The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route as others route.

Itinerary

Day 0: Moshi 815m/670ft
Booked into your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight and briefing from your guide.

DAY 1: SHIRA RIDGE – SHIRA ONE
-Distance: 4km/2miles,
-Hiking Time: 1-2 hours,
-Eleven: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
-Vegetation: Heath.
We begin our journey from Moshi to Londorosi gate where will complete formalities and pack our belongs, then keep driving to Shira ridge where will start our hike. Today the drive will involve a long from Moshi to the park and short walk to reach the first camp. The trail starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Shira Camp one.

DAY 2: SHIRA CAMP ONE – SHIRA CAMP TWO
-Distance: 8km/5miles,
-Hiking Time: 6-8hours,
-Eleven:11,500ft to 12,631ft
-Vegetation: Heath
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: SHIRA CAMP TWO – LAVA TOWER – BARANCO CAMP
-Distance: 10km/6miles,
-Hiking Time: 6-8hours,
-Eleven:12,500ft to 15,190ft to 13,044
-Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

DAY 4: BARANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP
-Distance: 5km/3miles,
-Hiking Time: 4-5hours,
-Eleven:13,044 ft – 13,106 ft
-Vegetation: Alpine Desert
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP
-Distance: 4km/2miles,
-Hiking Time: 4-5hours,
-Eleven:13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
-Vegetation: Alpine Desert
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP – UHURU – MWEKA CAMP
-Distance: 5km/3miles and 7km/4mile
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 2-4 hours
-Eleven: 15,331 ft to 19,341ft and 12,434 ft
-Vegetation: Arctic to Heath
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight, so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.

DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE
-Distance: 12km/7miles,
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours,
-Eleven:12,434 ft – 5,380 ft
-Vegetation: Rain forest
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged Hotel