Shira Route
The Shira route summits Mount Kilimanjaro from the West. The route is rarely used, compared to its successor Lemosho route, because of the higher altitude experience at the Starting point of the shira ridge at Morum Barrier, hence poor acclimatization. The Shira route is the actual old version of the Lemosho route, before it was revamped. Both routes are alike, although the Shira route requires camping, despite having all the climbing features, that Mount Kilimanjaro climbers would love to encounter, including the magnificent views and distinct terrains all through.
The Shira route is less trekked, although the starting point can easily be accessed. This is because it hiking starts at an elevation that is nearly 1km from Lemosho route, and chances are that climbers are at higher risk of being affected by the Altitude sickness on day 1 of their experience. Therefore the shira route is recommended for experienced high altitude hikers or those who can adjust faster to the high altitude at the starting point, as well as those who want enjoy the beautiful scenery the route offers when climbing.
Shira route Facts
Distance : 56km (35 mi)
Duration : 6 days or 7 days
Success rate & Difficulty: Medium
Shira Route Highlights
Panoramic Views
Diversified terrains
More Serene than other routes closer to the starting point.
What You Should Know
Poor acclimatization at the beginning of the trek
What is the Shira route Scenery like?
Despite the high altitude rates, the shira route showcase a beautiful scenery, as it allows trekkers to hike across the shira plateau- which is one among the immense highest plateaus in the world. Nonetheless, the route also passes through the impressive Shira Cathedral as well as the undulating dramatic buttress rocks.
The route is also well known for offering the best sunrise & sunset views, although it is let down by hikers missing out on the scenic rain forest band on the mountain while trekking over the forest.
How hard id the Shira route?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is less difficult, although Shira route is rated amongst the challenging routes to trek, because its hike from the starting point begins at higher altitudes, where hikers can experience high altitude symptoms. But, there is hope for the body to acclimate to the altitude from Day 3, due to climb high sleep low status of the route.
The route is manageable, with the proper climbing gear, and for those experienced hikers, who can faster adapt to the conditions. It is due to these harsh conditions, that we recommend, the Lemosho route.
What is Shira Routes Success rate?
There are no estimated statistics for Shira route’s success rate, due to its high altitude at its starting point, which may affect several hikers, that said, chances are that most operator believe that the 7 day shira route climb approximately 85%.
How Busy is Shira Route?
Since the route is not frequently used, it receives few population of Mountain Kilimanjaro climbers, compared to other routes of Machame, & Lemosho, that said, only those who can easily adjust to the higher altitudes. Generally, the route is not very busy, until in the evening of day 2, when it joins Lemosho route, at the second Shira Camp, and again at the Lava tower, when it finally connects to Machame route. The crowds from this point grow bigger in the peak season.
Accommodations On The Shira Route
The Shira Route does not have permanent accommodation, except for camping. And all Tour operators offering Mount Kilimanjaro treks, provide an all inclusive Mount Kilimanjaro climbing with all the necessary camping gear package along the Shira route. These include Sleeping bags, ground tents, sleeping mat or form mattresses, and pillows.
How many days is the Shira route?
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the shira route, takes abot 7 days or 8 days. The additional day provides enough time to acclimatize, otherwise, those whose bodies adjust faster to the high altitude, can accomplish in 7 days.