One of the older routes of Kilimanjaro, the Shira Route, begins at the Morum Barrier and approaches the summit from the west. While it shares similarities with the Lemosho route, its distinguishing feature is its higher starting point. This unique elevation makes it less popular among trekkers, posing potential acclimatization challenges right from the outset.
In the following sections, we'll discuss the details of the Shira Route as a choice for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, including its difficulty, duration, how crowded it is, and the success rate of reaching the top.
Shira Route is a stunning and less travelled trail to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, starting at an altitude of 3,600 meters on the Shira Plateau. The route offers diverse scenery, from high-altitude desert landscapes to lush rainforests.
Furthermore, Mt Kilimanjaro Shira Route offers the opportunity to climb one of Kilimanjaro's highest points, the Shira Cathedral, which stands at 3,962 meters and provides breathtaking panoramic views.
As a longer trek of around eight days, this Shira Plateau Route allows for better acclimatization and increases the chances of reaching the summit many folds.
Moreover, the Shira Route Kilimanjaro Climb also has the option to combine with the Lemosho Route, which joins at Shira 2 Camp. Integrating the Shira Route Itinerary with the Lemosho Route provides a more diverse and challenging trekking experience.
At an elevation of 3,962 meters is an incredible Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing attraction – the Shira Plateau, located on the western side of Kibo’s volcanic cone. This is a golden opportunity for climbers who want to experience Kilimanjaro without ever having to reach the summit.
The plateau extends over 13 km and inhabits a volcanic crater from the neighbouring Amboseli National Park in Kenya. This volcanic crater is believed to have been extinct for over 500 million years.
Weather patterns on the Shira Route are pivotal in dictating the climbing experience. Throughout the year, conditions can vary widely.
The weather stabilizes between December to February and again from June to October, becoming considerably drier. This makes them the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro via the Shira Route.
On the other hand, while attempting the ascent outside these timeframes is feasible, climbers are faced with wetter and unpredictable weather. Such conditions can elevate the challenges of your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.
Thus, for the best experience, sticking to the recommended months ensures a safer and more enjoyable Kilimanjaro Climb.
The Shira Route is a scenic and less-travelled route for Climbing Kilimanjaro. It begins on the mountain's western side, and its itinerary usually takes seven to eight days.
Climbers camp at several high-altitude campsites before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Though Shira Route Kilimanjaro Climb is available for 7 or 8 days, we at Tanzania Tribe Safaris offer the 8-day climb. For a bit more detail, refer to the 8 Days Shira Route below:
| Days | Starting Point | Altitude (In Metres) | Finishing Point | Altitude (In Metres) | Time Taken | Distance Covered (In Kilometres) | Zones Covered | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Day 1 |
Londorossi Gate |
2,250 |
Mti Mkubwa Camp |
2,750 |
3-4 hours |
5 km |
Rainforest Zone |
|
|
Day 2 |
Mti Mkubwa Camp |
2,750 |
Shira Camp 1 |
3,505 |
5-6 hours |
8 km |
Low Alpine Zone |
|
|
Day 3 |
Shira Camp 1 |
3,505 |
Shira Camp 2 |
3,850 |
4-5 hours |
10 km |
Low Alpine Zone |
|
|
Day 4 |
Shira Camp 2 |
3,850 |
Lava Tower |
4,640 |
3-4 hours |
7 km |
High Alpine Zone |
|
|
Day 5 |
Lava Tower |
4,640 |
Barranco Camp |
3,976 |
6-7 hours |
10 km |
High Alpine Zone |
|
|
Day 6 |
Barranco Camp |
3,976 |
Karanga Camp |
3,995 |
4-5 hours |
6 km |
Low Alpine Zone |
|
|
Day 7 |
Karanga Camp |
3,995 |
Barafu Camp |
4,673 |
3-4 hours |
4 km |
High Alpine Zone |
|
|
Day 8 |
Barafu Camp |
4,673 |
Uhuru Peak |
5,895 |
|
|
|
|
The Shira Route is another one of the rarely used trails that start near Shira Ridge. It is very similar to the Lemosho Route. Find out all about Shira Route in below.
The Shira Route is known for its diverse and stunning scenery, taking trekkers through various landscapes. Starting at 3,600 meters on the Shira Plateau, the route offers views of high-altitude desert landscapes and the famous Shira Cathedral, which stands at 3,962 meters and provides breathtaking panoramic views.
The route also passes through lush rainforests, providing trekkers a unique and unforgettable experience. Overall, the Shira Route offers some of the most scenic views of Kilimanjaro, making it a popular choice for trekkers who want to experience the mountain's natural beauty.
The Shira Route Kilimanjaro offers a quieter start for climbers compared to some of the mountain's other Routes Up Kilimanjaro, especially the popular Machame route.
For the initial days, this tranquillity allows trekkers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty without the hustle and bustle of large groups. However, this solitude is somewhat short-lived.
By the evening of the second day, as climbers reach the Shira 2 Camp, they will find themselves converging with those trekking up the Lemosho route.
The trail gets even busier as one approaches the Lava Tower, with groups from the Machame Route joining. As a result, trekkers might experience denser crowds during peak climbing seasons as they progress on the Shira route.
Campsites and huts are your choices regarding the Accommodations along the Kilimanjaro Shira Route. You can camp along the trail at designated campsites, where tents will be set up, and meals will be all-inclusive.
Another option is to stay in mountain huts that offer basic accommodation with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities.
The 8 Days Shira Route is priced at around $3749 per person, considering double occupancy. This covers the seven days on the mountain. However, the Shira Route Cost doesn't include accommodations before and after the climb in the Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages.
The Kilimanjaro Shira Route begins at a notably high elevation, which can pose acclimatisation challenges for trekkers.
While there's a lack of official data, it's estimated that the Shira Route Success Rate for the eight-day journey, considering all Kilimanjaro operators, is approximately 85%.
Winding this up, the Shira Route, although it has its challenges, offers one of the most rewarding ascents up Mount Kilimanjaro. This Kilimanjaro Route provides an array of stunning landscapes you’ll be able to relish, making it worth the effort.
Adequate preparation, gradual acclimatization, and guidance from our experienced professionals can help you achieve success on this challenging route.
The experience of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Shira Route will leave climbers with a sense of fulfilment that is difficult to match, making the itinerary a worthwhile selection for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Packages.
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Looking to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro?
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Be prepared for a trek through a variety of terrains
Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain
Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain
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