The Shira route is one of the least used initial ascent routes on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location. The trailhead is at high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. We begin our trek in the heather zone, bypassing the wet forest behind, and immediately find ourselves on the first day of the trek on the Shira Plateau. We begin the hike at Morum Barrier Gate at nearly 12,000 ft. (3600 m). 

The first day is short, to begin the acclimatization process. The next three days are spent hiking across the plateau, which is said to be one of the most stunningly beautiful hikes in Africa. The trail merges on day three of the trek with the Machame Route, and from this point all three trails continue to Lava Tower, and then down into the Great Barranco Valley, and from here the trail circumvents counter-clockwise around the upper slopes of the Kibo massif, over the high-desert ridges to the Karanga Valley (for an overnight), then to an exposed campsite set on a high ridge; Barafu (meaning literally “ice” in Kiswahili). From Barafu Camp we make our overnight attempt at Africa’s highest peak…an experience that few ever forget. 

Fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. We start slow, and gain altitude slowly for the first four days, then the physical and mental demands increase. The long trek from Barranco to Barafu on this 9-day trek is split into two days, helping tremendously with acclimatization and providing a short day before the mammoth overnight trek to the summit. The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek truly special, but the amount of acclimatization time makes success rate on this route over 95%. There are no huts on this route; the accommodation is in mountain tents and dining is in our mess tents.