Shira Route

About Shira

The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins close Shira Ridge. It is practically undefined from the Lemosho route. Without a doubt, Shira was the primary route and Lemosho is the improved assortment. Disregarding the way that Shira is a changed and beautiful route, it is more negative than its successor due to the for the most part high altitude of Shira's starting stage, which is gotten to quickly by vehicle. It is possible that climbers will experience some altitude related symptoms on the essential day while outside at 11,800 feet. The route philosophies Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with an extensive drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle avoids the deluge woodlands zone and the climbing trail begins on Shira Ridge. The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in an exquisite, for the most part level hike. At that point the route explores underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Fall is made by methods for the Mweka route.

General Information

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Travel Tips

• Choose longer days of the trek as your body needs time to adjust with the high altitude acclimatization.
• Take it easy and don't try to rush to the top and always listen to your guide.
• Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
• The amount of Oxygen on the top is only 50% as compared to the amount of Oxygen you are used to have. So pay attention to your body signals and inform your guide as soon as possible.
• Choose the dry season to experience your trek the most.
• If possible avoid taking pills like Diamox. It may show harmful side effects.
• Pack the necessary gears and double-check the complete list.
• Prepare a 'Kilimanjaro playlist' to listen to during your hike which helps to break your mental stress and physical exhaustion.

Shira Route Map

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Geography

The trail starts with a steep path to the Shira gate. Shrubs and giant heather connects to Simba camp. Moving further, the trekkers need to explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations on the plateau. Though the first hiking days are challenging, but Shira offers exclusive wilderness. The descent is via the Mweka Route.

Uniquiness

Shira Route starts at a height of 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking.Shira is the original route and Lemosho is the improved version of Shira Route. Shira Route is ideal for those who are not sure about hiking steeper paths. Can be completed in 6 or 7 days, but 8 days is most recommended.

Weather

• The weather of Kilimanjaro is unpredictable throughout the year. The temperature on the mountain varies widely depending upon the altitude.
• June to October to the beginning of March offers the best time to climb the mountain.
• Different climatic zones offer different atmospheres. The temperatures and precipitation levels and vegetation drops as hikers move to a high altitude.
• As the weather varies, so the hikers should be ready to experience the hot, wet or cold conditions at any time while on the mountain.

Pro & Cons

• The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike.
• The route experiences low traffic until it connects Machame Route.
• The starting drive is too long. So the hikers can experience altitude sickness in the first day.
• Not ideal for those having little or no experience of high altitude trekking.