What is unique about this route is that the first section of the trail is not hiked, but rather driven. It is sometimes called the Lemosho Route because it runs parallel to the Lemosho Route at the beginning but begins much higher up. Therefore, climbers using the Kilimanjaro Shira route will miss out on hiking up one of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones, the rain forest but still, it’s one of the most challenging routes of the mountain.
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and climb poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Shira 2 Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we proceed to the east up a ridge, passing the intersection towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South-East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second intersection which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now proceed down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
After early breakfast, we leave Barranco and proceed on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp
We resume up to the Barafu Camp. Here we would have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from different views. Then we make camp here, rest, enjoy our dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
Very early in the morning at around 4 am or earlier commences the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim. As we continue, we now ascend to the Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa also known as the roof of Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn which may also be an amazing place for you to take a picture at the summit to show your family and friends. Then from here, we descend, stopping for lunch and a little bit of rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “twende pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Duration: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
After an early breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue the descend through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet, muddy sometimes slippery. Gaiters and climbing poles will help greatly. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be okay to wear but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. It is time for a huge celebration for reaching the roof of Africa!
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
All accommodations per itinerary
All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)
All transportation and transfers per itinerary
National Park gate fees
Transport from Moshi to trailhead and return to Moshi
Camping fees
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
Salaries for all crew members
Rescue fees (as required by the national park)
Tents, foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and eating utensils
Oximeters
Emergency Oxygen (2L canister)
International and domestic flights
Meals not listed
Beverages and alcohol
Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff
Optional tours
Single room supplement
Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $550-800/person)
Sleeping bags and personal gear
$50 for a single tent
Low season discount in April/May
Special Kilimanjaro guide with Wilderness First Responder certification
Personal porter for carrying a day pack
Food resupply (once on a climb)
Solar panel for charging USB devices (charges battery, which charges devices)
Solar lights
Hyperbaric pressure bag
Portable toilet (1 per 5 people)
Camp shower (1 per 5 people)
Large comfortable dining tent
Dining chairs with backs and arms
Hot lunches on the mountain
Solar lighting in the dining tent and personal tent
Camp pillow
Extra sleeping pad or 1 double-thick pad
Filtered water with Katadyn filter
Kilimanjaro map for the group
Celebration dinner at the hotel after returning from the climb
Walk-in tent (4-person, 4-season) for 2 people
Camp beds
Resupply of fresh food (2-3 times on trek)
Hot water bottle for a sleeping bag
Private emergency stretcher
East Africa is a dream destination in every sense – home to unforgettable wild animals and extraordinary scenic beauty. We travel the length and breadth of every destination we recommend to make sure that our advice is based on firsthand experience.
