The Shira Route starts high on the Shira Plateau after a scenic drive, then follows the Southern Circuit. Because day one begins at about 3,600 metres, it suits climbers who are already acclimatised. This sample listing shows how a 7-day climb by Njia Njema Expeditions would appear on KiliBookings.
Key facts
Route: Shira
Duration: 7 days on the mountain
Group type: Private climb (your group only)
Maximum group size: 8 climbers
Price: from US$2,500 to US$3,100 per person (example prices for this sample listing)
Starts from: Arusha
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Shira Gate (about 3,600 m) and walk to Shira 1 Camp (about 3,500 m). Expect to feel the altitude on day one.
Day 2: Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (about 3,850 m).
Day 3: Climb to Lava Tower (about 4,630 m) and descend to Barranco Camp (about 3,960 m).
Day 4: Barranco Wall scramble and traverse to Karanga Camp (about 3,995 m).
Day 5: Climb to Barafu Camp (about 4,673 m) and rest.
Day 6: Summit night to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend to Mweka Camp (about 3,100 m).
Day 7: Descend to Mweka Gate and transfer back to your hotel.
What’s included
All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, rescue fee and VAT
Licensed lead guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Return transfers between your hotel and the trailhead
All meals on the mountain and treated drinking water
Sleeping tents, mattresses and mess tent with chairs (huts on Marangu)
Pulse-oximeter health checks twice a day
First-aid kit and summit certificate
One night in Arusha or Moshi before and after the climb
Emergency bottled oxygen
Portable altitude chamber (PAC bag)
Not included
International flights and Tanzanian visa
Travel insurance (must cover trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation)
Tips for guides, cook and porters
Personal gear, sleeping bag and clothing (rental available)
Drinks and snacks off the mountain, and personal expenses