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The Shira Route is one of the lesser-known but more scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route starts on the western side of the mountain and is known for its rugged and remote terrain, making it a great choice for experienced hikers seeking a more challenging climb. So, before the climbing can begin, you drive to Shira Ridge, bypassing the rainforest zone which you hike on the Lemosho route. You then link up with the Lemosho route on the evening of day 2 at Shira 2 Camp.
Arrive in Tanzania: You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you will have a pre-climb briefing with your guide and have a chance to rest before the climb.
After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi/Arusha and driven to the Shira Gate, where you'll complete registration and meet your porters and guide. The hike starts through the rainforest and gradually climbs up to Shira 1 Camp, which is at an elevation of 11,500 feet (3,505 meters). You'll cover a distance of approximately 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) and it should take around 5-7 hours to complete.
The second day involves a steady climb through the moorland zone, with stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. You'll reach Shira 2 Camp, which is at an elevation of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters), after about 3-5 hours of hiking. The distance covered on this day is approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers). .
This is a challenging day as you climb to an altitude of 15,190 feet (4,630 meters) at Lava Tower before descending to Barranco Camp at 13,044 feet (3,976 meters) for the night. The distance covered on this day is approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) and it should take around 7-9 hours to complete.
The day begins with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall, which offers stunning views of the Southern Glacier and the Kibo summit. You'll then continue through the Karanga Valley before reaching Karanga Camp, which is at an elevation of 13,106 feet (3,995 meters). The distance covered on this day is approximately 4 miles (6 kilometers) and it should take around 4-6 hours to complete.
The route becomes steeper and more challenging as you climb to Barafu Camp, which is at an altitude of 15,239 feet (4,645 meters). This is the final camp before the summit push, and you'll need to rest and prepare for the early morning start the next day. The distance covered on this day is approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) and it should take around 3-5 hours to complete.
You'll start the summit push at around midnight, reaching the summit at sunrise after about 6-8 hours of climbing. Uhuru Peak is the highest point on the African continent, at an altitude of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). After taking in the views, you'll start the descent back down to Barafu Camp before continuing down to Mweka Camp, which is at an elevation of 10,065 feet (3,067 meters). The distance covered on this day is approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) and it should take around 12-16 hours to complete.
The final day involves a descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll sign out and receive your summit
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Know More
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is during the dry seasons,
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with risks, including altitude sickness.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a physically demanding activity, requiring a lot of energy and endurance.
