Shira Route · The High Plateau
Begins at a high-altitude plateau, offering excellent acclimatization, and merges with the Lemosho route for summit day.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Distance
- 56 km / 35 mi
- Approach
- Shira Plateau
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- From
- $2,500 pp
Route overview
A close sibling of Lemosho, the Shira Route drives you high onto the Shira Plateau on day one, starting the trek at around 3,500 m. It offers the same magnificent scenery as Lemosho and merges with it for the summit push. Because you start so high, we take extra care with acclimatization in the early days.
- Dramatic high-plateau start
- Shares Lemosho's finest scenery
- Excellent for those short on time
- Superb photography throughout
Pricing
From $2,500 per person. Group discounts apply — ask us for a tailored quote.
What's included
- All Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping & rescue fees (KINAPA)
- Professional KINAPA-certified mountain guides
- Full support crew — cooks and porters
- All meals on the mountain, freshly prepared
- Quality four-season tents and sleeping mattresses
- Pulse-oximeter monitoring and emergency oxygen
- Airport transfers and trailhead transport
- International flights and Tanzania visa
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for guides, cooks and porters
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Drinks, snacks and personal items
Good to know
How fit do I need to be for the Shira Route?
You don't need to be an athlete, but Kilimanjaro is a serious high-altitude trek. A few months of regular cardio plus some long day-hikes with a pack will serve you well. On the mountain the golden rule is "pole pole" — slowly, slowly.
What about altitude and acclimatization?
We build in "climb high, sleep low" days, monitor oxygen saturation twice daily with pulse oximeters, and carry emergency oxygen. Longer itineraries dramatically improve how comfortably you summit.
When is the best time to climb?
The dry seasons — January to mid-March and June to October — offer the most reliable conditions. We run treks year-round and are happy to advise on the best window for your dates.