The Shira Route is a western-approach Kilimanjaro route that begins at a higher starting elevation than most other routes, accessing the mountain via the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera. The route offers wide-open landscapes, dramatic skies, and excellent views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Professionally operated by Kilimanjaro Mountaineers, the Shira Route is best suited for climbers who are comfortable starting at altitude and who want a shorter western route with strong scenic value, before joining the Southern Circuit toward the summit.
The Shira Route begins on the western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, accessed via Londorossi Gate. Unlike Lemosho, the Shira Route allows vehicles to drive climbers to a higher elevation on the Shira Plateau, bypassing much of the rainforest zone.
Because of this high starting altitude, Kilimanjaro Mountaineers carefully evaluates client readiness before recommending the Shira Route, particularly for first-time climbers.
The Shira Route is defined by its high-altitude starting point and expansive plateau scenery, offering a very different experience from forest-heavy routes. Kilimanjaro Mountaineers often highlights the Shira Plateau as one of the most visually dramatic areas on the mountain.
Open terrain with volcanic rock, grasses, and giant lobelias.
One of the largest high-altitude plateaus on Kilimanjaro, formed by a collapsed volcanic cone.
Dry, exposed terrain near Lava Tower, Karanga, and Barafu Camp.
Glaciers, scree slopes, and extreme altitude near Uhuru Peak.
Because the Shira Route bypasses the rainforest zone, wildlife sightings are limited compared to routes like Machame or Marangu. However, the route offers exceptional high-altitude flora and geological features. Kilimanjaro Mountaineers' guides focus on geology, ecology, and altitude education along this route.
Because of these factors, Kilimanjaro Mountaineers strongly recommends proper layering and cold-weather preparation for Shira Route climbers.
January–March: Cooler temperatures, clear plateau views
June–October: Drier conditions, stable weather
Nights can be very cold early in the climb due to the high starting altitude
Wind exposure is stronger on the plateau
The Shira Route starts at a higher elevation than most Kilimanjaro routes, which can increase the risk of early altitude symptoms if not managed carefully. For climbers already acclimatized or experienced at altitude, the Shira Route can be very effective.
A standard 7-Day Shira Route with Kilimanjaro Mountaineers follows this structure. This itinerary allows for controlled acclimatization despite the high starting point.
It is not ideal for climbers who prefer gradual low-altitude starts.
The Shira Route is a fully supported camping route. Due to the route's altitude profile, logistical precision is critical — a strength of Kilimanjaro Mountaineers.
Kilimanjaro Mountaineers enforces strict safety standards on the Shira Route. These measures are essential due to the route's high initial elevation.
Kilimanjaro Mountaineers advises route selection based on altitude tolerance and experience.
Shorter
Higher starting altitude
Less rainforest scenery
Less crowded
More open terrain
Higher early altitude exposure
More scenic plateau
Slightly more demanding early acclimatization
Kilimanjaro Mountaineers provides a detailed pre-climb briefing and packing list.
Kilimanjaro Mountaineers is a Tanzania-based safari operator and Destination Management Company (DMC), offering expertly planned Kilimanjaro Mountain Climbing Expeditions. By booking directly with a local operator, clients benefit from accurate local pricing, real-time destination knowledge, and reliable on-ground support throughout their journey.
We also specialize exclusively in Tanzania safaris, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Zanzibar beach holidays via www.safari-tz.com. All tours are operated with professional local guides, well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles, and carefully selected accommodations to ensure comfort, safety, and an authentic safari experience.
Our focus is to deliver honest, well-organized, and memorable safari, trek and beach experiences, making Kilimanjaro Mountaineers and Safari-TZ.com a trusted choice for travelers planning a safari in Tanzania.