9 Days Shira Route (7-Day Trek + 2 Nights in Arusha)

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by our Pita Safaris representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for your upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. Your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed climb briefing, equipment check and final preparations, including an overview of the Shira Route, altitude considerations and what to expect during the trek.

Elevation: Approx. 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Distance: Airport transfer only

Hiking Time: None

Habitat: Arusha highland environment

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive towards Londorossi Gate, the western entrance to Mount Kilimanjaro and the starting point of your Shira Route trek. After completing park registration and meeting your mountain crew, begin your ascent through the upper montane forest before reaching the open landscapes of the Shira Plateau.

As you gain altitude, the vegetation gradually changes from forest to heath and moorland, revealing expansive views across the western slopes of Kilimanjaro. Continue towards Shira 1 Camp, where you will settle into your mountain accommodation, enjoy a nourishing dinner and rest beneath the impressive mountain scenery.

Start Elevation: Approx. 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 3,500 m / 11,483 ft

Distance: Approx. 8 km / 5 miles

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Montane forest and moorland

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue your Shira Route Kilimanjaro trek across the spectacular Shira Plateau. The trail passes through open moorland and high-altitude heath, with giant lobelias and other distinctive mountain vegetation adding character to the landscape.

This is a relatively gradual trekking day, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the mountain while continuing to acclimatize to the increasing elevation. Along the way, enjoy broad views towards Kibo Peak and the surrounding Shira landscape before reaching Shira 2 Camp, where you will spend the night.

Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace and monitor your wellbeing as your body adjusts to the altitude.

Start Elevation: Approx. 3,500 m / 11,483 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 3,850 m / 12,631 ft

Distance: Approx. 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland and heath zone

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, leave Shira 2 and continue towards Lava Tower, one of the defining geological features of the Shira Route. The trail gradually climbs across increasingly rugged high-altitude terrain before reaching approximately 4,630 metres.

This important acclimatization day follows the principle of “climb high, sleep low”. After spending time at Lava Tower, descend towards Barranco Camp, allowing your body to benefit from the lower sleeping elevation. The descent also brings a dramatic change in scenery as the trail enters the striking Barranco landscape beneath the southern slopes of Kibo.

Arrive at Barranco Camp in time to rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the famous Barranco Wall crossing the following morning.

Start Elevation: Approx. 3,850 m / 12,631 ft

High Point: Approx. 4,630 m / 15,190 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 3,960 m / 12,992 ft

Distance: Approx. 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hiking Time: 6–8 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert and high-altitude moorland

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

After breakfast, begin one of the most memorable sections of your Mount Kilimanjaro trek by tackling the famous Barranco Wall. With the guidance of your experienced mountain crew, make your way carefully up the rocky wall before continuing along the southern circuit.

The trail passes through dramatic alpine landscapes, with views towards Kibo and Mawenzi depending on weather and visibility. Continue across valleys and ridges towards Karanga Camp, where you will spend the night at approximately 4,000 metres.

The shorter trekking distance allows time to rest and prepare physically and mentally for the next day's ascent to Barafu Camp, the final high camp before the summit attempt.

Start Elevation: Approx. 3,960 m / 12,992 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 4,035 m / 13,238 ft

Distance: Approx. 6 km / 3.7 miles

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Accommodation: Karanga Camp

After breakfast, continue your ascent towards Barafu Camp, the high camp used before the final summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you leave the remaining vegetation behind and enter Kilimanjaro's stark alpine desert.

Your guide will maintain a steady pace and monitor your condition as you gain altitude. On arrival at Barafu Camp, enjoy an early meal before resting for the remainder of the afternoon.

The summit attempt begins during the night, so this is an important opportunity to conserve energy, organise your equipment and prepare for the demanding ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Start Elevation: Approx. 4,035 m / 13,238 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 4,640 m / 15,223 ft

Distance: Approx. 4 km / 2.5 miles

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Wake around midnight for the most challenging and rewarding stage of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Begin the slow ascent through the darkness towards the crater rim, progressing carefully over steep volcanic terrain towards Stella Point.

From the crater rim, continue along the summit route towards Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Conditions and your wellbeing permitting, reach the summit around sunrise and celebrate this extraordinary achievement while taking in spectacular views across the surrounding landscape.

After spending time at the summit, begin the long descent towards Barafu before continuing down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

Start Elevation: Approx. 4,640 m / 15,223 ft

Summit Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft

Distance: Approx. 15–18 km / 9–11 miles

Hiking Time: Approx. 10–15 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert, arctic summit zone and high-altitude moorland

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush montane rainforest on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The dramatic change in vegetation provides a fitting conclusion to your mountain journey as you gradually return to lower elevations.

Continue to Mweka Gate, where you will complete the park exit formalities and say farewell to your mountain crew. After the trek, transfer back to Arusha for a comfortable evening at your hotel, giving you time to rest, celebrate your summit achievement and prepare for your onward journey.

Start Elevation: Approx. 3,100 m / 10,171 ft

End Elevation: Approx. 1,640 m / 5,380 ft

Distance: Approx. 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

Habitat: Montane rainforest

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Arusha before your scheduled transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for your flight home or onward journey.

Depending on your travel plans, you may continue to another destination in Tanzania. Travellers looking to unwind after their mountain adventure can extend their journey with a relaxing Tanzania beach holiday in Zanzibar or along the mainland coast, combining the challenge of Kilimanjaro with time to rest beside the Indian Ocean.

You can also extend your adventure with a Tanzania wildlife safari, creating a memorable combination of mountain, wildlife and beach experiences.

Departure: Arusha

Destination: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or onward destination

Transfer: Private road transfer

Accommodation: Optional Arusha Planet Lodge