8-Day Shira Route Itinerary – A Remote & Scenic Climb on Mount Kilimanjaro
Time climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro climb with our expert-guided 8-day Marangu Route — the perfect balance of acclimatization, scenery, and summit success.
Minimum age: 10+
Adventure awaits! Children aged 10 and up can join the trek with proper preparation, guidance, and parental supervision.
Expert Guides
Our knowledgeable guides will enrich your experience with insights into Tanzania's ecosystems and cultures.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Arusha, Tanzania
- Meet your trekking guide for a pre-climb briefing
- Gear check and final preparations
- Overnight in Arusha
Optional: Explore local markets or enjoy a relaxing evening before your big adventure.
Day 2
Arusha → Shira Gate (2,500m / 8,200ft) → Shira Camp 1 (3,500m / 11,500ft)
- Distance:~40 km (~25 miles) drive + 7 km (~4.3 miles) hike
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain:+1,000m (+3,280ft)
Begin your Kilimanjaro climb at Shira Gate , the oldest starting point on the mountain. The trail ascends gently through open heathland with stunning views of Kibo peak. Arrive at Shira Camp 1 , surrounded by vast wilderness.
Day 3
Shira Camp 1 (3,500m / 11,500ft) → Shira Camp 2 (3,800m / 12,500ft)
- Distance:~5 km (~3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation Gain:+300m (+985ft)
Today’s short hike continues along the ancient Shira Route, ascending gently into higher alpine moorland. This area is rarely used by other routes, giving you a sense of solitude and history. Arrive at Shira Camp 2 , offering panoramic views of the mountain.
Day 4
Shira Camp 2 (3,800m / 12,500ft) → Lava Tower (4,600m / 15,100ft) → Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,950ft)
- Distance~10 km (~6 miles)
- Hiking Time:6–8 hours
- Elevation Gain/loss:+800m / -650m (+2,625ft / -2,130ft)
A classic “climb high, sleep low” day. Ascend to the dramatic Lava Tower , then descend into the lush Barranco Valley to reach Barranco Camp , nestled below the famous Barranco Wall — a highlight of the route.
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,950ft) → Karanga Camp (4,050m / 13,285ft)
- Distance:~5 km (~3 miles)
- Hiking Time: ~5 km (~3 miles)
- Elevation Gain: +100m (+330ft)
Start the day with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall , followed by a gentle ascent through rocky terrain to Karanga Camp . This quiet camp is an important stop for acclimatization before the final push.
Day 6
Karanga Camp (4,050m / 13,285ft) → Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft)
- Distance: ~4 km (~2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Gain+550m (+1,800ft)
This short day allows for rest and preparation before summit night. Ascend steadily to Barafu Camp , perched on the edge of the crater ridge, where you’ll spend the night ahead of your midnight summit attempt.
Day 7
Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) → Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft)
- Distance:~14 km (~9 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
- Elevation Gain/loss: +1,295m / -1,795m (+4,250ft / -5,890ft)
Summit night begins around midnight , with a steep climb to Stella Point on the crater rim, then onward to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp , tired but triumphant.
Day 8
Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft) → Mweka Gate (1,630m / 5,350ft) → Moshi/Arusha
- Distance:~10 km (~6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Elevation Loss: -1,470m (-4,820ft)
Descend through the lush Mweka Rainforest , passing waterfalls and wildlife. Arrive at Mweka Gate , where you'll receive your summit certificate . Transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved celebration.
Includes
- All transfers
- Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Rescue fees
- Clean purified water
- Accommodation before climbing
- All entry fees
- All meals during your trekking
- Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees ($50 -$100, varies by nationality)
- Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable
- Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses ((e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.))
- Tips & gratuities
- Optional activities