Moderate6-8 hours

Shira Plateau Day Hike

Walk across Kilimanjaro's ancient volcanic plateau at 3,800 meters with stunning views of Kibo peak.

About This Tour

The Shira Plateau is what remains of Kilimanjaro's oldest volcanic cone, now a high-altitude moorland offering some of the mountain's most dramatic scenery. Starting from the Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro's western side, you'll drive up to Shira Gate and then hike across this otherworldly landscape of giant heathers, lobelias, and groundsels. At nearly 4,000 meters, you're above the clouds with unobstructed views of Kibo's glaciated peak. The best way to do this hike is to overnight at Simba Farm or Enduimet Campsite in West Kilimanjaro the night before—you'll be closer to the trailhead, better acclimatized, and can start early when the weather is clearest. Day trips from Moshi are possible but involve a very early start and long drive.

Highlights

Hike across an ancient volcanic plateau at 3,800m

Get face-to-face views of Kibo's glaciers and Western Breach

See bizarre high-altitude plants found only on African mountains

Experience the Lemosho route—Kilimanjaro's most scenic

Watch clouds roll in below you

Optional overnight at Simba Farm or Enduimet for best experience

Day Itinerary

6:00 AM

Departure from West Kilimanjaro

Starting from Simba Farm or Enduimet Campsite, you're already at around 2,000 meters and just an hour from the trailhead. If coming from Moshi, add 2.5 hours to your morning—it's doable but means a 4:00 AM start. The drive climbs through farmland and forest on Kilimanjaro's less-visited western slopes.

7:00 AM

Shira Gate (Londorossi)

At 2,250 meters, you register with park authorities and complete the short drive up to Shira Gate at around 3,400 meters. The road is rough but the scenery is spectacular—you're already above the forest zone, entering the moorland.

8:00 AM

Start Hiking

The trail crosses the plateau through a landscape unlike anywhere else. Giant heathers tower overhead. Bizarre lobelia plants with their silvery leaves dot the hillsides. The ground is covered in tussock grass and volcanic rock. You're walking on what was once a massive volcanic crater, now eroded into rolling highland.

10:00 AM

Shira Cathedral

This dramatic rock formation rises from the plateau like a gothic spire. It's a popular rest point with stunning views toward Kibo. On clear mornings, the peak's glaciers gleam white against the blue sky. The Western Breach—a challenging climbing route—is directly visible, a massive gash in the crater rim.

11:00 AM

Plateau Exploration

Continue across the plateau, taking in the high-altitude ecosystem. Your guide explains how these plants survive frost, intense UV radiation, and thin air. You might see white-necked ravens, alpine chats, or even klipspringer antelope. The silence up here is profound—just wind and your own breathing.

12:30 PM

Lunch with a View

Find a sheltered spot with views of Kibo and enjoy your packed lunch. Hot tea or coffee helps at this altitude. Take time to absorb where you are—nearly 4,000 meters up Africa's highest mountain, on a plateau most tourists never see.

2:00 PM

Descend

Return to Shira Gate via the same or alternate route, depending on conditions. The afternoon often brings clouds rolling up from below, which creates an ethereal atmosphere but can limit views. Descending is easier on the lungs but watch your footing on loose volcanic rock.

4:00 PM

Return

Drive back down the mountain to West Kilimanjaro. If you're staying another night at Simba Farm or Enduimet, you'll arrive in time for sunset over the plains. If heading to Moshi, expect to arrive around 6:30 PM.