Shira Route
The Shira Route, an infrequently traveled path, commences near Shira Ridge and closely mirrors the Lemosho route. In actuality, Shira was the original trail, while Lemosho represents an enhanced version.
Despite the scenic diversity of the Shira Route, it is less preferred compared to its counterpart, primarily due to the elevated starting point at Shira, easily accessible by vehicle. Climbers may potentially encounter altitude-related symptoms on the initial day when camping at an elevation of 11,800 feet.
This route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, involving a lengthy drive from Arusha to Shira Ridge. The vehicle avoids the rainforest zone, and the hiking trail initiates on Shira Ridge. The Shira route traverses the entirety of the Shira Plateau from west to east, presenting a pleasant and relatively flat hike. Subsequently, it follows the Southern Circuit beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field before reaching the summit from Barafu. The descent is undertaken via the Mweka route.
Route Highlights
- Not great for acclimatization,
- Success rate – 80% for 6 days and 87% for 7 days,
- Beautiful scenery.
- Distance -57 km.
- Duration- 6 or 7 or 8 days.
8 DAY SHIRA ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Arrival
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to Arusha to check in at the hotel. After resting for the whole night, the climb manager and expendition leader will gather you kilimajaro breifing and equipment checkup.
DAY 2 – Arusha to Shira One Camp
Overview
- Hours of driving – 3 hours of driving londronsi gate.
- Elevation ot the starting point – 3400m.
- Name of the camp- shira one camp.
- Elevation of the next destination – 3610m
- Total elevation gain of the day-210m.
- Ecological zone/habitat – moorland.
- Hiking time -2 to 3 hours.
- Distance -3km.
- Water-minimum 2 liters maximum 3liters.
- Lunch – saved at the gate.
Proceed to the Londorossi National Park Gate to complete the registration process. The journey begins by traversing farmland and plantations, leading to drive through shrub forests to reach the rim of Shira Plateau. The day concludes at Shira One, located at 3550m/11,646ft, after 3-4 hours of walking.
DAY 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut Camp
Overview
- Hiking from shira one to moir camp.
- The elevation of the starting point is 3610m.
- The elevation of the next camp 4200m.
- Elevation gain is 590m.
- Hiking time – 5 to 7 hours.
- Distance – 10km.
- Ecological zone –moorland and alpine desert.
- How to back in your backpack – rain gear, one or two of energy bars. Two liters of water, sun hat, neck gaiters, your passport, your wallet, your small first aid kit
Description
After breakfast and ample relaxation, embark on a steady climb to reach Moir Hut Camp at 4200 m. Despite the strenuous effort, the evening promises breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the remarkable scenery.
DAY 4 – Moir Hut Camp to Baranco Camp
Overview
- Hiking from moir camp to baranco camp via lava tower for lunch stop.
- The elevation starting is 4200m.
- The elevation of the next camp is 3940m.
- Elevation gain of the day is 600m, lunch point is 4600m.
- Hiking time is 5 to 8 hours.
- Distance is 8km.
- Attractions of the day are the rock pedestal, an amazing view of shira plateau, shark tooth, lava tower, ocean of clouds, unusual plants know as giant senecio and lobelia deckenii and glacial valleys.
- Ecological zones are alpine desert and moor land.
- How to pack in your backpack –rain gear, water, wallet, passport, few energy bars, small first aid kit.
Description
Experience another climbing challenge as you ascend to Barranco Camp. Take in panoramic views of moorland plateaus and climb to Lava Tower (4550 m) before descending to the bottom of the impressive Barranco Valley (3940 m). Spend the night at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Overview
- Hiking from baranco to karanga camp.
- The elevation of the starting is 3940.
- The elevation of the next camp is 3995m.
- The elevation gain of the day is 260m.
- Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours.
- Distance is 6km.
- Ecological zone is alpine desert.
- Acclimatization hike – absent.
- How to pack in your backpack –rain gear, water, wallet, passport, few energy bars, small first aid kit.
- Attractions of the day are –greate barranco wall, southern ice field, glacial valleys,mount meru view, ocean of clouds, giant senecio and lobelia plants.
Description
After breakfast, we start the day by scaling the Baranco wall for about 2 hours, on top of Baranco wall you’ll take the long break for half an hour. This will give you enough time to suck in the beautful view from the top of baranco wall. Therefore descending to Karanga Camp. Luch, diner and Overnight.
DAY 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Overview
- Hiking from karanga camp to barafu camp.
- The elevation of the starting point is 3995m.
- The elevation of the next camp is 4673m.
- Elevation gain of the day is 678m.
- Hiking time 3 to 4 hours,
- Distance -4km.
- Ecological zone/ habitat – alpine desert.
- Acclimatization hike – absent or present.
- How to pack in your backpack –rain gear, water, wallet, passport, few energy bars, small first aid kit.
- Attractions – glacial valleys, battress windows, ringing rocks as know as sonorous rocks or lithophonic rocks, are rocks that resonate like a bell when struck, and mawenzi peak.
Description
After getting to Barafu camp, you sit for lunch, therefore summit briefing and summit gear checkup. Resting for the rest of the day. Dinner and go back to sleep for couple hours before heading to the summit.
Day 7 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) and Mweka Camp (3100)
Overview
- Please please note that is gonna be the long day, think about 14 to 16 hours.
- Hiking from barafu camp to uhuru peak (the summit of mount kilimanjaro).
- Elevation of the starting point -4673m.
- The elevation of uhuru peak (the summit of kilimanjaro) – 5895m.
- The elevation gain to uhuru peak -1222m.
- Hiking time to the summit- 6 to 8 hours.
- Hiking time to back barafu camp for branch/lunch -3 to 4 hours.
- Hiking time to milenium camp or mweka camp- 4 to 5hours.
- Distance to uhuru peak from barafu to uhuru peak -5km.
- Distance from uhuru peak to barafu camp – 5km.
- Distance to millenium camp- 3.5km.
- Distance to mweka camp -7km.
- Ecological zone- arctic zone to the top, below 5000m are alpine desert zone and moor land.
- How to dress for the summit ascend – the expedition leader will explain on how to dress up for the summit after checking your summiting gear.
- How to pack in your backpack –rain gear, water, wallet, passport, few energy bars, small first aid kit, extra fleece, sun hat, sunscreen and cameras, any identity to take pictures with it like the national of flag your country, t-shirt from where you are working, the flag from your company, pictures from love’s one – etc.
Description
Embark on the summit climb early in the morning. After getting at the rim of the crater (Stella Point – 5756m/1886ft). You’ll stop for a quick short-break, therefore proceed to Uhuru peak. On top of the mountain you will spend roughly half an hour savoring the landscape and taking photos before descending to Barafu camp/Mweka Camp.
DAY 8- Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to the Hotel
Overview
- Hiking down from mweka camp to mweka gate, then get certificate then drive back to the hotel.
- Hiking time-3 to 4 hours.
- Distance -10km.
- Ecological zone –rainforest zone.
- Say farewell to the porters at the gate.
Description
In the morning, trek to Mweka Gate, receive your climbing certificate, say farewell to your mountain team, and return to the Hotel. Check into your hotel and reflect on the incredible experience.
DAY 9 – Departure or Explore Other Options
Climbing cost includes
- Hotel before & after the climb.
- Meals on the climb.
- Camping equipment like – tents, chairs, tables, sleeping mattress.
- Professional expedition leaders, guides, cooks, waiter and porters.
- All park fees and taxes.
- Portable toilet.
- All transfers.
- Dedicated supporting team.( best guides, best cooks and best porters)
- Safety equipment like –
- Oxygen tanks,
- Portable stretchers.
- Pulse oxmiters,
- Portable Altitude Chamber for the creator camp and northern circuit.
- Evacuation report forms.
- Stethoscope for checking pulmonary edema.
- Fully- loaded medical kits.
Climbing cost excludes
- International flights.
- Tips to the climbing team.
- Visa fees.
- Personal gear rentals.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and dinner in the hotel.
- Drinks in the hotel.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the Length of the Machame Route?
The Machame route covers a distance of approximately 62 km or 37 miles, with a total elevation gain ranging from approximately 16,000 to 17,000 feet.
How Many Days Does it Take to Ascend Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
The Machame route offers various options and can be completed in 6 to 7 days.
How Challenging is the Climb of Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
Considered a challenging route due to its considerable distance and elevation gain, the Machame route involves strenuous ascents and descents. Despite this, its well-structured acclimatization schedule positions it as a moderately difficult route.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro using the Machame Route?
Success rates are contingent on the duration spent on the mountain. Across all operators, it’s estimated that 6-day Machame climbs boast a success rate of approximately 50%, while 7-day Machame climbs achieve around 70%. Our 6-day Machame route enjoys a success rate of approximately 90%, and the 7-day Machame route reaches an impressive 98% success rate.
What is the Cost of Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route?
The cost varies based on the duration of the climb. Currently, our pricing for a group ascent on the 7-day Machame route is $2,699 per person. Explore all our pricing details here.
Other Routes
Marangu Route
6 days + 2 Night at the hotel
Machame Route
7 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Lemosho Route
7 days + 2 night at the hotel
Shira Route
8 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Northern Circuit
9 days + 2 night at the hotel
Rongai Route
6 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Umbwe Route
6 days + 2 night at the hotel
Crater Camp Route
8 days + 2 nights at the hotel
Mount Meru Hiking
4 days
Kilimanjaro climb
3 days