Shira Route: A Scenic Approach from the West

The Shira Route is a popular and scenic approach to Mount Kilimanjaro, starting from the west. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho Route, but with a few key differences. Originally, the Shira route was the primary path used to summit Kilimanjaro, and Lemosho is essentially an improved variation.

Route Overview

Duration: 7 days Distance: Approximately 70 km (43 miles) Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Best for: Climbers looking for a scenic, less crowded route with a higher starting point.

Key Features of the Shira Route

Starting Point: The Shira Route bypasses the rainforest section of the Lemosho Route by using a vehicle to transport climbers to the Shira Gate, which is situated at the base of the Shira Ridge. This means that climbers begin their hike at a higher elevation, around 11,800 feet (3,600 meters), saving time on the initial ascent and reducing the time spent in the rainforest.
Day 1: Climbers spend their first night at Simba Camp at the same elevation they began the day, giving them a chance to rest and begin acclimatizing to the higher altitude. The start at Simba Camp allows for a gradual and more comfortable adjustment to the mountain's elevation.
Merging with Lemosho Route: On Day 2, the Shira Route joins the Lemosho Route at Shira 2 Camp, where it follows the same path as the Lemosho and Machame routes, traversing the southern circuit of the mountain. This path offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s southern ice fields, a highlight of the climb.
Summit Approach: From Shira 2 Camp, climbers continue their ascent, passing through Lava Tower and Barranco Camp, before reaching the final push to the summit from Barafu Camp. The summit is usually reached via Stella Point on the crater rim and continues to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro.
Descent via Mweka Route: After reaching the summit, climbers descend via the Mweka Route, which is known for being a less demanding descent, offering a more gradual slope down the mountain.

Why Choose the Shira Route?

The Shira Route offers a unique and scenic experience for climbers, providing stunning views and a more tranquil atmosphere with fewer crowds compared to other routes like Machame or Marangu. Here are some key benefits:

Pros:
- Higher Starting Point: Starting from Shira Gate means skipping the lower rainforest section, allowing climbers to start at a higher altitude and gain elevation more quickly.
- Spectacular Scenery: The route passes through diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to high-altitude deserts, and provides stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s glacier fields and Shira Plateau.
- Less Crowded: Since the Shira Gate is less frequently used compared to other entry points, the route tends to be quieter and offers a more peaceful experience on the mountain.
- Gradual Acclimatization: The route allows for gradual acclimatization, particularly with the first night spent at Simba Camp at the same elevation as the starting point.

Cons:
- Not Ideal for Quick Ascent: Although it offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, the higher starting point can make the climb slightly more strenuous than some other routes, especially for those who are not accustomed to higher altitudes.
- Limited Access: The route uses a vehicle to transport climbers to the Shira Gate, meaning it is not as accessible for trekkers who prefer to start the climb from the ground up.