Shira Cave Camp

Shira Cave Camp is one of the key overnight stops for trekkers ascending Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route and Lemosho Route. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,750 meters (12,300 feet), this camp sits on the Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a dramatic change in vegetation from the lush rainforest below.

Location and Altitude

• Altitude: 3,750 meters (12,300 feet)
• Distance from Machame Camp: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Estimated Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Terrain: Moorland and alpine desert

The Journey to Shira Cave Camp

The trek to Shira Cave Camp varies depending on the route taken:

• Machame Route: Climbers start from Machame Camp and ascend through heathland and moorland, enjoying stunning views of Shira Ridge and Kibo Peak.
• Lemosho Route: Climbers coming from Shira 1 Camp or Shira 2 Camp reach Shira Cave Camp as part of their gradual ascent.

This section of the hike helps trekkers adjust to high altitude, providing excellent acclimatization before ascending further.

Accommodation and Facilities

Shira Cave Camp is a designated camping area where climbers set up tents for an overnight stay. The camp offers:

• Flat, open spaces for tents
• Basic toilet facilities (long-drop latrines)
• Scenic views of Kibo Peak and the vast Shira Plateau
• Dry, rocky terrain with fewer trees than lower camps

Wildlife and Vegetation Around Shira Cave Camp

As trekkers move higher, the landscape transitions from rainforest to moorland and alpine desert. Around Shira Cave Camp, you can find:

• Giant Senecios and Lobelias – unique high-altitude plants.
• Rock hyraxes – small mammals that often hide among rocks.
• Occasional sightings of jackals or mountain birds.

Scenic Highlights: Shira Caves and the Plateau

One of the camp’s highlights is the **Shira Cave**, a natural rock formation that gives the camp its name. While the caves were historically used as shelters, trekkers today are advised not to sleep inside them for safety reasons. Other key highlights include:

• Panoramic views of the **Shira Plateau**, an ancient volcanic caldera.
• Stunning sunrise and sunset over the clouds below.
• A dramatic view of **Kibo Peak**, the ultimate goal of Kilimanjaro climbers.

Next Stop: Barranco Camp or Lava Tower

After an overnight stay at Shira Cave Camp, climbers continue their ascent toward either Lava Tower (4,630 meters / 15,190 feet) for further acclimatization or head directly to Barranco Camp (3,960 meters / 12,992 feet). This part of the trek introduces trekkers to Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert zone, with breathtaking views of the mountain’s glaciers and rugged terrain.

Shira Cave Camp offers trekkers a thrilling high-altitude experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes and unique geological formations. As an important acclimatization point, it prepares climbers for the challenges ahead while providing one of the most scenic camping spots on Mount Kilimanjaro.