Discover the magic of Kilimanjaro on this 7-Days Shira Route Trek—perfect for adventure seekers craving fewer crowds and stunning scenery. Starting from Arusha, journey through lush rainforest, surreal alpine deserts, and vast moorlands, with breathtaking views at every turn. Conquer the iconic Barranco Wall and summit at Uhuru Peak just in time for sunrise. With expert guides, rich landscapes, and meaningful acclimatization, this route offers both challenge and soul-stirring reward. A truly unforgettable mountain experience.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Start – Begin your adventure on the remote Shira Plateau, offering a peaceful and scenic route less travelled by climbers.

Majestic Shira Cathedral – Hike past dramatic volcanic formations and take in sweeping views across the high-altitude moorlands.

Lava Tower Acclimatization – Trek to 15,190 ft for vital acclimatization, then descend through the surreal Senecio Forest to rest at Barranco Camp.

Climb the Iconic Barranco Wall – Challenge yourself with a thrilling yet safe scramble up the famous cliff, rewarded with glacier views.

Summit at Sunrise – Reach Uhuru Peak at dawn and witness a soul-stirring sunrise over Africa from its highest point.

Celebrate Your Journey – Descend through lush rainforest, earn your summit certificate, and return to Arusha filled with pride and unforgettable memories.

7 Days Shira Route Climbing

Trip Highlights

  • Start on the quiet, scenic Shira Plateau
  • Explore dramatic landscapes and Shira Cathedral
  • Acclimatize at stunning Lava Tower
  • Climb the thrilling Barranco Wall
  • Witness sunrise from Uhuru Peak
  • Celebrate with your summit certificate

Day-By-Day

Day

1

Shira Gate to Simba Camp

We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours

  • 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
  • 4 km
  • 1-2 hours

Day

2

Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau.

  • 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
  • 6 km
  • 2 hours

Day

3

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower - Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower at a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation.

  • 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
  • 7 km
  • 4-5 hours

Day

4

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall.

  • 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
  • 5 km
  • 4-5 hours

Day

5

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut.

  • 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • 4 km
  • 4-5 hours

Day

6

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit.

  • 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • 5 km
  • 7-8 hours

Day

7

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates.

  • 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • 10 km
  • 3-4 hours

Itinerary Details

Shira Gate

Day 1: Shira Gate to Simba Camp

We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp.

  • 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
  • 4 km
  • 1-2 hours

Simba Camp

Day 2 : Simba Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Today is a fairly easy day to help with acclimatization. We begin by exploring the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles, before settling at Shira 2 Camp.

  • 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
  • 6 km
  • 2 hours

Shira 2 Camp

Day 3 : Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower - Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower at a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at a higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatization.

  • 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
  • 7 km
  • 4-5 hours

Barranco Camp

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

  • 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
  • 5 km
  • 4-5 hours

Karanga Camp

Day 5 : Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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.

  • 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
  • 4 km
  • 4-5 hours

Barafu Camp

Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak - Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. You’ll make your way slowly toward Stella Point, then onward to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. The sunrise here is a once-in-a-lifetime sight that many find deeply emotional. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin your descent, stopping for lunch at Barafu before continuing down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • 5 km
  • 7-8 hours

Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

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 drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.

  • 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • 10 km
  • 3-4 hours

What to Expect

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers adventure, challenge, and incredible views, supported by expert crews, proper equipment, and thoughtful logistics for a safe ascent.

Connection

Transfers

Airport pickups and transfers to your chosen trailhead.

Activities

Activities

Daily guided treks, acclimatisation hikes, and summit attempts.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Mountain tents or huts with meals prepared fresh daily.

Support 24/7

Support

Certified guides, porters, and 24/7 local emergency assistance.

Knowing Melodica Tours has taken care of everything

"At Melodica Tours and Safaris, we believe the smallest details make the biggest difference. We won’t stop refining your safari experience until everything feels just right. From the very beginning, our focus is to bring your dream journey to life — thoughtfully, beautifully, and down to the finest detail."

About Booking This Tour

Booking your adventure is simple, secure, and fully supported by our expert team. From reserving your place to arranging flexible travel protection, we are here to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

Booking your dream safari is easy. Once you’ve chosen your preferred itinerary, simply contact our reservations team through our website, email, or phone.

We’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the booking process. You’ll then receive a detailed confirmation and travel documents, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

To secure your place, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount depends on your chosen tour and will be communicated. Final payment is generally due 60 days before departure.

Our team will send reminders and support you through the process so your payment schedule is clear and stress-free.

We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan. This helps safeguard your investment in case of unexpected situations such as illness, delays, or lost luggage.

You can choose coverage through a provider of your choice, or let us assist you with recommended options tailored to East African safaris, giving you greater peace of mind.

We understand that plans can change. If you need to postpone your safari, please contact us as early as possible.

We’ll work with you to reschedule your travel dates, subject to availability, and explain any applicable change fees.

Our team is committed to finding flexible solutions to protect your travel investment wherever possible.

If you must cancel your booking, please notify us in writing right away. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you inform us and are outlined in our booking conditions.

We aim to minimise any costs where possible, and we recommend travel insurance to help recover funds for non-refundable services in case of cancellation.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Prepare for a seamless safari journey by arranging your passport, visa, health documents, and baggage details early, ensuring you arrive relaxed, confident, and fully ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Once you have chosen your itinerary, confirming your reservation is the first step. Our team will assist you with securing your spot and provide all necessary pre-departure information.

We recommend confirming early to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Once reserved, you will receive detailed documents to help you prepare.

A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance typically due 60 days before departure.

Full details will be shared upon reservation. Our team will support you with reminders and a clear payment schedule to ensure your planning remains stress-free and your adventure stays on track.

All travellers will need a valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for entry into your chosen East African destinations.

We recommend checking requirements early and applying for visas in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

International flights are not usually included in our tours, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and trusted airlines.

Remember to review your airline’s luggage limits, as smaller safari planes may also have weight restrictions.

Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for ease of storage on light aircraft and safari vehicles.

Let’s Plan Your Next Holiday Trip

Let’s plan your unforgettable African safari—epic game drives, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and close encounters with wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and lifelong memories await you here.

  • Pick up at International Airport
  • Transfer to the hotel Parkview inn or Kilimanjaro wonders hotel
  • Professional mountain crew.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits Fees
  • Camping/hut fees
  • 3 meals daily
  • Modern tents
  • First aid kit
  • Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
  • Portable flush toilets can be provided for free upon the client's request
  • Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery, and cutlery)
  • Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
  • Accommodation after the climb
  • International certificates for a successful ascent
  • Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport

  • Flights tickets
  • Visa fee
  • Personal gear rental
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Laundry services
  • Tips for the mountain

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