Step 1
The drive and the 4x4
After pickup you drive to Londorossi Gate on the west side and register with the rangers. A 4x4 then takes the group up a rough track to Morum Barrier, at about 3,500 m, which is the start of the walk.
1 day · Moshi or Arusha
Shira Plateau Day Hike from Moshi or Arusha
Shira Plateau day hike Kilimanjaro: drive to 3,500m and walk the plateau. Volcanic scenery, Kibo views and unique flora. From Moshi or Arusha.
- Duration
- 1 day
- Highest point
- 3500m
- Group size
- 1–12 people
- Difficulty
- challenging
- Where
- Moshi or Arusha
Who runs this trip
Operator
Visit Kili Adventures
Runs this trip. The park permit is in the operator’s name.
About this trip
The Shira Plateau day hike on Kilimanjaro shows you a completely different side of Africa's highest mountain. Instead of starting in the rainforest like most day hikes, this trip uses a 4x4 vehicle to reach the high western slopes at around 3,500 metres, placing you straight into Kilimanjaro's dramatic high-altitude landscape.
Most Kilimanjaro day hikes begin at around 1,800 metres and spend the day in the forest. On this hike, the vehicle climbs from Londorossi Gate past the forest to Shira Gate and the Morum Barrier, where the walking begins. From the first step you are in open moorland, with wide skies, volcanic rock and a sense of space that you only usually reach after days of climbing.
The Shira Plateau is the remnant of an ancient volcanic caldera, one of the oldest parts of Kilimanjaro. It is a broad highland of moorland plants, old lava ridges and rocky formations. On a clear day, Kibo's glaciated summit cone dominates the horizon to the east, while closer at hand the plateau's own landmarks – including Shira Cathedral and Shira Cone – offer fascinating geology to explore. Your guide sets an easy pace suited to the altitude and explains how the plateau was formed.
A picnic lunch in the middle of this volcanic scenery is one of the highlights of the day, before you walk back to the vehicle and descend.
Because you start high, the altitude can be felt even on a short walk, so a steady pace and plenty of water are important. The hike suits active travellers who want a high-altitude Kilimanjaro experience in one day, photographers, and anyone who has already seen the rainforest and wants something different. It runs from either Moshi or Arusha.
The Shira plateau day hike starts where most Kilimanjaro walks end. A 4x4 takes you up the western side to Morum Barrier at about 3,500 m, and you walk across the plateau with views of Kibo and Mount Meru, then return to the vehicle and the drive back. Because you start high, you skip the forest and spend the day in moorland and volcanic rock.
The altitude means you may feel the effects even on a short walk; go slowly, drink water and tell your guide if you feel unwell. The hike is not technical, but it is a day of real altitude. Dress for wind and cold. A guide, park fees, 4x4 transfer, picnic lunch and hotel pickup from Moshi or Arusha are included.
Who it suits: Active travelers seeking a high-altitude Kilimanjaro day experience crossing the Shira Pl…
Day-by-day itinerary
Times and camps can change with weather and group pace.
Early pickup from Moshi or Arusha. Drive to Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro's western slopes for park registration.
Transfer by 4x4 vehicle up the mountain road to Shira Gate and Morum Barrier at approximately 3,500m.
Begin the guided hike across the plateau toward Shira Cathedral and Shira Cone. Open moorland, volcanic formations and views of Kibo.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the plateau's extraordinary volcanic landscape.
Walk back to Morum Barrier for the 4x4 descent to Londorossi Gate.
Drive back to your hotel from Londorossi Gate.
How the Shira plateau day runs
Pickup is from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, confirmed when you book. From Moshi the drive to Londorossi Gate and the Shira track takes a long drive of several hours; from Arusha allow roughly two to three hours more in total, so the day starts earlier and ends later.
Step 2
Across the plateau
You walk across the Shira plateau, an old collapsed volcano of moorland and lava ridges, with views of Kibo and, on a clear day, Mount Meru. Because you start high, the altitude is felt from the first step: walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide how you feel.
Step 3
Picnic and return
A picnic lunch is eaten on the plateau. You walk back to the vehicle and drive down and on to your hotel, usually arriving in the evening.
What is included
Included
- 4x4 vehicle transfer to Shira Gate (Morum Barrier, 3,500m)
- Experienced mountain guide
- Hotel transfers from Moshi or Arusha ($280 from either city)
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Picnic lunch on the plateau
- Pre-hike briefing & altitude awareness orientation
- Rescue fee / emergency evacuation insurance
Not included
- International flights
- Personal expenses and snacks
- Personal trekking gear
- Tanzania visa ($50 USD)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
Price
Starting price, per person
$280
- Covers everything on the included list.
- This example is for one traveller; for a group, multiply the price per person by the number of travellers. The card fee is added on the payment page, so the amount you pay there is higher than the deposit. Trips that start within 10 days are paid in full at booking, with no balance.
- Group size: 1–12 people. Final price depends on group size and dates.
- Budget separately for: International flights; Personal expenses and snacks; Personal trekking gear; Tanzania visa ($50 USD); Tips for guides and porters; Travel & medical insurance (required).
When to go
Jan to Febbest
Short dry season: clear skies, firm trails
Mar to Mayfair
Long rains: muddy trails, reduced visibility
Jun to Octbest
Long dry season: peak trekking season
Nov to Decgood
Short rains: quieter, occasional showers
Know before you go
What to read before you book.
Why the Shira Plateau Day Hike is Unique
Every other Kilimanjaro day hike starts in the rainforest and climbs toward the mountain. The Shira Plateau day hike starts where the rainforest ends: at 3,500m, already above the treeline, on a high volcanic plateau that most trekkers only see in the middle of a 7-day expedition. It is the fastest way to experience genuine Kilimanjaro high altitude on a day trip.
Quick Overview
Drive to Morum Barrier at 3,500m by 4x4. Guided 4–5 hour walk across the plateau. Picnic lunch with Kibo views. Return to Moshi or Arusha by early evening. Price: $280 from Moshi or Arusha.
Before you go
Photos
About the Shira route
Shira is the high plateau on Kilimanjaro's west. As a full route it is a variation of Lemosho that starts higher. As a day out it is one of the more scenic short hikes on the mountain.
- Type
- Full route variant or plateau day hike
- Plateau height
- About 3,500 to 3,900 m
- Starts
- Shira side, west
- Sleeping
- Tents on multi-day versions
- Crowds
- Quiet
Questions about this trip
- Yes: 3,500m is high enough for altitude sickness symptoms in some people. This hike is rated challenging. Our guides are trained in altitude recognition and will monitor the group. Do not attempt this hike if you are unwell.
- Six days works best on Machame, Rongai or a six-day Marangu, if you are fit and have recent altitude experience. If you can find a seventh day, Machame or Lemosho gives your body a much easier ride. See six days or seven.
- Camps have basic long-drop toilets and many groups carry a private toilet tent on request. There are no showers; wet wipes and a small washing bowl brought by the crew are the norm. Bring a power bank, since charging points do not exist on the trail, and keep electronics warm so batteries last.
- Yes, and it is a common sequence: climb first, safari second, beach last, so your legs recover in a vehicle and then on sand. Allow about two weeks for all three. See the combination trips.
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