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Shira Route

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Shira’s Majestic Ascent

The Shira Route offers a scenic and adventurous path to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Starting at a higher elevation, it’s ideal for experienced hikers seeking a challenging ascent. Over eight days, traverse diverse landscapes, from the lush rainforest to the alpine desert, with spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and surrounding peaks. This route provides excellent acclimatization opportunities and a rewarding journey to Uhuru Peak.

Benefits

Quality Assurance

We inspect every lodge and park to ensure they meet our high standards before inclusion.

Certified Operator

As a certified operator, we guarantee safe and reliable travel experiences for every guest.

Thoughtful Itineraries

Each itinerary is crafted with care to match your preferences and provide unforgettable experiences.

Premium Vehicles

Travel in comfort with our carefully selected, well-maintained vehicles for your entire journey.

Shira Route Day by Day

Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 3,500m to 3,630m
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 2 - 3 hours
The trek begins with a drive to Shira Gate, the starting point. Hike through open heathlands with views of the Shira Plateau. The short trek helps you acclimatize as you reach Simba Camp for your first overnight stay.

Umbwe Routes Itinearary

Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,630m to 3,900m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Trek across the expansive Shira Plateau, enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the surrounding landscapes. The trail is relatively flat, making this day an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp and rest.

6 dAYS kILIMANJARO Umbwe routes

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,900m to 3,950m
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours
Today involves a challenging ascent to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy aids acclimatization. Enjoy dramatic views of the Western Breach and the towering Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
Start the day by scaling the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable climb. The trail continues through the Karanga Valley with beautiful landscapes and impressive views of the summit. Spend the night at Karanga Camp.

Tanzania Experience, 6 Days Private Treks

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
The trek continues with a steady climb through rocky terrain to Barafu Camp. This is your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the final ascent later that night.

Umbwe routes - Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 12 - 15 hours
Begin the summit push around midnight, trekking through the night under a starlit sky. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, celebrating your achievement at the roof of Africa. Descend back to Barafu Camp and continue to Mweka Camp for the night.

Kilimanjaro 8 Days Lemosho Route

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Your final trek descends through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a certificate for your successful climb. Afterward, return to Moshi or Arusha to rest and celebrate your accomplishment.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Routes - Climbers

Shira Route Day by Day

Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 3,500m to 3,630m
Distance: 4km
Hiking Time: 2 - 3 hours
The trek begins with a drive to Shira Gate, the starting point. Hike through open heathlands with views of the Shira Plateau. The short trek helps you acclimatize as you reach Simba Camp for your first overnight stay.

Umbwe Routes Itinearary

Day 2: Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Elevation: 3,630m to 3,900m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Trek across the expansive Shira Plateau, enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Meru and the surrounding landscapes. The trail is relatively flat, making this day an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp and rest.

6 dAYS kILIMANJARO Umbwe routes

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Elevation: 3,900m to 3,950m
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours
Today involves a challenging ascent to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending to Barranco Camp. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy aids acclimatization. Enjoy dramatic views of the Western Breach and the towering Barranco Wall.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m
Distance: 6km
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
Start the day by scaling the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet manageable climb. The trail continues through the Karanga Valley with beautiful landscapes and impressive views of the summit. Spend the night at Karanga Camp.

Tanzania Experience, 6 Days Private Treks

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours
The trek continues with a steady climb through rocky terrain to Barafu Camp. This is your base camp for the summit attempt. Rest and prepare for the final ascent later that night.

Umbwe routes - Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
Distance: 15km
Hiking Time: 12 - 15 hours
Begin the summit push around midnight, trekking through the night under a starlit sky. Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, celebrating your achievement at the roof of Africa. Descend back to Barafu Camp and continue to Mweka Camp for the night.

Kilimanjaro 8 Days Lemosho Route

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Your final trek descends through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a certificate for your successful climb. Afterward, return to Moshi or Arusha to rest and celebrate your accomplishment.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Routes - Climbers

7 Days Shira Route

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Safari Highlights

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Umbwe Route suitable for beginners?
No, it’s best for experienced hikers due to its steep terrain and rapid ascent.
The success rate is lower compared to other routes because of limited acclimatization time.

The dry seasons, from June to October and December to February, offer the best conditions.

It’s one of the most challenging routes, requiring excellent fitness and determination.
Proper hiking boots, layered clothing, a sleeping bag, and a daypack are crucial.

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