6 Days Shira Route
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Overview
6 Days Shira Route
Climbing Tanzania
The 6-Days Shira Route is one of the less crowded and scenic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the western side of the mountain at the Shira Gate, this route offers trekkers stunning views and diverse landscapes, including the Shira Plateau, moorlands, and alpine deserts. The gradual ascent provides excellent acclimatization opportunities, making it a great choice for those looking to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. The low traffic and great scenic vistas make this Kilimanjaro Shira Route a great choice for adventure seekers.
Day By Day Itinerary
6 Days Shira Route
For Real Adventure
01 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Shira Gate to Shira 2 Camp
The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes about 3 hours. We hike through the rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Shira Camp. An overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
- Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 3850m/12,600ft
- Distance: 8km/5 mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
02 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Hike Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue 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. An overnight at Barranco Camp.
- Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 10km/6 mi
- Walking Time: 5-6 hours
03 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. An overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
04 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. An overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2 mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
05 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Hike Barafu Camp to the Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain. An overnight at Mweka Camp.
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft, down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
06 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing
Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Day By Day Map & Navigation
6 Days Shira Route Map For Real Adventure
Inclusion & Exclusion
6 Days Shira Route Itinerary
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