7 Days Shira Route with Kosovo Camp | Kilimanjaro Explore

Arrival at JRO; meet Kilimanjaro Explore staff and transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing.

Group tour packages typically include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges may apply for separate transfers — coordinate arrival times with your consultant.

Hotel Check-in: From 2:00 PM
Hotel Check-out: By 10:00–11:00 AM (depending on the hotel). Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request and subject to availability.

Morning briefing, then drive ~3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate, register, and continue by vehicle toward the high drop-off (~3,414 m / 11,200 ft). Short trek to Shira 1 — gentle start with time to acclimatize.

Please note: Hydrate well from day one; report symptoms early.

Trekking time: ~1 hour  |  Distance: ~4 km (2.4 mi)

Today, explore the expansive Shira Plateau, trekking eastward toward Kibo’s glaciated peak. You have the option to visit the ancient, collapsed Shira Cone, one of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic peaks. The day concludes at Moir Camp, located in a sheltered valley at the end of a dormant lava flow, where you can relax and prepare for the following day’s journey.

Altitude: 13,650’ (4,155m)

Trekking time: 6–8 hours  |  Distance: ~9.7 km (6 mi)

Your day begins with a gradual ascent to Lava Tower at 15,190’ (4,630m), an excellent opportunity for acclimatization. After lunch at the tower, descend into the Barranco Valley, passing through the giant Senecio forest before reaching Barranco Camp. Here, you can marvel at the towering Barranco Wall, which looms overhead as the evening mist rolls in

Altitude: 12,950’ (3,950m)

Trekking time: 5–7 hours  |  Distance: ~11 km (7 mi)

Early start and breakfast, then ascend the Barranco Wall. We recommend leaving camp early to avoid congestion from other groups. The wall usually takes about an hour; it is a hike, not a climb. Afterward, rest and photograph Kibo across the valley.

Continue over rolling terrain to Karanga Camp. After a warm lunch and a short rest, complete an acclimatization hike toward Barafu with a modest gain, then return to Karanga.

Please note: Acclimatization walks are a core part of summit success — follow your guide’s pace.

Acclimatization hike: Karanga (~3,995 m) toward a point en route to Barafu (~4,335 m) — about 2.5 km, 1–2 hours.

Trekking time (main): 4–5 hours  |  Distance: ~5 km (3.1 mi)

We continue our steady climb to Kosovo Camp, passing by the usually crowded Barafu Camp en route. At this higher altitude, we take a slower pace, allowing for more acclimatization. Kosovo Camp, perched on a rocky ridge, provides stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Here, we rest, relax, and prepare for the summit bid tonight. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the terrain as you get ready for the exciting challenge ahead.

Altitude: 16,000’ (4,876m)

Trekking time: 4–5 hours  |  Distance: ~3.5 km (2.2 mi)

Tonight is the night! Starting at midnight, you’ll begin the final push to the summit. The path to Stella Point is challenging, yet rewarding, as it is one of the steepest sections on Kilimanjaro. Reaching Stella Point at sunrise is a moment to remember, with the summit just an hour away. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, the rooftop of Africa, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved dinner and celebration of your incredible achievement.

Altitude: 19,341’ (5,895m)

Trekking time: 12–14 hours  |  Distance: ~21 km (13 mi)

A gentle descent through the rainforest takes you to Mweka Gate, where your Climb Kili vehicle awaits to transfer you back to your hotel. Reflect on the week’s accomplishments and enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and the satisfaction of having conquered Africa’s highest peak.

Altitude: 5,400’ (1,640m)

Trekking time: 3–4 hours  |  Distance: ~9.7 km (6 mi)

Rest at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Please note: Standard hotel check-out is often 11:00 AM; late checkout may be available for a fee if you have an evening flight.