Kilimanjaro Day Hike on the Shira Plateau
A private day hike on the Shira Plateau, the wide high moorland on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a licensed mountain guide and a packed lunch, from Moshi.
Kilimanjaro's High Plateau in One Day
Most day hikes on Kilimanjaro stay in the rainforest. The Shira Plateau takes you higher, to about 3,500 metres, onto open heath and moorland with giant heather, lobelias and wide views, and on a clear day the snow-capped summit cone of Kibo seems close enough to touch.
The western side of the mountain is a long drive from Moshi, so the day starts early. Where the road allows, the vehicle climbs high towards the plateau, so the walking is at an easy pace on mostly gentle ground. The altitude is real, though: walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Prefer the rainforest? See the Day Hike to Mandara Hut →
Why Hikers Choose It
- The Shira Plateau, about 3,500 m, on Kilimanjaro's quiet western side
- Close views of Kibo on clear days
- Easy walking on open moorland with a licensed mountain guide
- Packed lunch on the plateau
- Private transport from Moshi
What to bring
- Warm layers, a windproof jacket and a hat: it is cold and windy at 3,500 m
- Walking shoes
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- Water bottle and snacks
- Your passport for the park gate
We collect you from your hotel in Moshi very early for the long drive around the western side of the mountain to Londorossi Gate, where you register with the park. Where the road allows, the vehicle continues up towards the plateau.
With your mountain guide you walk across the Shira Plateau at an easy pace, with lunch on the moorland and, on clear days, views of Kibo. In the afternoon you drive back to Moshi, arriving in the evening.
Meals: Lunch
Price Per Person — Private Day Hike
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $475 |
| 2 People | $295 |
| 3 People | $235 |
| 4 People | $205 |
| 5 People | $190 |
| 6 People | $175 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people hiking together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
From Arusha: ask us for a price.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: your hotel in Moshi
- A very long day: early start, back in the evening
- Private day hike: your group only
- Not for people with heart or breathing problems: the plateau is at about 3,500 m
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees for the day
- Licensed mountain guide
- Private vehicle and driver from Moshi
- Packed lunch and drinking water
Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Warm clothing and walking shoes
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Hikers Ask
How high is the Shira Plateau?
About 3,500 metres, much higher than Mandara Hut (about 2,700 m). Walk slowly and drink water; most healthy hikers manage the altitude on a short visit.
Is it hard?
The walking is easy, on gentle ground, but the altitude makes you breathe harder. The longest part of the day is the drive.
Will we see the summit?
On clear days you see Kibo, Kilimanjaro's summit cone, across the plateau. Clouds often build up later in the day, so we start early.
Shira Plateau or Mandara Hut?
Mandara Hut is a rainforest walk closer to Moshi. Shira is higher, more open and closer to the snow, but further away. Choose Shira for views, Mandara for the forest.
Can we start from Arusha?
Yes. Arusha is closer to the western side of the mountain than Moshi; ask us for a price.
