8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Shira Route
The Shira Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded trails to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, offering perfect views. Unlike other routes, the trek begins at a higher altitude on the Shira Plateau, giving trekkers early access to beautiful landscapes and panoramic mountain views.
This 8 days Shira Route is designed for comfort, luxury, and personalized service, combining professional guidance, high-quality camping equipment, and exceptional meals prepared by expert mountain chefs with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Full Day in Arusha National Park.
Day 3: Londorosi Gate to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp–Moir Camp (4200 m).
Day 5: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m).
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m).
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—Descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Your safari begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted by our VIP representative from Nyumbu Beyond Journeys. And then be transferred in a private luxury vehicle to your five-star hotel in Arusha.
Upon your arrival you will check in and enjoy your lunch depending on the time of your arrival or enjoy a massage, a pool, or explore the gardens of your lodge. Later dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant, with international and local dishes and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Full Day in Arusha National Park.
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast you will meet your safari guide and then spend a full day in Arusha National Park. This park is one of the hidden treasures of climbing for many climbers, and it is truly spectacular with a variety of wildlife and scenery in Tanzania. You will join a guided game drive to spot giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and colobus monkeys, as well as flamingos around the Momella Lakes.
A lovely bush lunch will take place at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Mount Meru. In the evening, we will return you to your hotel to relax and repack for your climb tomorrow.
Day 3: Londorosi Gate to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
After breakfast, you will link up with several of the local trek teams and drive for about 3–4 hours to the Londorosi Gate to register and hear a safety briefing from park rangers. The drive is very beautiful as it takes you through coffee farms as well as rural villages and gives you a taste of life in the Tanzanian countryside. From Londorosi, you will continue to drive higher up the mountain in a 4×4 to the Shira Plateau, which is known as one of the highest plateaus in the world. The trek will commence with a leisurely hike walking across the plateau, through open moorland, where you will have stunning views of Shira Ridge in the distance. You will arrive at Shira 1 Camp mid-afternoon, and you will enjoy a warm meal waiting for you in your luxurious mountain tent.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp–Moir Camp (4200 m).
Your journey today will continue across the sublime Shira Plateau. We will gently ascend into moorland and volcanic rock, with mind-blowing views of Mount Meru in the distance. You will have the chance to see extraordinary alpine plants such as giant lobelias and everlasting flowers. After lunch on the trail, you will walk toward Moir Camp, which is set into the dramatic lava ridge formation. Upon arriving at camp, you will be able to stretch your legs with a short acclimatization walk above the campsite to help your body get used to higher altitudes. Your VIP chef will prepare you a gourmet dinner, and in the evening, you will cozy up in the spacious heated tent.
Day 5: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,960 m).
After breakfast, you’ll continue your climb towards the Lava Tower (4,600 m), a dramatic volcanic structure where you’ll stop for lunch. This part of the hike is exhausting, but it helps your body acclimatize as you are at a higher altitude and then will descend again.
After Lava Tower, you’ll descend into the lovely Barranco Valley, one of the prettiest parts of Kilimanjaro. The valley is full of towering groundsels and senecios, and Kibo Peak views are mesmerizing. By the late afternoon you will arrive at the Barranco Camp, where your crew will have your tent set up with a warm towel and hot tea.
Day 6: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m).
After breakfast, you’ll ascend the renowned Barranco Wall, an exhilarating but attainable climb that provides arguably the most spectacular views on the mountain. After reaching the summit, you’ll traverse a sequence of ridges and valleys and marvel at the marvelous views of Heim Glacier and the southern ice fields.
You’ll arrive at Karanga Camp just before lunchtime. The rest of the day is for rest and acclimatization; your team will have all details addressed, from warm drinks to heated sleeping mats, to provide the greatest comfort possible at altitude.
Day 7: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m).
The trek continues to the Barafu Camp, which is the final base before the summit push. The scenery continues to become more rugged and barren as you enter the alpine desert zone. Once in Barafu Camp, you’ll be able to relax and have a hot lunch, and you will receive a specific briefing of what to expect for summit day tomorrow.
You’ll have an early dinner, and then you’ll have time to rest before starting your midnight ascent to the Roof of Africa. This will produce some excitement as you prepare for your final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 8: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—Descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Your summit attempt will begin at approximately midnight. While with the headlamps, you’ll ascend slowly while being led by your expert team. It’s cold and the air is thin, but you’ll keep moving with determination and teamwork.
Approaching in the morning, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756 m) as the golden sunrise highlights the nearby glaciers. From here, it’s a short climb to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. You’ll celebrate your incredible experience, take pictures, and enjoy standing on the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. After, you’ll descend back down to Mweka Camp, where your team will greet you with warm drinks and congratulations.
End of 8 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Shira Route
What is Included in the Package?
Private transfers to/from the airport (arrival and departure).
Two nights’ stay in a luxury hotel in Arusha (before and after the climb).
All fees for permits and taxes are by the government.
Highly trained, English-speaking mountain guides and porters.
Our VIP camping setup includes a spacious private-sized tent, a dining tent, a portable toilet, and some chairs.
All meals on the mountain are prepared by our professional chef.
Hot water bottles and sleeping bags.
All drinking water, soft drinks, and daily snacks.
First aid kit and oxygen cylinder (for emergencies).
Rescue fees and permits for the mountain
What Is Not Included.
International flight to Tanzania and visa for Tanzania.
Personal trekking gear (boots, poles, and thermal wear).
Gratuity for guides, porters, and cooks.
Insurance for travel and medical.
Alcoholic beverages and personal consumption.
