8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro – Shira Route

The Shira Route is one of the lesser-used trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, perfect for those wishing for privacy.

Itinerary at a Glance

The Shira Route is one of the lesser-used trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, making it perfect for those wishing to avoid large numbers of climbers on the first few days. The route passes through some of the best parts of the forest before winding across the Shira Plateau, the highlight of many climbers’ expeditions.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Moshi – Shira Hut

Depart from the hotel after breakfast for the 8-day Shira Route Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. The journey to the Shira Gate is entirely by vehicle. After arriving at the park gate, embark on a 4-hour hike to reach the Shira Plateau, where you will have dinner and spend the night in the camp at an elevation of 3000 meters.

Day 2: Shira Plateau – Shira Hut

Commence the early morning hike to Shira Hut after having breakfast. This hike typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, with a lunch break along the way. Your day concludes at Shira Hut, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at an elevation of 3700 meters.

Day 3: Shira Hut – Lava Tower

On this day, there’s no need to start very early, as the hike is relatively short, lasting only about 3 hours. You’ll spend the night at Lava Tower Camp, situated at an elevation of 4400 meters.

Day 4: Lava Tower – Barranco

This is a relatively short day, during which you’ll descend to Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3800 meters. This descent helps with acclimatization for the upcoming summit attempt. You will have dinner at Baranco Camp and spend the night there.

Day 5: Barranco – Karanga Valley

After breakfast, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall and then continue to Karanga Valley for lunch. Following a day of hiking, you’ll have dinner and spend the night at Karanga Valley, situated at an altitude of 3900 meters.

.Due to water shortage in the other camp, we will need to carry water from Karanga Valley, and lunch will be on the route. After arriving at Barafu Camp at an elevation of 4600 meters, you will have dinner, and this is the point where you’ll prepare your gear for the summit. The summit attempt begins at midnight, so you’ll wake up at 11:00 p.m., and the goal is to reach Uhuru Peak by 6:30 a.m.

Day 7: Barafu – Mweka Hut

Following breakfast at Barafu Camp, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp. At Mweka Camp, you’ll have dinner and spend the night. This descent marks the end of your Kilimanjaro climb.

Day 8: Mweka Hut – Mweka Gate

Your last day on the 8 Days Shira Route Mount Kilimanjaro adventure will begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. After breakfast, you’ll descend to Mweka Gate. From there, you’ll arrange transportation to either Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your memorable journey on the Shira Route..