KILIMANJARO SHIRA ROUTE

ABOUT SHIRA ROUTE

The Shira Route is one of the original routes on Mount Kilimanjaro and approaches the mountain from the western side. While it shares similarities with the Lemosho Route, the Shira Route begins at a higher starting altitude, making it a more direct but less favorable option for acclimatization.
The trek starts near Shira Gate or Shira Ridge, where climbers are driven to approximately 3,500–3,600 meters before beginning the hike. From there, the route crosses the scenic Shira Plateau, offering wide-open views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding high-altitude landscape.
Because of the high starting point, climbers have limited time to acclimatize, which can increase the risk of altitude-related challenges. For this reason, the Shira Route is less commonly used today, with many operators preferring the Lemosho Route, which follows a similar path but allows better acclimatization from a lower altitude.
After crossing the Shira Plateau, the route joins the Machame Route, continuing through Lava Tower, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, and Barafu Camp before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Descent is via the Mweka Route.
Typically completed in 6 or 7 days, the Shira Route is best suited for experienced trekkers or climbers who have prior high-altitude exposure and are comfortable starting at higher elevations.