Overview

This Kilimanjaro Group Climb is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You climb with experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this Kilimanjaro Group Climb with us

First, every Kilimanjaro Group Climb we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Kilimanjaro National Park tours.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro on our 6-Day Shira Route Climb. It is one of the most scenic and rewarding routes to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The route starts on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, so you enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the very first day.

Because it starts higher than many other routes, it also rewards you with unforgettable scenery across the famous Shira Plateau. This is one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.

Scenery, acclimatisation and support

The Shira Route follows a similar trail to the popular Lemosho Route. So it combines excellent acclimatisation with dramatic volcanic landscapes and breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, glaciers, valleys and alpine desert. Along the way, you trek through heathland, moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit zones. Meanwhile, you experience the incredible biodiversity of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Throughout the expedition, our experienced mountain guides, skilled cooks and professional porters look after your safety, comfort and summit success. In addition, you get quality camping equipment, delicious freshly prepared meals, daily health checks and personal service. As a result, Serengeti Wildlife Safaris offers one of the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing experiences in Tanzania.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha / Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Shira Gate – Shira 1 Camp

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Then you drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. Next, you continue by vehicle to Shira Gate, one of the highest trailheads on Mount Kilimanjaro, where your trek officially begins.

First, you walk across the spectacular Shira Plateau. All around you are wide-open landscapes, volcanic formations, giant lobelias and breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. In fact, this is one of the few routes with panoramic mountain scenery from the very first day.

Finally, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m) for dinner and the night beneath one of Africa’s most beautiful starry skies.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, you continue your trek across the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most iconic landscapes. The trail is fairly gentle, so your body can acclimatise while you enjoy clear views of Kibo Peak, Mount Meru and the surrounding wilderness.

Along the way, your guide also tells you about Kilimanjaro’s unique alpine plants, volcanic history and wildlife. Later, you arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m). There you relax and enjoy spectacular sunset views over northern Tanzania.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp

Today is one of the most important acclimatisation days of the climb. First, you climb gradually towards the impressive Lava Tower (4,630 m). On the way, you cross dramatic alpine desert terrain surrounded by volcanic landscapes.

After lunch near Lava Tower, you descend to Barranco Camp (3,960 m). This follows the widely recommended “climb high, sleep low” principle. So it greatly improves your acclimatisation and raises your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.

Barranco Camp is also famous for its giant senecio plants, towering cliffs and spectacular mountain scenery.

Hiking Time: 6–8 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Barranco Camp – Barranco Wall – Karanga Camp

First, you start the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall, one of the highlights of every Kilimanjaro expedition. It looks steep. However, the climb is non-technical, and experienced mountain guides lead you safely up.

At the top, you enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers, valleys and Kibo Peak. Then you continue across alpine terrain to Karanga Camp (4,035 m). Afterwards, you spend the afternoon resting, drinking plenty of water and preparing for the final summit approach.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 05 :

Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After breakfast, you continue climbing to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), your final base camp before the summit attempt. There you have an early dinner and several hours of rest. Then, at midnight, you begin your ascent beneath a sky full of stars.

First, you reach Stella Point. Then you continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Here you witness a spectacular sunrise over the glaciers, celebrate your achievement and take unforgettable photos. Finally, you descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for your last night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 11–15 Hours
Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 06 :

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha / Moshi

Wake up in the peaceful rainforest and enjoy your final breakfast on Mount Kilimanjaro. Then you descend through lush tropical forest, full of birds, waterfalls and beautiful plants, until you reach Mweka Gate.

Here you receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate and celebrate your successful climb with your mountain crew. Afterwards, we transfer you back to Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).

So you leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories of conquering Africa’s highest mountain.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch