9 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Shira Route
The Shira Route is one of the most stunning and scenic routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the highest mountain in Africa. The Shira route starts at a higher elevation on the western side of the mountain, allowing beautiful views and a slower, regulated ascent higher up the mountain. This 9-day standard package gives climbers sufficient time to take in the beautiful environments from tropical forest to alpine desert and experience the thrill of standing on the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Tour Highlights.
Day 1: Arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Londorosi Gate to the Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Moir Camp (4,200 m).
Day 4: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m).
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000 m).
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680 m).
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and then down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Day 8: Trek from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
Day 9: Departure Day.
Detailed itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport—Transfer to Your Hotel in Arusha.
On your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. After the transfer, you will have time to settle in and later meet your mountain guide for a complete briefing about the climb. The briefing includes checking your gear and a discussion on safety procedures. You will also have ample time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, preparing yourself for the adventure to come.
Day 2: Londorosi Gate to the Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m).
After breakfast you will drive from Arusha through small charming villages and coffee plantations to reach the Londorosi Gate for registration. After registering, you will take a short drive to the Shira Plateau, which is one of the most scenic areas on Kilimanjaro. Your journey will start by walking over the grassy moorlands as you enjoy the extraordinary views of Mount Meru in the background.
The first day’s hiking is easy-going, so you can acclimatize to the height. After 4 to 5 hours of walking, you will reach Shira 1 Camp, which is situated on a large plateau with outstanding views of Kibo Peak. In the evening, you can again watch the sunset over the mountain, and you will be served another delicious hot meal prepared by your mountain chef.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Moir Camp (4,200 m).
The trek will continue across the Shira Plateau, one of the best parts of the mountain, and today we will walk a little higher across the plateau, which will take us through heather and moorland with stunning views of the volcano. You will have the chance to see some spectacular alpine plants, such as the giant lobelia and everlasting flowers.
As we gain elevation, we will reach Moir Camp, tucked underneath dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Moir Camp is a quiet, less-crowded camp that is good for acclimatization. After lunch, we will take a short acclimatization walk up a ridge nearby before we come back to dinner and sleep.
Day 4: Moir Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950 m).
This is one of the most important acclimatization walks on the route. After breakfast, we will go up and arrive at Lava Tower (4,600 m), a huge volcanic rock formation. This climb allows your body to acclimatize to the higher altitude, and we will hang out at Lava Tower for lunch and then start to descend slowly to Barranco Camp in a protected spot below the awesome Barranco Wall.
The “climb high, sleep low” system is very good for acclimatization, and the descent into the Barranco Valley has stunning views of Kibo’s glaciers, along with the barren terrain of the western slopes.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,000 m).
The trek begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, an exhilarating and rewarding portion of the climb. The wall looks steep from below, but your guides will actively help throughout, and it is a safe, clearly marked path. When you reach the top of the wall, there will be incredible views of the valley below, with Mount Meru visible to the east.
After the wall, the day involves an easy hike on rolling hills and through valleys into Karanga Camp. You will arrive before lunch and spend the afternoon resting or taking a short acclimatization hike. This camp gets you ready for the final few days of the trek.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,680 m).
After breakfast, you will continue the climb toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp before your ascent toward the summit the following day. The hike is gradual but gains altitude consistently and passes through rocky terrain with limited vegetation. As you approach Barafu, the views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks are stunning.
At Barafu Camp, we’ll enjoy an early dinner, and you can rest while your guides review the plan of attack for your summit attempt, which will begin at about midnight. Excitement and anticipation will certainly build as you prepare yourselves for the most difficult and rewarding aspect of the climb.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and then down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
This is the most thrilling and strenuous day of the trek! Your wake-up call is around midnight, and you will begin your slow, steady ascent under a starry sky. You will be climbing steep switchbacks toward Stella Point (5,739 m) on the rim of the glacier’s upper lap. From there, it is just a short, level walk over to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
There is nothing like standing on top of the world and watching the sun rise over the African continent. After photo opportunities and celebration of your accomplishment, you will make your way back to Barafu Camp for a rest and breakfast and continue the descent to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 8: Trek from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,650 m).
After breakfast, you will make your final descent through this spectacular rainforest of bird songs and brilliant vegetation. The trek will take approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate commemorating your successful climbing expedition to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Once at the gate, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower, hearty meal, and well-deserved relaxation.
Day 9: Departure Day.
After breakfast, you will have the morning free to relax or explore Arusha before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight. This will conclude your 9 days on the Shira Route Kilimanjaro tour with memories and personal accomplishments that will last a lifetime with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys.
End of 9 Days Kilimanjaro Hike Via Shira Route
