7 Days Kilimanjaro Trek – Shira Route

Tour Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1 Londorossi Gate → Shira 1 Camp

   Elevation: 2,100 m → 3,500 m
   Distance: 4–5 km (plus driving)
   Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
   Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tents)
   
   You start with a drive from your hotel to Londorossi Gate for registration. After that, you continue driving on a rough road up the mountain.
   The hike starts at a high altitude. You walk for a short time through open land with bushes and volcanic rocks.
   Because you start high, you may feel the altitude early. Walk slowly and drink water.
   You reach Shira 1 Camp quickly. The views are wide and beautiful. You can see the Shira Plateau and sometimes Mount Meru in the distance.

   • Trekking from Londorossi Gate → Shira 1 Camp

   B, L, D Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
2. 2
   Day 2 Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp

   Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
   Distance: 7 km
   Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
   Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tents)
   
   Today is a gentle walking day across the Shira Plateau. The land is open, with low plants and volcanic rock.
   The trail is not very steep, so it is good for acclimatization. You walk slowly and enjoy the views of Kibo Peak.
   You may start to feel altitude changes like a mild headache or tiredness. This is normal. Drink water and rest well.
   You arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon and relax.

   • Trek to Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp

   B, L, D Shira Camp (3,850m)
3. 3
   Day 3 Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

   Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
   Distance: 10 km
   Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
   Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents)
   
   This is an important acclimatization day.
   You climb slowly up to Lava Tower, which is a high point. The air is thinner, so you walk slowly.
   After reaching Lava Tower, you rest and have lunch.
   Then you descend to Barranco Camp. This helps your body adjust to altitude (“climb high, sleep low”).
   Barranco Camp is very beautiful. You will see the Barranco Wall and amazing views of the mountain.

   • Trek to Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp

   B, L, D Barranco Camp (3,976m)
4. 4
   Day 4 Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

   Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
   Distance: 5 km
   Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
   Accommodation: Karanga Camp (tents)
   Description:
   You start by climbing the Barranco Wall. It looks difficult, but it is safe and not technical. Your guide will help you.
   After the wall, the trail goes up and down. You cross small valleys and enjoy great views.
   This is a shorter day, so you arrive early at Karanga Camp. This helps your body rest and prepare for higher altitudes.

   • Climb Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

   B, L, D Karanga Camp (3,995m)
5. 5
   Day 5 Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

   Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,673 m
   Distance: 4 km
   Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
   Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents)
   
   Today is a short but important day.
   You climb slowly to Barafu Camp, which is your base camp for the summit.
   The area is dry and rocky, with strong winds. You arrive early, have lunch, and rest.
   You eat an early dinner and sleep early because the summit climb starts at midnight.

   • Trek to Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

   B, L, D Barafu Camp (4,673m)
6. 6
   Day 6 Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

   Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
   Distance: 5 km up + 12 km down
   Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
   Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents)
   
   You wake up around midnight and start climbing in the dark. It is very cold, and the walk is slow and steep.
   After many hours, you reach Stella Point at sunrise. Then you continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
   You take photos and celebrate your success.
   After that, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
   This is the longest and most challenging day.

   • Trek to Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

   B, L Mweka Camp (3,110m)
7. 7
   Day 7 Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate

   Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
   Distance: 10 km
   Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
   After breakfast, you walk down through the rainforest. The air becomes warmer, and breathing is easier.
   At Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificate.
   Your driver will take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

   • Descent from Mweka Camp
   • Transfer to hotel

   B, L None (End of tour)

Meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Photo Gallery