Shira Plateau Day Trip

The Shira Plateau Day Trip begins with an early start from Moshi, ensuring a full day of discovery under the guidance of Discount Treks’ skilled team. Departure occurs at 7:00 AM, with our staff picking you up from your Moshi accommodation in a sturdy 4×4 vehicle suited for the mountain’s rugged access roads. The drive to the Londorossi Gate, located at 2,250 meters on Kilimanjaro’s western side, takes approximately 2-2.5 hours, winding through rural landscapes and forest edges, offering a scenic prelude to the plateau. Upon arrival around 9:30 AM, registration with Kilimanjaro National Park is completed, and the ascent begins with a guided drive and short trek to the Shira Plateau at 3,800 meters, reaching it by 11:00 AM. This journey covers a mix of off-road tracks and a gentle hike of about 1-1.5 hours, manageable for those with basic fitness, as our guides set a comfortable pace.

By midday, around 12:00 PM, you’ll arrive at a prime vantage point on the plateau, where exploration unfolds over the next 2-3 hours. Our guides lead a leisurely walk across the open terrain, pointing out volcanic features, rare vegetation, and distant views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, weather permitting. A packed lunch—featuring sandwiches, fruit, and snacks—is served around 1:00 PM, prepared fresh by our staff and enjoyed amidst the plateau’s serene expanse, with bottled water provided to keep you hydrated at this elevation. The afternoon, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, allows additional time for photography and reflection, soaking in the high-altitude solitude before departing the plateau by 3:30 PM. The return descent retraces the route to Londorossi Gate, arriving by 5:00 PM, followed by a drive back to Moshi, concluding at your accommodation between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM, capping a well-paced 12-hour adventure.