The Shira Plateau - 4 Days
(K4L)
WHY THIS ITINERARY?
Kilimanjaro has many beautiful regions, none more so than the western side and Shira Plateau. This itinerary is perfect for those that do not want to summit Kilimanjaro, rather enjoy its different vegetation and wilderness zones while not reaching the same altitude as the High Altitude Ramble.
DESCRIPTION
Starting on the western side, this trip ascends through the Lemosho glades and onto the Shira Plateau. There are then options to hike either up towards Moir or across the Shira Plateau towards the Shira Cathedral before descending back down to Morum Barrier.
HIGHLIGHTS
Lemosho Forest, the juniper forest, the Shira Plateau with stunning views of Kibo, walking across the Shira plateau, 4 different vegetation zones.
ITINERARY
In Brief
Hike Distance – 15 miles / 24km
Vertical Gain – 5,568ft / 1697m
Drop – 253ft / 77m
Trekking Time – 18 hours
In Detail
DAY 1 – KILIMANJARO FOREST
START – 6,890FT / 2100M
END – 8,695FT / 2650M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – AFROMONTANE FOREST
After breakfast you depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the gate your crew finalise packing and after finishing with formalities you return to your vehicle for another 30 minutes or so until you arrive at the start of the Lemosho Trail. Today's hiking is through verdant afromontane forest and is steep in places. A picnic lunch is usually taken on trail during the hike before reaching Forest Camp for the night.
DAY 2 – SHIRA 1
START – 8,695FT / 2650M
END – 11,844FT / 3610M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 7KM
TIME – 5-7 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through Podocarpus and Juniper forest and break out of the forest on to the heath zone and the Shira Plateau. A hot lunch is taken at Shira 1 Camp and the rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising to the new environment.
DAY 3 – SHIRA 1
START – 11,844FT / 3610M
END – 11,844FT / 3610M
DISTANCE – 4 MILES / 6KM
TIME – 4-6 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
Today is all about you. There is no camp you have to get to and thus you can make today as short or as long as you desire. There is much to explore on the plateau in areas that are rarely visited by any other hikers as it is away from the usual paths. A picnic lunch is taken with you, which can be taken on some remote viewpoints. Your guide will lead you as far as you want to go before returning to the camp.
DAY 4 – MORUM BARRIER & OUT
START – 11,844FT / 3610M
END – 12,205FT / 3720M
DISTANCE – 2.5 MILES / 4KM
TIME – 2-3 HRS
CLIMATE ZONE – HEATH
An easy morning to finish off as you hike to Morum Barrier Gate where you are picked up and transferred to your onward arrangements with a packed lunch (note transfer to Arusha is around 3 hours, transfer for West Kilimanjaro airstrip is around 40 minutes).