7 Days Shira Route
The Shira plateau is less crowded and one of the most fascinating and scenic areas on Kilimanjaro (Shira plateau and western breach wall). It is well worth visit to explore the ridges and moorland. Climbing via Shira Plateau route looks similar to the Lemosho route. The only difference is that you’ll drive from Londorosi gate to Morrum barrier, about 22km, which takes less than 2 hour and the hike can start from there. Also via this route climbing takes 6 to 8 days, but we strongly recommend at least 7days itinerary in order to get more time for relaxation and acclimatization.
Tour Details
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by our representative and taken to Keys Hotel. It is a family run hotel located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, with comfortable accommodation, variety of meals, clean swimming pool and friendly services. Located just ten minutes walking distance to Moshi town center, palatable meal and luxurious accommodation; Keys Hotel is the most spectacular place one will always wish to stay.
Keys Hotel – 2700 ft (BB).
Elevation: 11,800 ft to 11,800 ft
Walking Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Walking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Montane forest to moorland
Drive along Moshi – Arusha road to BomaNg’ombe junction then turn right to SanyaJuu Shopping centre. Continue driving on rough road up to Londorosi Park Gate located on the Western side of mountain (188 km). Today it will be one of your beautiful and very short hike about 1-2 hours including lunch stop to cover distance of 4km, we will be in the moorland zone and clear mountain streams with its open tussock grassland, lava flows, heather shrub lands, valley bottoms on the west side of the Shira plateaus where you will be enjoying the sun and walking slowly more breaks for acclimatization.
Dinner and overnight : At Shira one camp (FB)
Elevation : 11,800 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance : 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time : 4-6 hours
Habitat : Moorland
Today we will hike across the middle of Shira plateau a world heritage site to our picnic lunch at fishers point. After lunch we begin by exploring the grassy moorland zone and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Then we will take a scenic path to the Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles before arriving to our beautiful camp.
Dinner and overnight : At Shira Two camp (FB)
Elevation : 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance : 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time : 4-5 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Barranco CampElevation : 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance : 3 km/2 miles
Hiking Time : 2-3 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
We will start a day by keeping walking on alpine desert and eventually start climbing over steep hills and very few rocks, then steady uphill climb to Lava tower (150m high volcanic plug that juts out the side of the mountain) and stop for lunch around noon. From this point some people might start to get mild headache due to altitude change. From lava tower we will descend about 2 hours through dust and rock trail to Baranco camp.
Dinner and overnight : At Baranco camp (FB)
Elevation : 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance : 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time : 4-6 hours
Habitat : Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. In this wall some section will be steep forcing you to use hands to reach and maneuver yourself around rock boulders like rock climbing, although it is not as challenging as rock climbing. At the top of the wall you can see Baranco valley and the campsite you spent a night before. Then you will walk up and down to Karanga valley which is the last water point to the mountain and on top of the ridge it will be our campsite where we will have hot lunch and night rest.
Dinner and overnight : At Karanga camp (FB)
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day targeting to hit the junction in steep uphill with a lot of boulders and shattered rock crossing upper alpine desert. We will go through a steep ridge until we reach a rocky section more scrambling. Our next camp will be on large rocky with steep faces. Here we will set a camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Dinner and overnight : At Barafu camp (FB)
Elevation : 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance : 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time : 7-8 hours
Habitat : Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation : 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance : 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time : 4-6 hours
Habitat : Rain Forest
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 coming over Mawenzi Peak you never have seen somewhere else Finally, we will arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.From the summit, we descend 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.
Dinner and overnight : At Mweka camp (FB)
Location
Kilimanjaro FAQs
Transfers
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Camping Equipment
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Meals on the Hike
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Guides & Porters
Safety & Medical Support
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Environmental Commitment
Safe Storage
Costs Not Included
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
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Why Choose Keys Tours
Outstanding Service
Honesty, Integrity & Trust
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Team Of Professional Guides
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Kilimanjaro Travel Guide
Well before you set off on your trip to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro you’ll want to read about these guides! it is important to get used to the details! Let’s look at some things to know before going to Kilimanjaro.
