Shira Route –
gateway to the giants
Starting near the Shira Plateau, this route offers immediate high-altitude scenery and a true sense of wilderness. Perfect for those who want to avoid the lower forest and immerse in alpine beauty.
Above the clouds
Shira is a route for those who seek the dramatic. You are driven to a high altitude, then trek across the ancient Shira Plateau, with Kibo looming ahead. The views are simply unparalleled.
JRO → Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport. Your personal host welcomes you and transfers you to your luxury lodge in Arusha. Relax, meet your guide, and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight at Arusha Planet Lodge (BB).
Londorosi Gate → Shira I
Drive to Londorosi Gate, then a short 4WD transfer to Morum Barrier. Trek through heath to Shira I camp (3,600m). (B,L,D)
Shira I → Shira II
Walk across the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru. Arrive at Shira II camp (3,850m). (B,L,D)
Shira II → Moir Camp
Short but rewarding trek to Moir Camp (4,200m). Afternoon walk to Cathedral Point for superb acclimatisation and panoramic views. (B,L,D)
Moir Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatisation, then descend into the lush Barranco Valley. Camp at Barranco (3,950m). (B,L,D)
Barranco → Karanga → Barafu
Climb the Barranco Wall, traverse the Karanga Valley, and ascend to Barafu Camp (4,673m). Rest and prepare for summit night. (B,L,D)
Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka
Start around midnight: ascend to Stella Point (5,756m) then Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the roof of Africa! Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m). (B,L,D)
Mweka Camp → Gate → Arusha
Descend through forest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Arusha for a hot shower and soft bed. (B,L)
Departure or safari extension
Transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your flight home – or extend your journey with a luxury safari or Zanzibar beach escape. (B)
📝 Important notes
- • Porter pack weight limit: 15kg (35lbs). Extra porter $8/day for overweight.
- • Extra luggage can be stored at your Arusha hotel (valuables on receipt).
- • Arrive a day earlier to acclimate: add $80 single / $100 double / $150 triple (BB).
- • Optional Arusha NP day trip: $180pp (2+ pax), plus $35 for hiking.
✓ Price includes
- — Arrival/departure transfers JRO–Arusha
- — Transport Arusha–mountain–Arusha
- — Park permits, camping fees, rescue, VAT
- — Guide, assistant guides, cook, porters
- — 2 nights Arusha Planet Lodge (BB)
- — All meals on mountain, boiled water
- — Sleeping tent, pad, dining tent, tables/chairs
- — Emergency oxygen, oximeter
- — Group average 4–6, max 10 climbers
✕ Price does not include
- — International airfare
- — Visa, passport, personal items
- — Climbing gear rentals
- — Tips for crew
- — Medical equipment (hyperbaric chamber $250/group, stretcher $140/group)
- — Portable toilet ($110/person or $180/group)
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