Peaceful west plateau climb
The Shira Route VIP+ begins high on the Shira Plateau, bypassing the rainforest and offering vast skies and fewer crowds. With steady acclimatization, diverse landscapes, and enhanced VIP+ comforts, this trek combines tranquility, safety, and luxury on Kilimanjaro’s western flank.
For climbers seeking unmatched comfort, our VIP+ package elevates the Kilimanjaro experience with upgraded amenities and exclusive services beyond the standard inclusions.
Arrive at JRO and meet your DKE representative. Transfer to Gran Meliá Arusha for rest, climb briefing, and equipment check.
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha
Explore montane forest and the Momela Lakes while spotting giraffes, colobus monkeys, and diverse birdlife. Ideal for acclimatization.
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha
Zones: Moorland / Shira Caldera • Special: Start directly on Shira Plateau; panoramic mountain views.
Distance: ~7 km • Time: 2–3 hrs • Gain: ↑ 200 m
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Zones: Moorland → Alpine desert • Special: Cross open plateau; optional acclimatization hike above camp.
Distance: ~10–12 km • Time: 5–6 hrs • Gain: ↑ 385 m
Accommodation: Moir Camp
Zones: Alpine desert → Moorland • Special: “Climb high, sleep low” strategy; Lava Tower acclimatization, then descend into Barranco Valley.
Distance: ~12 km • Time: 6–7 hrs • Gain/Loss: ↑ 635 m to Lava Tower, ↓ 670 m to camp
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Zones: Moorland → Alpine desert • Special: Morning climb of Great Barranco Wall; rolling trail into Karanga Valley.
Distance: ~5–6 km • Time: 3–4 hrs • Gain: Net ↑ 75 m
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Zones: Alpine desert • Special: Short uphill day to summit base; early dinner and rest before midnight push.
Distance: ~4 km • Time: 3–4 hrs • Gain: ↑ 605 m
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Zones: Arctic summit zone → Rainforest • Special: Summit before sunrise via Stella Point; descend to Mweka for overnight.
Distance: ~16–17 km • Time: 12–14 hrs • Elevation: ↑ 1,255 m to summit, ↓ 2,795 m to camp
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Zones: Montane rainforest • Special: Final descent, certificate collection, and celebration lunch. Return to Arusha.
Distance: ~10 km • Time: 3–4 hrs • Loss: ↓ 1,460 m
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha (day use or overnight as booked)
Full-day acclimatization hike in Arusha National Park. Spot giraffes, colobus monkeys, and diverse birdlife while exploring Momela Lakes and Mount Meru views.
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha
Drive three hours to Rongai Gate and begin trekking through montane forest rich in wildlife. Arrive at Simba Camp, a clearing with wide valley views.
Distance: ~7 km, 3–4 hrs • Elevation gain: ↑ 675 m
Accommodation: Simba Camp (VIP+)
Continue steadily uphill through heathland and moorland zones. Pass Second Cave for lunch and reach Kikelewa Camp, framed by dramatic Mawenzi views.
Distance: ~12 km, 6–7 hrs • Elevation gain: ↑ 975 m
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (VIP+)
Ascend a steeper trail into the alpine desert. Settle at Mawenzi Tarn, a glacial lake beneath the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Optional acclimatization walk.
Distance: ~6 km, 4–5 hrs • Elevation gain: ↑ 730 m
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (VIP+)
Spend the day at Mawenzi Tarn for altitude adjustment. Gentle hikes near Mawenzi Peak allow for acclimatization and panoramic photography.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (VIP+)
Cross the Saddle, a high-altitude desert stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Kibo Hut for rest and summit night briefing.
Distance: ~9 km, 5–6 hrs • Elevation gain: ↑ 370 m
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (VIP+)
Depart around midnight for the summit. Pass Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After celebrations, descend via Kibo to Horombo Hut.
Distance: ~15 km, 12–14 hrs • Elevation: ↑ 1,195 m to summit, then ↓ 2,175 m
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (VIP+)
Descend through rainforest to Marangu Gate. Collect your summit certificate and transfer to Gran Meliá Arusha for relaxation and celebration.
Distance: ~20 km, 6–7 hrs • Elevation loss: ↓ 1,850 m
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before airport transfer. Optional safari extension packages available for those wishing to continue their Tanzania journey.
Accommodation: Day use available (on request)
Luxury Kilimanjaro treks, African safaris, and relaxing Zanzibar getaways
