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is possible throughout the year, but certain months are more favorable. The best time to attempt the Shira Route is during the dry seasons, from June to October, and from December to February. These periods offer clearer skies and more stable weather conditions.
- Physical Fitness and Training – Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro requires good physical condition and mental preparedness. Engage in regular cardio exercises and strength training to build your stamina and endurance. Acclimatization hikes are also essential to adapt your body to high altitudes.
- Packing Essentials – Your gear can make or break your trek. Pack wisely, ensuring you have proper clothing, a comfortable backpack, sturdy hiking boots, sleeping bags, and other essentials. Don’t forget to carry water purification tablets and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
The Shira Route showcases the diverse flora and fauna of Mount Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for rare species like the giant groundsels and unique birdlife. The changing landscapes offer picturesque vistas of the plains below and the glacier-covered peaks above.
Challenges and Precautions
- Altitude Sickness – Altitude sickness is a significant concern when climbing Kilimanjaro. Proper acclimatization, slow ascent, and staying hydrated are essential to reduce the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
- Weather Conditions – Mount Kilimanjaro’s weather can be unpredictable. Prepare for cold temperatures, especially during the summit push, and be ready for sudden changes in weather.
- Safety Measures – Always follow your guide’s instructions and adhere to safety guidelines. The Shira Route has its challenges, but with proper guidance and preparation, it can be a safe and rewarding journey.
Why Choose the Shira Route
- Less Crowded – Compared to some other routes, the Shira Route sees fewer trekkers, providing a more intimate experience with nature and a quieter, less crowded trail.
- Diverse Landscapes – The Shira Route offers a unique blend of landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid alpine deserts, giving trekkers a diverse and captivating journey.
- Personalized Experience – With fewer trekkers on the route, you can enjoy a more personalized and immersive experience, connecting with nature and the mountain on a deeper level.
8 DAY SHIRA ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Shira Gate to Simba Camp
In about 4 hours, we travel from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where we will complete entry procedures while our guides and porters prepare our gear. After that, we carry on driving up a challenging path until we reach the Shira Gate, where the hike will start. We begin the trek through bushes and enormous heather in order to get to Simba Camp.
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Health
DAY 2 – Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp
To aid in acclimatization, today is a fairly easy day. The grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau are the first places we look. Before settling at Shira 2 Camp, we follow a picturesque path to the Shira Cathedral, a sizable rock buttress surrounded by sharp spires and pinnacles.
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Health
DAY 3 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
We continue eastward along a ridge before turning southeastward in the direction of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation. We descend to an elevation of 13,000 feet before entering the strange but lovely Senecio Forest. Even though you start and end each day at the same elevation, spending time at a higher altitude helps your body adjust to the higher altitude.
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 3 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We start the day by making our way down a ravine to the Great Barranco Wall’s base. Then we ascend the nearly 900-foot cliff, which is not technically difficult. We travel through a number of hills and valleys after leaving the top of the Barranco Wall before making a sharp turn into the Karanga Valley. We have one more steep ascent before we reach Karanga Camp. Acclimatization is the goal of today’s shorter day.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After leaving Karanga, we arrive at the intersection where the Mweka Trail joins it. We keep going up the rocky slope to Barafu Hut. You have now finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from a variety of angles. We set up camp here, take a nap, and eat a leisurely dinner before the summit day. From here, one can see Mawenzi and Kibo, the two peaks.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 6 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
We start the ascent very early in the morning (around midnight). The hardest part of the trek both physically and mentally is this section. At this altitude and time of day, the wind and cold can be very strong. We climb in the dark for several hours, stopping frequently but only briefly. You will be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise you are ever likely to see approaching Mawenzi Peak close to Stella Point (18,900 feet). Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, which is both Mount Kilimanjaro’s and Africa’s highest point.
We now begin our descent from the summit, going straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite while stopping at Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles are helpful because the trail is very rocky and can be quite taxing on the knees. Due to its location in the upper forest, Mweka Camp may experience late-afternoon mist or rain. We have our final meal on the mountain later in the evening before a well-earned rest.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
We continue the descent to Mweka Gate on our final day, where we pick up the summit certificates. It might be muddy and wet at lower altitudes. We travel another hour to Mweka Village from the gate. We’ll be picked up by a car at Mweka Village and taken back to our Moshi hotel.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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