Overview of the Shira Route
- Distance: 56 km
- Duration: 7 or 8 days
The Shira route is very similar to the Lemosho route, with the main difference being its higher starting point. Reaching the trailhead involves a long and bumpy drive, lasting about half a day, and you’ll spend your first night at an altitude of 3,500 m.
Pros and Cons of the Shira Route
Starting your climb at such a high altitude increases the risk of altitude sickness since your body doesn’t have time to gradually adjust to the elevation. For this reason, a pre-acclimatisation trek, such as climbing nearby Mt. Meru, is strongly recommended if you choose the Shira route.
On the positive side, the Shira route offers breathtaking scenery throughout the trek, much like the Lemosho route. However, one downside is that you miss out on the lush rainforest section, which is a highlight of other routes.
