Shira Route VIP

Serene west-side ascent

Quick Facts

Overview

Shira VIP approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, driving high onto the plateau to bypass rainforest and start above 3,400 m. Expect big skies, fewer crowds, excellent views, and steady acclimatization via the Southern Circuit before a classic Barafu summit to Uhuru Peak.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Gran Meliá Arusha

Meet your DKE representative at JRO and transfer to Gran Meliá Arusha. Rest, gear check, and climb briefing.
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike – Arusha National Park

Gentle hiking among montane forest and Momela Lakes wildlife to prime acclimatization before the trek.
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha

Day 3: Morum Barrier / Shira Gate (~3,400–3,550m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)

Zones: Moorland / Shira Caldera • Special: Start high on the volcanic plateau; vast west-face views.
Distance: ~7 km • Time: 2–3 hrs • Gain: ↑ ~100–200 m
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 4: Shira 1 (3,610m) → Moir Camp (3,995–4,200m)

Zones: Moorland → High alpine desert • Special: Cross open Shira Plateau; optional acclimatization walk above camp.
Distance: ~10–12 km • Time: 5–6 hrs • Gain: ↑ ~400–600 m
Accommodation: Moir Camp

Day 5: Moir → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Zones: Alpine desert → Moorland • Special: “Climb high, sleep low” via Lava Tower for strong acclimatization; descend to the iconic Barranco Valley.
Distance: ~12 km • Time: 6–7 hrs • Gain/Loss: ↑ ~450–650 m to Lava Tower, then ↓ ~670 m to camp
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 6: Barranco (3,960m) → Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Zones: Moorland / alpine desert • Special: Scramble the Great Barranco Wall; rolling traverse with glacier views.
Distance: ~5–6 km • Time: 3–4 hrs • Gain: Net ↑ ~75 m (with ups/downs)
Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 7: Karanga (4,035m) → Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Zones: Alpine desert • Special: Short, steady ascent to high camp; early dinner and summit briefing.
Distance: ~4 km • Time: 3–4 hrs • Gain: ↑ ~600 m
Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 8: Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Zones: Arctic summit zone → Moorland / forest • Special: Night ascent via Stella/Gilman’s; sunrise on the crater rim; long descent to Mweka.
Distance: ~16–17 km • Time: 12–14 hrs • Elevation: ↑ ~1,255 m to summit, then ↓ ~2,795 m to camp
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Arusha

Zones: Upper montane → rainforest • Special: Certificate collection and celebration lunch; drive to Arusha.
Distance: ~10 km • Time: 3–4 hrs • Loss: ↓ ~1,460 m
Accommodation: Gran Meliá Arusha (day use or overnight, as booked)

What’s Included

  • All transfers as per the itinerary and government expenses
  • Two nights’ accommodation at Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
  • Pre-hiking acclimatization day at Arusha National Park
  • Extra day on the mountain for proper acclimatization and well-being
  • Trained guides in altitude physiology and Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  • Top-quality food for the entire climb (three meals daily)
  • Safety equipment including oxygen tank and portable altitude chamber (PAC)
  • High-quality camping equipment including mountain tents and private bathroom facilities
  • Safety communication (satellite phones and mobile phones)
  • Flying Doctors evacuation coverage within the region
  • Day room on the final day at Gran Melia Hotel
  • Sleeping bags, mattresses, and tents
  • Summit certificate

What’s Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travelers’ insurance
  • Communication charges or other personal items
  • Meals or transfers not included in the itinerary
  • Meals at the hotel (outside specified itinerary)
  • Optional activities or additional transfers
  • Beverages, laundry, personal gear or clothing rental
  • Tipping for guides, porters, and support staff
  • Any charges from an early descent (additional hotels, transfers, etc.)
Kilimanjaro

Tanzania's High-end Safari Outfitter

Luxury Kilimanjaro treks, African safaris, and relaxing Zanzibar getaways

This shouldn’t take more than a minute or two to complete

Help us plan your dream safari by providing us with a few details

Select your dates.

Where can we send your trip suggestions? .

Prefer direct contact?