The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Lemosho is an improved variation of Shira, which was the original route. But because Shira starts off at high altitudes, it is less preferred over its successors by tourists even though it is a varied and beautiful route. Following this route, many trekkers have reported of having experienced altitude related problems on the first day itself while camping at 11,800 feet. Shria approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the western side which begins with a long drive from Arusha to the 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.

MAP OF SHIRA ROUTE