Shira Gate — Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation
- ~11,155 ft / 3,400 m → 11,499 ft / 3,505 m
- Distance
- 4 km
- Hiking time
- 1–2 hours
Short day if driven to the gate; longer if trekking from the forest.
Kilimanjaro vistas · Shira Plateau access
Overview
The Shira Route begins on the western side of Kilimanjaro and crosses the stunning Shira Plateau.
Highlights
- Incredible views of Shira Plateau
- Diverse mountain landscapes
- Connects with Machame Route
- Unique high-altitude starting point
Day-by-day itinerary
Begins near Shira Gate on the plateau — less forest walking but a faster jump in altitude on day one unless you walk in from Londorossi. Soon joins the same southern-circuit camps as Machame/Lemosho.
Shira 1 — Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation
- 11,499 ft / 3,505 m → 12,631 ft / 3,850 m
- Distance
- 10 km
- Hiking time
- 5–6 hours
Cross the plateau toward Kibo views.
Shira 2 — Lava Tower — Barranco Camp
- Elevation
- up to ~15,092 ft / 4,600 m; sleep ~12,992 ft / 3,960 m
- Distance
- 10 km
- Hiking time
- 6–7 hours
Standard acclimatization day shared with Machame/Lemosho trekkers.
Barranco — Karanga Camp
- Elevation
- 12,992 ft / 3,960 m → 13,231 ft / 4,035 m
- Distance
- 5 km
- Hiking time
- 4–5 hours
Barranco Wall and Karanga valley.
Karanga — Barafu Camp
- Elevation
- 13,231 ft / 4,035 m → 15,331 ft / 4,673 m
- Distance
- 4 km
- Hiking time
- 3–4 hours
Final camp before summit night.
Barafu — Uhuru Peak — Mweka Camp
- Elevation
- 19,341 ft / 5,895 m; sleep ~10,171 ft / 3,100 m
- Distance
- ~16–17 km
- Hiking time
- 12–15 hours
Summit and descent.
Mweka Camp — Mweka Gate
- Elevation
- 10,171 ft / 3,100 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
- Distance
- 10 km
- Hiking time
- 3–4 hours
Forest trail to the finish.