9 Days Shira Route
The 9-day Shira Route offers a scenic and less crowded ascent of Kilimanjaro. With its stunning Shira Plateau and gradual climb, this route provides a rewarding experience, featuring unique landscapes, wildlife, and ample time for acclimatization, ensuring a successful summit to Uhuru Peak.
Why Londorosi / Shira Route?
The Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and least crowded areas on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering outstanding views of the Shira Plateau and the Western Breach Wall. It is an excellent choice for climbers who wish to explore wide ridges, open moorland, and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Climbing via the Londorosi / Shira Route is very similar to the Lemosho Route, with the main difference being the starting point.
On this route, climbers drive from Londorosi Gate to the Morum Barrier, a distance of approximately 22 km, taking less than 2 hours, where the hike begins.
This route can be completed in 6 to 8 days; however, we strongly recommend at least a 7-day itinerary to allow sufficient time for relaxation, proper acclimatization, and improved summit success.
Tour Details
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative and transferred to Keys Hotel, a welcoming family-run hotel located on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The hotel offers comfortable accommodation, a variety of meals, a clean swimming pool, and friendly service. It is conveniently located about 10 minutes’ walk from Moshi town centre, making it an ideal place to relax and prepare for the climb.
Accommodation: Keys Hotel
Altitude: 820 m / 2,700 ft
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast (BB)
Elevation:
Start: ~3,400 m / 11,150 ft
End: 3,500 m / 11,480 ft
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Hiking Time: 1–2 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest → Moorland
After breakfast, we drive west from Moshi via the Moshi–Arusha Road, passing Boma Ng’ombe Junction, turning toward Sanya Juu, and continuing on a rough road to Londorosi Gate for park registration. From there, we proceed by vehicle to the Morum Barrier, where the trek begins.
Shortly after drop-off at Morum Barrier, climbers will stop to enjoy their packed lunch (lunch boxes), allowing time to eat comfortably, hydrate, and prepare for the hike ahead.
After lunch, we begin a short and scenic walk through the moorland zone, characterized by open tussock grasslands, heather shrubs, volcanic lava flows, and clear mountain streams. The walk is intentionally gentle, designed for early acclimatization.
Our guides set a slow and comfortable pace, encouraging pole pole walking with short rest breaks along the way.
Dinner & Overnight: Shira One Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Elevation:
Start: 3,500 m / 11,480 ft
End: 3,850 m / 12,630 ft
Distance: 7–8 km / 4–5 miles
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today we continue trekking across the heart of the Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through wide open moorland and striking volcanic rock formations with expansive views of Kibo Peak.
The terrain is mostly gentle, making this an excellent day for acclimatization. Our guides maintain a relaxed, steady pace and choose suitable scenic spots along the route for short rest breaks, where climbers can enjoy tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn, and light snacks.
Upon arrival at Shira Two Camp, climbers are warmly welcomed with a freshly prepared hot lunch. The afternoon is free for rest, light walks around the camp, and continued acclimatization before dinner.
Dinner & Overnight: Shira Two Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Elevation:
Start: 3,850 m / 12,630 ft
Highest Point: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft (Lava Tower)
End: 3,976 m / 13,044 ft (Barranco Camp)
Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 7–9 hours
Habitat: Moorland → Alpine Desert
This is a key acclimatization day, following the principle of climb high, sleep low.
We begin by trekking through alpine desert terrain, gradually ascending toward Lava Tower, a dramatic 150 m (490 ft) volcanic rock formation.
The climb is steady, and our guides carefully control the pace, with planned rest stops for tea, coffee, biscuits, popcorn, and light snacks to support hydration and energy.
Lunch is taken near Lava Tower. From here, we descend for 2–3 hours through rocky and dusty trails into the scenic Barranco Valley, arriving at camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Dinner & Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)
Walking distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: 310m / 1016 ft
Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall climb. Your guide will set a comfortable pace, ensuring everyone ascends safely. At the top of the Barranco Wall, approximately 4,260 m / 13,976 ft, you will take a break to pause, take photos, drink water, and enjoy some bites before continuing the trek.
Once over the Barranco Wall, the trail gradually leads across the alpine desert toward Karanga Valley. On the way, your guide may also choose spots for short breaks with biscuits, tea, coffee, popcorn, or nuts.
Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, you will be welcomed with a hot lunch. After lunch, you can rest or take a short hike for further acclimatization while enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks.
Dinner and Overnight: Karanga Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Altitude gain: 665 m / 2,180 ft
The scenic climb to Barafu Camp is mostly along a moraine and lava ridge, with Mawenzi Peak towering majestically to the right and Kibo Peak seemingly just out of reach overhead.
The alpine desert terrain here is mostly mineral, with few lichens and mosses.
On the way, your guide will choose good spots for short breaks to enjoy bites, biscuits, tea, and coffee, allowing everyone to rest and take in the views.
Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, an early lunch will be served before 1:00 PM. In the afternoon, there is a summit clothing check. Dinner will be served early, around 5:00 PM, as climbers who plan to ascend to the summit will go to bed soon afterward, preparing for the longest and most challenging day ahead.
Dinner and Overnight: Barafu Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 16–18 km / 10–11 miles (depending on descent route)
Walking time: 13–17 hours total
Altitude gain: 1,195 m / 3,921 ft (Barafu → Uhuru Peak).
You will wake up around midnight for a light breakfast, and your climb will begin at approximately 12:00 AM. This is the most challenging portion of the trek, so climbers should carry as little as possible. Temperatures can range from -4°C to 5°C / 25°F to 41°F.
The climb to Stella Point (5,730 m / 18,800 ft) takes about six hours. From there, it is roughly another hour to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point on the African continent.
The track around the crater rim is rocky and often icy, so it is essential to concentrate on your footing and follow your guide closely.
The descent is equally demanding. You will return to Barafu Camp after about three hours, arriving around 11:30 AM, where you can rest and have refreshments.
From Barafu, you will continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft) for the night, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Today’s trek covers a total of 13–17 hours of walking.
Dinner and Overnight: Mweka Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Walking time: 4–5 hours
Descent: 1,120 m / 3,670 ft
On the final day of the journey, climbers will descend from Mweka Camp to the park gate. The descent takes you through lush rainforest, with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery along the way. The trek to the gate usually takes about 4–5 hours, and climbers typically arrive before noon.
Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will be presented with a certificate celebrating your achievement of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. After the celebration, you will be transferred back to Keys Hotel for hot showers, a relaxing dinner, and overnight rest.
End of Services
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
Tipping Guidelines for Guides and Porters
We recommend approximately USD 200-250 per climber, which is divided among the
group. Any old clothes, shoes, etc. would also be greatly appreciated.
| Position (Kilimanjaro) | Tip per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Senior Guide | $100 – $130 |
| Assistant Guide | $90 – $120 |
| Cook | $60 – $80 |
| Waiter / Dishwasher | $40 – $50 |
| Camping Crew / Toilet Crew / Head Porter | $40 – $50 |
| Summit Porter | $40 – $50 |
| Porter | $35 – $40 |
Please note that the amounts above are recommended guidelines. If you are unable
to tip this amount, any contribution based on your satisfaction with the service is
appreciated. Additionally, old clothes, shoes, or other items would be most
welcome.
If at any time you feel pressured regarding tips, please report it to the management
upon your return, and it will be addressed accordingly. While tipping is customary,
the recommended amounts are not mandatory, and any additional tip is entirely at
your discretion. We suggest giving tips directly to each member of the team to
ensure your appreciation is received personally.
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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