Shira Route is for climbers who are already acclimatized from the neighboring Mount Meru and want to experience the isolated wilderness aspect of a trekking holiday on Kilimanjaro for the earlier leg of the trail. The high altitude ends at over 3000 meters on the first day gives you less time to explore the initial ecological zones on the mountain. Also, trekkers who are not sufficiently pre-acclimatized may already develop altitude sickness at this height due to the quickness of the route even though an extra acclimatization day is added as standard for this itinerary. Lemosho has replaced Shira as the best western route for acclimatization in comparison.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing the Shira Route? 1. Stunning Scenic Views The Shira Route offers breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and the Western Breach. As you trek, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes, including the Great Rift Valley and the Mount Kilimanjaro summit. This route has some of the most visually stunning scenery on the mountain.
The plateau itself is covered in unique flora, rocky terrain, and alpine meadows, which makes the scenery more diverse and captivating.
2. Less Crowded The Shira Route is one of the less popular routes for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. If you want a quieter, more peaceful trek without the hustle and bustle of more crowded routes like the Machame or Marangu, this is an excellent choice.
This allows for a more private and reflective experience, where you can enjoy the mountain without large crowds.
3. Better Acclimatization The Shira Route starts at a higher altitude (around 3,600 meters/11,800 feet) compared to other routes, which means you bypass the lower forest sections of the mountain. While this might seem more challenging, it’s actually an advantage because it provides more time to acclimatize to the altitude as you trek.
The route’s gradual ascent allows climbers to adjust to the thinner air, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness. You’ll also have more opportunities to adjust to the altitude through the 7-day itinerary.
4. Diverse Landscapes One of the main highlights of the Shira Route is the variety of landscapes you’ll encounter as you ascend. You start on a moist plateau, then pass through moorland and alpine desert, experiencing different climates and ecosystems.
The diversity in flora and fauna gives trekkers a constantly changing backdrop, making it a more enriching and memorable journey.
5. Extended Trek with Gradual Ascent The Shira Route is typically completed in 7 days, which is slightly longer than other routes like Machame (6 days) or Marangu (5-6 days). This extra time allows for better acclimatization, which improves the chances of reaching the summit successfully.
The gradual increase in altitude means you are not rushing your way up, which is crucial for adjusting to high altitudes.
6. Unique Trekking Experience If you're looking for a more unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, the Shira Route is perfect. It’s one of the oldest routes to Kilimanjaro, and although it has become more popular in recent years, it still retains a sense of adventure and discovery.
The route is perfect for hikers who enjoy being in a more tranquil and isolated environment, away from the crowds.
7. Great for Photography Because of the varied landscapes, from moorland to volcanic rock formations, the Shira Route offers fantastic opportunities for photographers. Whether you're snapping wide-angle views of the plateau, close-ups of unique plants, or capturing the incredible sunsets, there’s always something to take in.
The changing scenery as you climb gives the impression of a completely new world around every corner.
8. Fewer Technical Difficulties While still challenging, the Shira Route is generally considered less technical than some of the more rugged routes like Lemosho or Western Breach. This means you don’t need advanced climbing skills, making it a more accessible option for trekkers who are physically fit but not necessarily experienced climbers.
The route is not as steep as the Machame Route, which can be a plus for those who prefer a steadier, more gradual climb.
9. Wildlife Viewing Starting at a higher altitude means you bypass the lower, forested sections where you might see animals like monkeys, elephants, and antelope. However, you still might encounter birds and other wildlife as you move through the higher moorland and alpine zones.
How Long Will It Take to Complete the Shira Route? The Shira Route can be completed in a minimum of 6 days, but many climbers and operators highly recommend opting for a 7-day itinerary. The extra day provides crucial time for better altitude acclimatization, which is key to reducing the risk of Kilimanjaro altitude sickness. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a race—it's an extraordinary journey that should be savored. The Shira Route, with its stunning landscapes and unique features, deserves to be explored at a leisurely pace, allowing climbers to immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings.
In our experience, climbers who have properly prepared physically, including training and getting ready for the altitude, can complete the 7-day Shira Route without major issues.
The 7-day itinerary offers a balanced ascent profile, giving climbers ample time to adjust to the increasing altitude while enjoying their surroundings without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
What Is the Cost Associated with the Shira Route? The cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Shira Route varies depending on factors such as the duration of the climb, group size, the level of service (classic vs. premium), and what’s included in the package. Here’s an overview of the typical pricing for the Shira Route:
7-Day Group Climb: Approx. $2,250 per person for a 7-day Shira Route group climb.
7-Day Private Climb: Approx. $2,700 per person for a 7-day Shira Route private climb.
The price will also depend on factors like the specific climbing company, the size of your group, and the type of services provided during the climb.
Why Is the Shira Route Less Crowded? Starting Point and Access
The Shira Route begins at Shira Gate, located at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), which is already quite high compared to other routes like the Machame Route. This higher starting point requires better acclimatization and may deter some climbers who prefer starting at lower altitudes.
Additionally, the access to Shira Gate involves longer travel times and road conditions that aren’t as easy to navigate as those for other routes. This makes the Shira Route less accessible for those who are looking for convenience.
Less Popularity Among Tourists
While the Shira Route offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and panoramic landscapes, it doesn’t have the same widespread fame as the Machame or Marangu Routes. Many climbers tend to gravitate toward routes with higher traffic due to word-of-mouth and the ease of finding larger climbing groups.
The Shira Route is still popular among climbers looking for a less congested trek and those who are more experienced or willing to tackle higher altitudes early in the climb.
Route Profile
The Shira Route can be more challenging due to its higher starting altitude, which makes acclimatization essential. Climbers on the Shira Route need to be better prepared for the altitude gain, and the route’s relative isolation may appeal more to seasoned trekkers who are looking for a quieter experience in the wilderness.
What Are Our Impressions of the Shira Route? We have a very favorable view of the Shira Route due to its unique combination of scenic beauty, relative tranquility, and excellent acclimatization opportunities.
Climbers on the Shira Route are treated to a stunning journey through the Shira Plateau, vast moorlands, and volcanic rock landscapes, all while ascending through diverse ecological zones. The route offers a great balance of both aesthetics and challenge, culminating in breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit and surrounding landscapes.
One of the highlights of the Shira Route is its high starting altitude, which presents a unique benefit for climbers looking to gain altitude quickly. However, this also requires careful acclimatization early in the trek, but the route’s gradual approach to higher altitudes helps mitigate any risks associated with altitude sickness.
Tanzania Adventure Expert
