Mt.Kilimanjaro Trekking
Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to
the Lemosho route.
In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho route.
is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and
beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira's starting
point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related
symptoms on the first day while camping at 11,800 feet.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west,
beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle bypasses the rain forest zone and the hiking
trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant,
relatively flat hike. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the
Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route as others route.