8-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking, Shira Route
The Shira Route starts high at 3,600 meters, making it tough for beginners due to less acclimatization time. It’s similar to the Lemosho Route but begins further up at Shira Gate. On day one, hikers go from Shira Gate to Simba Camp, then join the Lemosho Route at Shira Camp 2. The route later merges with the Machame Route at Lava Tower, descending to Barranco Camp and continuing to the summit via Barafu Camp. The descent is through the Mweka Route.
- ✅ This is a budget camping trip it includes overnight stay at tents.
- ✅ On this tour, you'll be part of a group of fellow travelers. Each group can have up to 20 people.
- ✅ This tour can begin any day, based on availability.
- ✅ For individual travelers, they are welcome to join this group tour, but it only operates if at least two people sign up.
- Any additional accommodation can be booked before or after the tour at an extra cost.
Day
Accommodation
Meals Included
Day 1: Londrossi Gate to Shira one Campsite
Pick up from Arusha transfer to Londrossi Gate. We drive a short distance on a hilly track through farmland and plantations to the beginning of the Shira Route to complete the required park registration procedures at the Londorossi National Park entrance. We begin our journey through the shrubbery forests, and as we make our way to the rim of the Shira Plateau, we are rewarded with expansive views of the Kibo Icefield. Londrossi Gate to Shira One Camp (3550 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Main destination: Mt. Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Shira one Campsite
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 2: Shira Camp One to Shira Hut (3,840 m)
Before arriving at the next camp at Shira Hut, we take an easy route today to the top of Shira Cathedral. It can be far colder than the previous night because of how exposed this camp is, with temperatures falling well below freezing. Shira Camp One to Shira Hut (3,840 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Shira Hut
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 3: Shira Hut to Moir Hut (4,200m)
Before arriving at Moir Hut in the alpine region, we travel across a portion of the plateau in the morning through luxuriant heather and moorland and then into costly high Savannah desert. One might take a stroll into the higher terrain surrounding the camp for additional acclimatization; the views are breath-taking. The Fisher camp will offer lunch. The acclimatization hike up to the 4,700-meter top of the Lent Hills will take place in the afternoon. Shira Hut to Moir Hut (4,200m): 3-4 hours walking.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Moir Hut
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Barranco Valley (3,900 m.)
Today’s trek includes a gradual ascent and sweeping vistas. After a hearty lunch at the bottom of the Lava Tower (4,600 m.), we drop to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley as we travel around the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing beneath the Lava Tower and the last portion of the Western Breach (3,900 m.). Moir Hut to Barranco valley (3,900 m.): 5-7 hours walking.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: BarrancoCampsite
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 5: Barranco Valley to Karanga campsite (4,000 m)
We arrive right below the Heim Glacier after a strenuous ascent up the eastern side, where we might be treated to some breath-taking views of Kilimanjaro. The trail continues down into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley before we take a hard exit up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeast slopes of Kibo. Finally, we have a tough ascent up to Karanga Camp. Barranco Valley to Karanga camp (4,000 m): 4-5 hours walking.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Karanga Campsite
Meals & drinks: All meals are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Campsite
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Barafu Campsite
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 7: Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Campsite
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak—the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro | Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Day 8:Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to get dropped off to the hotel in Arusha.
Main destination: Mt Kilimanjaro
Meals & drinks: Breakfast and lunch are included, and drinking water and other soft drinks are included.
Things to Note
✅ Prices are per person and do not include any extra items or costs that are not mentioned on the day by itinerary to or from your home country.
✅ This tour welcomes children aged 1 year and older. There is no charge for children under 6 years old.
| Start dates | 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Machame Route | $3900 | $3050 | $2782 | $2735 | $2670 | $2555 | $2480 |
Cost Includes
- Park Fees – All entry fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
- Accommodation – 4 nights in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo)
- Meals & Drinks – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, tea, coffee, and drinking water
- Professional Mountain Guides & Porters – English-speaking, certified guides and a team of porters to carry luggage and equipment
- Transportation – Round-trip transfers from your hotel to Marangu Gate and back to Moshi/Arusha
- Emergency Oxygen – Available in case of altitude sickness or breathing issues
- First Aid Kit – Provided by the guides for minor injuries and medical concerns
- Summit Certificate – Official certificate for climbers who reach the summit
- Mountain Equipment – High-altitude food, trekking poles, and required safety gear
- Climbing Permit – Kilimanjaro National Park climbing permits
- Rescue Team – Emergency rescue services on standby
- Environmental Fees – For conservation and maintenance of the Kilimanjaro National Park
- Pre-climb Briefing – Orientation session about the climb, safety tips, and what to expect
Cost excludes
- Personal Gear: sleeping bag, warm clothes, hiking boots, gaiters, trekking poles, rain jacket, etc.
- Flights: International and domestic flights to/from Tanzania
- Travel Insurance: Required for the climb (covering emergency medical, evacuation, and high-altitude trekking)
- Visa Fees: Tourist visa for entry to Tanzania (if applicable)
- Tips for Guides & Porters: Recommended tipping is $200-$250 per climber for the entire team
- Extra Accommodation: Hotel nights before or after the climb (can be arranged separately)
- Personal Expenses: souvenirs, extra snacks, bottled drinks, and other personal items
- Drinks: soft drinks, alcohol, and other beverages not included in meals
- Medical Care: Any medical services required during or after the trek
- Emergency Evacuation: In case of early descent or emergencies (usually covered by insurance),
- Optional Extra Activities: Such as a trip to a hot spring or safari (available upon request)
- Laundry Services: Laundry at huts or hotels
- Hotel or Transport Extensions: Additional nights before or after the trek
- Porter Tips: Porter tips should be given directly at the end of the trek
- Internet/Wi-Fi: Available at hotels but not on the mountain.
