6 DAYS SHIRA ROUTE KILIMANJARO TREKKING

6 Days Rongai route

Overview

The 6-day Shira Route begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, located on the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. From there, the path leads you to the famous Shira Plateau, a stunning location that marks the start of your journey through diverse climate zones—from lush alpine meadows to the snow-capped, frozen landscapes of the summit. The climb on the Lemosho Route is smooth and gradual, providing an ideal pace for acclimatization. This gradual ascent contributes to the route’s highest success rate for summiting Kilimanjaro.
For the 6-day and 7-day Lemosho programs, climbers are dropped off at an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) by an off-road vehicle to begin the hike. This high-altitude start is designed to optimize the acclimatization process, as starting at a higher elevation can ease the body’s transition to the mountain’s increasing altitude.

What to Expect

On the 6-day Shira Route, you’ll experience a relatively gentle ascent with plenty of time to adjust to the mountain’s altitude. The route is known for its gradual progression, which maximizes the chances of a successful summit. As you trek, you’ll pass through different ecosystems, each with its own beauty, including lush rainforests, vibrant alpine meadows, and the stark, icy terrain near the summit.
Starting the trek at a higher altitude (3,500 meters) allows you to adapt more quickly, as the body has time to adjust before reaching higher elevations. The route offers exceptional scenic views, with the Shira Plateau being one of the highlights of the climb. Throughout the journey, you’ll be treated to diverse landscapes and panoramic vistas, all while following one of the most scenic and less-crowded routes on Kilimanjaro.
This route is ideal for climbers who want a balance of an achievable pace, scenic beauty, and a high summit success rate. The 6-day program ensures a steady climb without the need for excessive strain, making it a popular choice for those looking to summit with a higher chance of success.

Tour Plan

Arrival in Tanzania - Transfer from Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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 South East 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.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Climbing Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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. 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.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to 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
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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 all the way 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.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
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).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

The Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safari team will ensure that your dream of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro becomes a reality.

PRICE INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Standard Included & Excludes.

Includes For Standard Trekking

✔ Oxygen Cylinder
✔ Medically qualified guides
✔ Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
✔ Midrange accommodations before & after the climb, bed & breakfast basis, double occupancy (Key’s Hotel, Nguchiro Palace Hotel)
✔ Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
✔ Pick up and drop off to the Airport (Private transfers)
✔ Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees.
✔ Government tax (18% VAT ON TOUR FEE AND SERVICE)
✔ Mobile toilet
✔ Mountain climbing certificate
✔ Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
✔ Fair Wages for the mountain crew as approved by Kilimanjaro national park Authority, and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour operator (KIATO)
✔ 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs/ 13.6 Kgs. of your personal gear.
✔ 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
✔ Mess tent, tables, chairs, double layer sleeping bag -250 C, 3 inches thick mattress and trekking poles.
✔ All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
✔ As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
✔ Hot water for washing up daily.

Luxury Included & Excludes.

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Rongai route

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Northern Circuit Route

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