Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Shira Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the remote Shira Plateau with panoramic mountain views
02 Acclimatise at Lava Tower to improve summit success
03 Climb the famous Barranco Wall with views of Kibo Peak
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa

Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro on this 6-day Shira Route trek, starting from the western slopes of the mountain. Cross the scenic Shira Plateau, acclimatise at Lava Tower, climb the iconic Barranco Wall, and reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend through changing landscapes, including alpine desert and rainforest, while experiencing one of Kilimanjaro's least crowded routes with experienced mountain professionals.

Begin the summit climb around midnight under the stars.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Shira 2 Camp via Londorossi Gate

Drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate for park registration before continuing to Morum Barrier, where the trek begins.
Hike through heath and moorland zones across the scenic Shira Plateau with views of volcanic formations.
Pass the Shira Cathedral before reaching Shira 2 Camp for rest and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,847 m

Distance: 6 km / 4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 02

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Trek towards Lava Tower for acclimatisation, with steady ascents and descents.
Stop for lunch near Lava Tower while adjusting to the higher altitude.
Descend to Barranco Camp with clear views of the Barranco Wall.

Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,000 m

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 03

Barranco Wall Climb to Karanga Valley Camp

Climb the Barranco Wall with rewarding views of Kibo Peak.
Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Valley Camp.
Complete a short acclimatisation hike towards Barafu Camp before returning to Karanga.

Elevation: 4,000 m to 4,050 m

Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 04

Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Base Camp

Hike steadily to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt.
Rest and prepare for the midnight ascent while enjoying views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Elevation: 4,050 m to 4,700 m

Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent

Begin the summit climb around midnight under the stars.
Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and celebrate at the summit.
Descend to Barafu Camp briefly before continuing to Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m (summit), then down to 3,090 m

Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles

Hiking Time: 8-12 hours

Habitat: Ice cap & stone scree

Day 06

Rainforest Descent to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha

Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate at the gate.
Return to Arusha, marking the end of the trek.

Elevation: 3,090 m to 1,680 m

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 2 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transfers according to the itinerary
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Guide pulse oximeter - safety gear
Emergency oxygen cylinder - safety gear
First aid kit box - safety gear
Radio call - safety gear
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Camping fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Clean, purified drinking water
Accommodation in wooden dormitory-style huts
Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

Tanzania visa
Flights
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Additional transfers before and at the end of the tour
Personal trekking equipment, such as hiking clothes, sleeping bags, hiking boots, etc., available for rent from our mountain equipment and gear rental store in Arusha and Moshi.
Tips
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, alcohol, etc.)