About This Tour
The 6 Days Shira Route is a scenic and less-crowded way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the western side, the route begins high on the Shira Plateau after a vehicle transfer, offering expansive views and a unique perspective of the mountain. While beautiful, the high starting altitude makes this route best suited for fit, well-prepared trekkers.
Trip Highlights
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak
- Trek through diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert
- Enjoy spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak from Horombo Hut
- -Early-morning summit attempt with a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak
- Professional mountain guides ensuring safety and support
Itinerary
The 6 Days Shira Route is a scenic and less-crowded way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the western side, the route begins high on the Shira Plateau after a vehicle transfer, offering expansive views and a unique perspective of the mountain. While beautiful, the high starting altitude makes this route best suited for fit, well-prepared trekkers.
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
- Altitude: 2,100 m → 3,500 m
After registration at Londorossi Gate, drive to the Shira Plateau trailhead and begin trekking across open moorland with sweeping views.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (tented)
- Distance: ~7 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Altitude: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
A gentle walk across the Shira Plateau with dramatic views of Kibo Peak and volcanic formations like Shira Cathedral. Ideal for early acclimatization.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
- Distance: ~10 km
- Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
- Altitude: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 3,960 m
A key acclimatization day. Trek to Lava Tower, then descend to Barranco Camp following the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Distance: ~5 km
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Altitude: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Climb the famous Barranco Wall—a thrilling but non-technical scramble—then traverse alpine ridges to Karanga Camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Distance: ~4 km
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 4,035 m → 4,673 m
A short, steep ascent to Barafu Camp. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Distance: ~17 km total
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Altitude: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 1,640 m
Begin the summit push around midnight. Ascend via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend via the Mweka Route to Mweka Gate for certificates and transfer.
Included/Exclude
The Cost Includes
- Park entry, camping/hut, rescue, and conservation fees for Mount Kilimanjaro
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Dedicated porters and cook
- Accommodation in mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo & Kibo Huts)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water on the mountain (treated and filtered)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport or Moshi/Arusha hotel transfers
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- Fair wages and ethical porter treatment (KPAP compliant, where applicable)
- All government taxes and service charges
The Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and high-altitude medical insurance
- Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cook
- Snacks, energy bars, and personal beverages
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls)
- Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (unless stated)
- Any services not specifically mentioned under Tour Includes
Tour Plan
The Rongai Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the quiet northern side near the Kenya border, offering fewer crowds, gentler slopes, and drier conditions than other routes.
Yes. Its gradual ascent makes it suitable for fit beginners, though good physical preparation is still essential due to the high altitude.
It is considered moderate. While summit night is challenging, the overall trail is less steep than Machame or Lemosho.
The success rate is good, especially for climbers who are well-prepared and follow guide instructions. Adding an extra acclimatization day can further improve success.
Accommodation is in tents at designated camps, with one night at Kibo Hut before the summit attempt.
Yes. It is one of the best routes during rainy months (April–May and November) due to its drier climate.
No. The Rongai Route is a trekking route, and no technical mountaineering skills are required.
Temperatures can drop to -10°C to -15°C near the summit, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.
