7-Day Kilimanjaro Shira Route Climb
Overview
Budget camping ascent via the remote, high-starting Shira Route — 7 days crossing the volcanic Shira Plateau before joining the Southern Circuit to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), from $2,150 per person.
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Safari Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Moshi/Arusha to Shira Gate — Simba Camp
Drive from Moshi/Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue by vehicle up a rough track toward Shira Gate, already above 3,500m. A short afternoon trek across the western edge of the Shira Plateau brings you to camp, with immediate views of Kibo's summit ice fields.
Shira Camp — Crossing the Shira Plateau
A full day trekking east across the vast, flat volcanic caldera of the Shira Plateau — one of the largest in Africa. Moorland vegetation gives way to high-altitude desert as you approach the base of Kibo, with the jagged Western Breach and Lava Tower coming into view.
Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Trek up to Lava Tower (4,630m) — a 300ft volcanic plug — for the acclimatization benefit of the day's altitude gain, then descend into the lush Barranco Valley to camp beneath the Barranco Wall, following the classic 'climb high, sleep low' strategy.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall — a hands-on but non-technical climb — then cross the undulating terrain of Karanga Valley to camp, with the summit now visibly close.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A shorter trekking day across the alpine desert to Barafu Camp — the last camp before the summit push. Early dinner and rest, briefing on summit night logistics.
Summit Day — Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp
Wake around midnight for the summit push, trekking by headlamp up scree switchbacks to Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, then along the glacier-fringed rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — Africa's highest point — for sunrise. Descend back to Barafu for a break, then continue down through the moorland to Mweka Camp in the rainforest.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate — Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
Final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Summit certificates presented (Gold for Uhuru Peak, Green for Stella Point). Transfer back to your Moshi/Arusha hotel, end of tour.
Tour Route
- 1
Day 1
Moshi/Arusha to Shira Gate — Simba Camp
Included
- Arusha/Moshi hotel pickup and drop-off, including the drive to the Shira trailhead
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Government-licensed mountain guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
- Full-board meals on the mountain
- Camping accommodation with mountain tents, mess tent, and portable toilet
- Summit certificate on successful ascent
- Pre-climb briefing and gear check
- Drinking water throughout the climb
Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory — proof required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks, and porters
- Sleeping bag, hiking poles, and gaiters rental
- Pre/post-climb hotel nights in Moshi/Arusha
- Personal climbing gear (down jacket, summit gloves, etc.)
- Oxygen cylinder (available on request at extra cost)
Where to Stay
Handpicked lodges & camps for this safari
Kudu Lodge & Camp
Arusha
A welcoming budget lodge on the outskirts of Arusha offering comfortable rooms, a lush garden setting, and easy access to all northern safari circuit departures.
View Lodge →Marera Valley Lodge
Karatu
A mid-range lodge in the green hills of Karatu offering excellent value with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and stunning views over the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
View Lodge →Simba Campsite
Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Tanzania's most iconic public campsite perched on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, offering an unbeatable combination of world-class views and rock-bottom prices.
View Lodge →Ready to Book Your Safari?
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. Just an unforgettable Tanzania adventure at a price you can afford.
$2,150 /person