Shira Route 6 Days

Arrival in Moshi: Welcome and Preparation for Your Trek

Upon your arrival, Sote Tours staff will be on hand to greet you and assist with loading your luggage into the vehicle. You’ll then be driven to your hotel in Moshi town. After checking in, you’ll receive a detailed briefing about the upcoming trek from your mountain guide, who will also conduct a thorough gear check to ensure you’re fully prepared. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy—relax by the pool or explore the vibrant town of Moshi.

Accommodation at Panama Garden Resort
Meals
Breakfast

Transfer and Trek to Shira Camp

The drive from Moshi to the trailhead takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, we begin our hike through the lush rainforest, following a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, making gaiters and trekking poles highly recommended. After a steady climb, we will cover a short distance to reach Shira Camp, where you can settle in and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Keep on Shira Route 6 Days, 5 nights Shira.

Elevation: 1,830m to 3,850m
Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals
Full Board

Trekking from Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau, we head east up a ridge, bypassing the junction leading towards Kibo Peak. Our route then shifts southeast towards the Lava Tower, famously known as the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after passing this landmark, we encounter a second junction that leads to the Arrow Glacier. We continue our trek downhill to Barranco Camp. Although we end the day at approximately the same elevation as we started, this trek is crucial for acclimatization, helping your body adjust and prepare for the summit push.

Keep on Shira Route 6 Days, 5 nights Shira.

Meals
Full Board

Day’s Trek: Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Today’s trek is relatively short but vital for acclimatization. In the morning, you’ll begin the climb up the Barranco Wall, reaching an altitude of 4,235 meters. This challenging ascent helps with acclimatization. Following this, you’ll traverse across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, where a hot lunch awaits. After lunch, you’ll have some time to rest before embarking on an additional acclimatization trek up the scree slopes towards the Southern Icefield. Return to Karanga Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Keep on Shira Route 6 Days, 5 nights Shira.

Elevation: 3,950m to 4,235m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Day’s Trek: Ascending to Barafu Ridge Campsite

Today’s trek to Barafu Ridge Campsite is demanding due to the high altitude. Although the distance is relatively short, the steep ascent requires a slow and steady pace to prevent exhaustion. You’ll traverse an alpine desert where strong, cold winds blow from the increasingly close Kibo Peak and its ice cap. After arriving at Barafu, you’ll enjoy an early dinner at 17:00 hours and rest in preparation for your midnight push to the summit.

Elevation: 4,235m to 4,600m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m to 3,100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 to 12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice.

Meals
Full Board

Celebration and Descent: Mweka Gate to Moshi

After a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will host a lively celebration, featuring dancing and singing. This is also the time to present tips to your guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters as a token of appreciation for their support. Following the celebration, you’ll begin a three-hour descent to Mweka Gate.

At Mweka Gate, you’ll sign in to receive your completion certificate. Hikers who reached Stella Point at 5,685 meters will receive a green certificate, while those who summited Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters will be awarded a gold certificate. After collecting your certificate, you’ll continue your descent into Mweka Village, which takes about one hour (3 kilometers), where a hot lunch will be served.

You’ll then drive back to Moshi for long-awaited showers and further celebrations, marking the end of your memorable Kilimanjaro adventure.

Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

Airport Transfer: Final Departure

Your airport transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule. Please inform Sote Tours staff of any changes to your flight time to ensure a smooth and timely transfer to the airport.