Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 7 Days Details

7 days Shira Route

Route Description

Shira Route can be considered a variation of Lemosho Route, with the main difference being that you are driven to a high elevation before starting to climb. Before the development of Lemosho Route, Shira Route was the main route approaching Kilimanjaro from the west. Previously, this area was a natural wildlife corridor for large animals such as elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, who would cross over from the adjacent game reserve in search of water and green pasture during the dry season. With luck, you may get a chance to see some of these animals on your drive to the starting point. Shira Route, by starting more than one thousand metres higher than the other routes, is a somewhat easier trek than the other routes, although some climbers may experience altitude sickness on the first day.  Shira Route is also an excellent option for a day hike and cycling tours, by bringing you quickly above the forested area and offering stunning alpine vistas.

Itinerary (7 Days)

Shira Route can be accomplished with a 6 or 7-day itinerary.  Below we present the 7-day option, and indicate where it can be shortened to 6 days.  For each day we provide an estimate of the time spent trekking, however these times are only approximate and highly variable, depending on the weather conditions and the pace that your group is able to maintain. 

Pre-departure (Same for all routes)

Most climbers arrive in Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport. We recommend arriving at least one day before your trek begins. At the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by one of Rafiki’s representatives and we will transport you to your dedicated hotel in either Moshi or Arusha. In the late afternoon or evening on the day before your trek, we will host a briefing at the hotel where you will meet your mountain guide and you will receive any final details about your upcoming trip. We will be pleased to answer any remaining questions you may have.  Our staff will also be happy to check over your gear, and at this time we will also assist you with rental of any personal equipment you may need. If your trip is a joining trek, you will also have a chance for introduction with the other climbers who are joining together with your group.

Day 1 – Hotel to Londorosi Gate to Shira One Camp

On the morning of your departure, after breakfast, we will load all your gear into our vehicles and drive to the park entrance.  On the way to Londorosi Gate, you’ll cross a game reserve, where there is a chance to view some wild animals, like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.  You’ll also drive through a government forest reserve before signing into Kilimanjaro National Park at Londorosi Gate (elevation 2250 m / 7382 ft).   From there, you’ll be driven through the rainforest up to your starting point at Morum Barrier.  You’ll have a short hike to Shira One Camp where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain.   

  • Start point Morum Barrier elevation 3500m (11,483 ft)
  • End point Shira One Camp elevation 3610 m (11,844 ft)
  • Elevation gain 110 m (361 ft)
  • Distance covered 1.5 km (1 mile)
  • Trekking duration (approximately) 1 hour
  • Climatic zones Heather and Moorland

Day 2 – Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp

At Shira One Camp, the Shira and Lemosho Routes converge. The route from Shira One Camp to Shira Two Camp is relatively flat, with a few ups and downs. You will cross some streams along the way, using the rocks as stepping stones during the rainy season. The terrain is quite open with scattered trees and bushes, and the landscape becomes more rock strewn by the time you reach Shira Two Camp.

  • Start point Shira One Camp elevation 3610 m (11,844 ft)
  • End point Shira Two Camp elevation 3850 m (12,631 ft)
  • Elevation gain 240 m (787 ft)
  • Distance covered 10 km
  • Trekking duration (approximately) 4 to 5 hours
  • Climatic zones Moorland

Day 3 – Shira Two Camp to Baranco Camp via Lava Tower

From Shira Two Camp, the route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes surrounding Lava Tower, a 100 metre high volcanic rock formation. On the approach to Lava Tower, Shira Route converges with Machame Route.  You will then ascend the rocky scree path to Lava Tower for great panoramic views, before a steep descent into the Baranco Valley. You may find this trek a little tougher than the previous days as some hikers usually start to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Although you might finish the climb at almost the same elevation as you started, this is a very good practice for acclimatization and will help to prepare your body for summit day. Baranco Camp lies below the imposing Baranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.

  • Start point Shira Two Camp elevation 3850 m (12,631 ft)
  • Highest point reached Lava Tower elevation 4600m (15,092 ft)
  • End point Baranco Camp elevation 3900 m (12,796 ft) 
  • Elevation gain 750 m (2461 ft)
  • Elevation loss 700 m (2296 ft)
  • Distance covered 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Trekking duration (approximately) 6 to 7 hours
  • Climatic zones Moorland / Alpine Desert

 

Day 4 – Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp

At Baranco Camp, Shira Route now joins with Umbwe Route as one common ascent trail. This will be a shorter day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin to ascend the Baranco Wall and hike glacial valleys – but don’t worry, it is easier than it looks! From the top of the wall, you will then cross a series of hills and valleys before descending into Karanga Valley. After one steeper climb, you’ll reach Karanga Camp in time to relax before dinner.

  • Start point Baranco Camp elevation 3900 m (12,796 ft)  
  • Highest point reached Baranco Wall elevation 4200 m (13,780 ft)
  • End point Karanga Camp elevation 3995 m (13,107 ft)
  • Elevation gain 300 m (984 ft)
  • Elevation loss 205 m (673 ft)
  • Distance covered 6 km (3.7 miles)
  • Trekking duration (approximately) 4 to 5 hours
  • Climatic zones Alpine desert

Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After departing Karanga Camp, you will slowly ascend to Karanga Ridge, and then continue along the level ridge for a while.  The trail becomes steeper again when approaching Barafu Camp, where you will begin to encounter descending trekkers using the Mweka Route on their descent after their successful summit. If the weather is clear, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit from various angles. Your tents will be pitched along a narrow and rocky ridge with high winds. It’s therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. You will have time to rest for the afternoon and evening at Barafu Camp and prepare for your upcoming climb to the summit.

  • Start point Karanga Camp elevation 3995 m (13,107 ft)
  • End point Barafu Camp elevation 4673 m (15,331 ft)
  • Elevation gain 678 m (2224 ft)
  • Distance covered 4 km (2.4 miles)
  • Trekking duration (approximately) 3 to 4 hours
  • Climatic zones Alpine Desert 

***For the 6-day option, the hike from Baranco Camp to Barafu Camp is completed in one day instead of two; there is no overnight stop at Karanga Camp.  This can be a long day and you will have only a few hours to rest before beginning your summit ascent.***

 

Day 6 -Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

This is where the going gets tough! But you can do it! Just before midnight at the beginning of Day 6, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.  Head northwest through the stone scree following multiple switchbacks between Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach  Stella Point (5,756 m / 18,885 ft).  This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue to move slowly, always listening to your guide.  After a short rest at Stella Point, when the sun may be starting to rise, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour or less before reaching your ultimate goal – Uhuru Peak! Congratulations! You have now made it to the “Roof of Africa”.  Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend there, but it is important to start your descent within good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After a short sleep and a meal,  you’ll begin your descent to your next campsite via Mweka Route.  Normally that next campsite is Mweka Camp, which is a 4 hours descent from Barafu.  Sometimes our clients are very tired after the long summit day, and we can stop early at Millenium Camp, which is only two hours from Barafu.

    • Start point Barafu Camp elevation  4673 m (15,331 ft)
  • Highest point reached Uhuru Peak, the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro elevation 5895 m (19,341 ft)
  • End point Mweka Camp elevation 3100 m (10,171 ft)
  • Elevation gain 1222 m (4010 ft)
  • Elevation loss 2795 m (9170 ft)
  • Distance covered 17.5 km (10.5 miles)
  • Trekking duration (approximately): Total 11 to 14 hours or more.  It can be a long day.
    • Ascent from Barafu Camp to Summit 6 to 7 hours
    • Descent from Summit to Barafu Camp 2 to 3 hours
    • Descent from Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp 3 to 4 hours
  • Climatic zones Alpine Desert, Arctic Zone, and Moorland

Day 7 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After eating breakfast you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded certificates from Kilimanjaro National Park. After having a hot lunch at the gate, it’s time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer! (or beverage of your choice)

  • Start point Mweka Camp elevation 3100 m (10,171 ft)
  • End point Mweka Gate elevation 1640 m (5381 ft)
  • Elevation loss 1460 m (4790 ft)
  • Distance covered 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Trekking duration (approximately) 3 to 4 hours
  • Climatic zones Montane forest

After your climb

After your celebrations and a well-deserved sleep at your hotel, we will be pleased to transfer you to the airport for your departure.  Or, better yet, extend your stay in Tanzania for a few more days.  Allow us to arrange a trip to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar or a safari to one of our magnificent national parks.  Karibu sana!

What’s included

All our trips on Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro include the following, which is covered in the cost of the trip.

  • Mountain guide, cook, and porters
    • fair wages for all team members
  • Quality camping equipment
    • Sleeping tents
    • Dining tent
    • Tables and chairs
    • Dishes and utensils
  • All park fees.  
    • The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) charges various fees for activities within the park.  Some of these fees include: conservation fee (entry fee?), rescue fee, camping (or hut) fee.  We include all the park fees in the cost of your trip.
  • Transportation
    • We will transport you from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel upon arrival, and we will bring you back to the airport at the end of your trip.  (If you don’t require this service, we can offer a reduction on the cost of your trip.)
    • We will transport you from your hotel to the start point of your trek and return you to your hotel after your climb.
  • Food and water while on the mountain:
    • 3 meals per day. 
    • Treated drinking water.  Water is drawn from natural sources during the climb and we filter and use chlorine / iodine (boil?).  While we are confident our water is safe to drink, many climbers prefer to bring their own treatment methods, which you are free to do.
  • Health and Safety equipment
    • Satelite phone? Or other communication?
    • Oximeter.  Used to measure blood oxygen levels.
    • First Aid Kit. (what’s included?) Note, climbers are expected to bring their own first aid kit to treat minor injuries.
    • Emergency oxygen tank (and mask etc?0
  • Hotel accommodations
    • 2 nights of hotel accommodations are included.  The night before your climb and the night after.  
    • For Mount Kilimanjaro treks, your hotel will be located in either Arusha or Moshi.  We will consider the proximity to the entrance and exit gates of the chosen route as well as the rest of your itinerary.  
    • For Mount Meru, your hotel will be in Arusha.
    • Your hotel will be a mid-range option; we will include the specific hotel details in your quote.  If you prefer either a luxury hotel or budget hotel, we can easily accommodate that. 

What’s not included

  • Tips
    • Tipping is customary on Kilimanjaro and provides a significant proportion of a guide or porter’s salary.  We recommend x per day per person.  (For example, if a group of 4 climbers treks the 6-day Machame route, the tip should be in the range of xxx USD.   
  • Some food and drinks are not included:
    • Personal snacks that you may wish to eat while hiking. The type of food is personal preference and many of the types of food you are familiar with from your own country can be obtained in Tanzania. (Granola bars, candies, chocolate).  We especially recommend having some snacks on hand during the long summit hike.
    • Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water etc. are at your own cost
    • Meals eaten at your hotel
  • Personal hiking equipment and clothing.
    • We will provide a detailed recommended packing list xxx when we give you a quote).   Items like your clothing, include cold weather gear and rain gear, hiking boots, sleeping bag, hiking poles, are not included.  Some of these items are available to rent at a reasonable cost. 
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs and discretionary spending
  • Travel insurance
    • Ensure that your travel medical insurance covers high-altitude hiking up to 5895 metres (Mount Kilimanjaro) and xxx (Mount Meru)
    • Coverage should include trip cancellation or interruption. Read your policy carefully
  • International travel costs
    • Your flight
    • Your entrance visa.  US residents pay $100 USD while most other nationalities pay $50 USD.  
    • Pre-departure expenses such as passport photos or passport renewal, vaccinations and travel medicine

Pricing and Payment Overview

  • Contact us for a quote. (We need to update the contact form to enter more details)
  • Accommodation options
  • Payment method.  We currently accept payment by bank transfer.  Although our quote will be in USD, we accept payment in either USD or the local currency, Tanzania Shillings.  We will provide our bank account details to receive the payment.  You should be able to set up a bank transfer via your home bank.  There are also many trusted third party transfer services (Wise, World Remit, Xoom, Western Union) who may offer better exchange rates or a more streamlined process.  We plan to provide credit card payment in the future, but we’re not there yet.
  • Payment and Cancellation Policy:
    • 30 days in advance of your start date, we require a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total cost of your trip.
      • Date change?
      • Cancellation?
    • We require full payment 15 days in advance.
      • Date or itinerary change?
      • Cancellation outright?
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Here’s several reasons why you should book with us:

  • Best Price & Value
  • Comfortable Accommodation
  • Have a Big Group? We can help.
  • Top Notch Customer Service
  • Trip designed for Your Family