The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. This route is sometimes referred to as the Lemosho route with a “high altitude drop off.”
Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Tour Highlights:
- Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Shira Route and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
- Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
- Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
- Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hats, cold-weather jackets, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
- Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on bed and breakfast at a 3-star hotel (upgrades on request).
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request to meet travelers’s needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
- Trip Availability: All year round.
