Kilimanjaro Shira Plateau Private Day Hike from Arusha

Stand on Kilimanjaro without climbing for a week. This private day hike takes you to the Shira Plateau, a vast high-altitude plateau at about 3,600 meters, with Africa's highest peak rising right in front of you. You leave Arusha early and drive to Londorossi Gate on the quiet western side of the mountain, then continue by 4x4 through rainforest and heather up onto the plateau. With a licensed mountain guide you hike for 3 to 4 hours across moorland dotted with giant groundsels and volcanic rock, towards the Shira Cathedral and Shira Camp, used by climbers on the Lemosho and Machame routes. It is a great choice if you want a taste of Kilimanjaro, or to acclimatize before a climb. A picnic lunch is served on the plateau. Park fees, rescue fees, lunch, water and private transport are all included. Good fitness is needed, as the altitude makes the walk harder than it looks.