The Shira Route is not a frequently used trail among climbers during the Mount Kilimanjaro Trek. It begins close to the Shira Ridge and it’s very similar to the Lemosho Route. In fact the Lemosho Route is just an improved version of the original Shira Route. The main reason why this route is not a favorite option to many is because the Shira starting point which is accessed by vehicle is at a high altitude and normally climbers while experience altitude related symptoms on the very first day as they camp at an altitude of over 11,000 feet.
This route approaches the summit from the western side of the mountain, starting with a long drive all the way from Moshi town up to the Shira Ridge. During the drive, you will bypass the rain-forest area and begin your hiking trail from the Shira ridge. Not long after you have started this route, you will hike across the flat pleasant Shira Plateau which is among the highest plateau in the world, traversing from the western side to the eastern side. You will follow the southern circuit which traverses the lower southern ice-field of the mountain before reaching the summit via Barafu. The descent will be along Mweka route back to the mountain gate.
The Shira Route can be completed in either a Seven Days’ trek or an Eight days’ trek with the eight day itinerary having an additional night at Moir Hut on the third day before reaching Barranco camp on the fourth day.
