Shira Day Hike
For adventure seekers who crave the exhilarating feeling of standing on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain but prefer not to commit to a multi-day summit expedition, a hike across the breathtaking Shira Plateau offers the perfect alternative. This vast, otherworldly highland stretches approximately 13 kilometres westward from the majestic Kibo peak, sitting at an average elevation of around 3,800–3,962 metres. Nestled on the western flanks of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Shira Plateau forms one of the most unique landscapes on the mountain. As part of Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the plateau features sweeping valleys, weathered lava flows, rocky ridges, and dramatic volcanic formations that resemble twisted modern sculptures against the backdrop of the towering Kibo Massif.
- Elevation: Approximately 1,100–1,200 m (3,600–3,940 ft)
- Distance: 12–20 km (7.5–12.5 miles) round-trip
- Total Hiking Time: 6–9 hours (including breaks and lunch)
- Habitat: Montane rainforest → heath/moorland → high-alpine plateau
- Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Max Elevation Reached 3,500–3,962 m (11,500–13,000 ft), depending on how far you explore the plateau and Cathedral
This high-altitude plateau provides a rare sense of openness and serenity rarely found on other routes. Depending on your fitness level and available time, you can choose from flexible one- to four-day hikes along various scenic tracks. Wildlife adds an extra layer of excitement: the area borders Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, so you may encounter (or spot tracks from) herds of massive elephants, eland antelopes, Cape buffalo, and occasionally even lions that wander across the border.
1 Day Itinerary & Map
Longer explorations reveal ever-changing scenery, including silvery glacial remnants on the upper slopes, rugged ridges, and the lush, misty rainforest valleys of the Lemosho area. On clear days, the views of Kilimanjaro’s iconic snow-capped peaks—Kibo and Mawenzi—are simply unforgettable, offering spectacular photo opportunities and a profound sense of connection to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Detailed One-Day Shira Plateau Hike Itinerary
Your unforgettable day adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes drive) or Moshi (about 2 hours). The scenic transfer winds through charming villages, coffee and banana plantations, and gradually rising terrain, building anticipation as Kilimanjaro’s massive silhouette comes into view.
06:00 – 09:00 — Transfer to the Mountain
Drive to Londorossi Gate (approx. 2,100–2,250 m / 6,890–7,380 ft). Complete park registration, permits, and briefing with your professional guide and support team.
09:00 – 09:30 — Continue to Trailhead
Short 4x4 transfer to Shira Gate (approx. 2,385 m / 7,825 ft).
09:30 – 13:30 / 14:00 — Ascent through Rainforest to Shira Plateau (≈ 3–5 hours uphill)
The trail starts gently through montane rainforest, where you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy and a variety of colourful exotic birds. As you gain elevation, the vegetation transitions into heath and moorland zones. You’ll cover roughly 6–8 km with an elevation gain of about 1,100–1,200 m, reaching the expansive Shira Plateau at around 3,500–3,800 m. The ascent is steady but manageable, giving your body time to acclimatise while your guide shares insights into the local flora, fauna, and volcanic geology.
13:30 – 15:00 — Lunch & Exploration at Shira Cathedral
Enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch with panoramic views. A highlight is the optional short extension to Shira Cathedral (also called Cathedral Point), a striking volcanic ridge and cone rising dramatically from the plateau edge (reaching nearly 3,872–3,962 m). This adds 2–4 km round-trip and 1–2 extra hours but rewards you with jaw-dropping, unobstructed vistas of the Kibo summit, the plateau’s lava flows, and distant plains. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks seem close enough to touch.
15:00 – 17:30 / 18:00 — Descent back to Shira Gate (≈ 2–3.5 hours)
The return journey offers fresh perspectives as the afternoon light shifts across the landscape. Total hiking distance for the day: 12–20 km round-trip (depending on whether you include the Cathedral extension). Total elevation gain: ≈ 1,200 m (with corresponding descent).
18:00 – 20:30 — Return Transfer
Drive back to Moshi or Arusha, arriving in the evening with incredible memories and stories to share.
How much does it cost?
1 Person: $2,950 A group of 2 people: $2,435 per person A group of 3 people: $2,318 per person A group of 4 people: $2,295 per person A group of 5 people: REQUEST PRICE A group of 6 People: $2,165 per person A group of 7+ people: REQUEST PRICE
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What is Included
- All Airport Transfers in Private Van
- All transfers to and from the mountain
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Sleeping Pad/Mattress
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Quality, 4-season mountain sleeping tents
- Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
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What is not Included
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- 3.5% Surcharge for online payment
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)