Shira Route

The Shira Route is a dramatic and adventurous path that begins at one of the highest starting points of any Kilimanjaro route. Instead of hiking up from the base, you are driven to the Shira Plateau at 3,500m, making this the only route where the journey to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. The drive takes you through lush rainforest and moorland before arriving at the Shira Gate, where you begin your trek already at high altitude. This high starting elevation means you must be particularly mindful of altitude from day one, but it also rewards you with dramatic plateau views and stunning sunsets from the very first evening. The Shira Route then joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower, following the same excellent acclimatization profile through Barranco Wall and on to the summit. The Shira Plateau is one of the most visually striking areas on Kilimanjaro — a vast, open expanse of moorland dotted with giant lobelias and framed by the volcanic cone of Kibo Peak. This route is ideal for experienced trekkers who want dramatic scenery from the start.