One Day Hike on Kilimanjaro to Shira Plateau

Experience a one-day trip to Mount Kilimanjaro’s Shira Plateau. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenge that many would love to take on. Even though you are not able to reach the top of this snow-capped giant of a mountain, a one-day hike can be made possible just to get a flavour of it.

Start time: 8.00am
Duration of excursion: Full day
Meals included: Packed lunch. Bottled water.
Maximum size of group: Private group

Click here to book this day hike

What to wear for this Kilimanjaro day hike: Closed shoes are recommended because the walk can be over uneven ground. Due to the altitude, warm clothing and/or waterproofs are also advisable.

Standing at a staggering 5,985m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest in Africa. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can take more or less a to reach the top( the summit).

How much does it cost?

Prices for the day trip to the incredible Shira Plateau along the Lemosho Route will cost from $160 for a group of 5 people to $270 for a single person.

Prices for the Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Mandara Hut (per person)
1 Person	2 Persons	3 Persons	4 Persons	5 Persons and more
270 USD	190 USD	180 USD	170 USD	160 USD

An English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from/to Moshi, Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees, a lunchbox, bottled water, and all program activities are all included in all pricing, which is all expressed in US dollars.

How long will it take?

Trekking from the gate to Shira Plateau and then returning to Lemosho gate will take a total of roughly 5-8 hours. Keep in mind that while we want to get the most out of the mountain, you must be at the gate by six o’clock in the evening.

Altitude gain:	2100m to 3500m
Distance (one way):	8 km
Hiking time:	3 – 4 hours up / 2 – 3 hours down (total time 5 – 8 hours)
Habitat:	Rainforest

What to wear for this day hike

Depending on the time of year, each hiker needs a small rucksack/backpack to carry water, warm clothing, and full waterproofs because the weather can change quickly as clouds swoop down from the summit. Each hiker also requires a pair of strong walking boots because the terrain may be soft in some places. The day trip to Mount Kilimanjaro does not require hiking boots. But we suggest putting on closed-toe shoes like trainers.

Short Mount Kilimanjaro Hike

This is a short one-day Mount Kilimanjaro hike to Mount Kilimanjaro’s Shira Plateau that can be done from either Moshi or Arusha. We do prefer taking this short day trip from Moshi town, the nearest town to the mountain.

Kilimanjaro Day Hike from Arusha or Moshi

From Arusha to Moshi, Kilimanjaro the distance is about 82 km and it would take roughly 2 hours to drive from Arusha to Moshi. Even though it is very much possible to take this short hike to Kilimanjaro from Arusha, it means that you will have to leave Arusha as early as possible since the day tour begins at 8.00 am. That is why we recommend starting your Kilimanjaro short hike to Shira Plateau from Moshi which is only a few minutes away from Mount Kilimanjaro.

A one-day Mount Kilimanjaro excursion can be done via the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro. This western side received very few visitors and has very little traffic.

Depending on your location, you will depart from your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha with your Tranquil Kilimanjaro guide.

Depart for Kilimanjaro National Park after an early breakfast. Your journey will take approximately 1½–2½ hour drive to Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side.

You will begin your hike at the Londorossi Gate at an altitude of 2100m ( 6890 ft) through the forests that lead steadily at an ascent of over 1000m ( 3281 ft) through the tropical montane forest. The montane forest of the majestic Kilimanjaro is home to a number of birdlife and wildlife that include the black and white Colobus monkey with popular birdlife that may include crested turacos

Since the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro borders the Amboseli national park of Kenya, it is frequently visited by big game animals from the park. Animals like elephants and giraffes are a common sight in the forests of the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Your Mt Kilimanjaro day hike takes you to a world heritage site situated 3,400m (11,154 ft) above sea level. This world heritage site is known as the Shira Plateau, a 500,000-year-old volcanic caldera.

One Day Kilimanjaro Trip to Shira Plateau

Shira plateau area is a perfect spot to stop over for lunch. The famous Kibo peak can be seen from here. Kibo peak is one of the high Mount Kilimanjaro peaks which is shaped like a tabletop. From the Shira plateau, proceed on to Shira 1 Camp, Lion Gorge and the foothills of the Shira Pinnacles where you can see the neighboring glaciers.

If you experience fitness issues or lack proper mobility, you will be permitted to drive all the way up to the Shira Plateau whereby you can access the neighbouring areas on foot.

For a longer hike lasting more than a day, you will be required to have a reasonable amount of fitness.

Your Mount Kilimanjaro day tour ends with a drive back to your hotel/lodge/accommodation after a fulfilling day hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

The cost for the one day Mount Kilimanjaro hike includes and excludes the following items

1 Day Kilimanjaro Hike Price includes

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

Sleeping Mattress

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)

Price Excludes

Airport transfers

Accommodation in Arusha

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Can I ascend Mount Kilimanjaro for a day?

Yes, it is possible to hike for a day up Mount Kilimanjaro’s western slope to the beautiful Shira Plateau, a world heritage site.

A day’s climb up Mount Kilimanjaro is possible.

No, a day climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is not possible for average climbers. Records for people climbing in a day or less have been set by seasoned mountaineers, but that is not feasible for everyone.

What is the record for the quickest ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro?

In August 2014, Swiss mountain runner Karl Egloff smashed the previous records for the fastest ascent and descent of Mount Kilimanjaro.

He beat the previous record set by another mountain runner from Spain, Kilian Jornet, who did it back in September 2010. He raced to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro and back in a record time of 6 hours and 42 minutes.

What Is the Time Required to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Depending on a number of variables, including the route you choose, your degree of fitness, and your budget, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can take anywhere from 5 days to even 11 days.

How many people attempt the Kilimanjaro climb?

Every year, some 110 000 individuals attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. a total made up of 80,000 porters and guides and roughly 30,000 climbers.

What to Wear for a Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro?

You should wear closed-toed footwear, albeit not necessarily hiking boots. Additionally, dress warmly.

Who should go on a day excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro?

If you are traveling with young children who are not yet ready for the complete walk or if you do not have a lot of free time but still want to enjoy the trip, a day excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro is ideal.

Where does the day excursion to Kilimanjaro take you?

The Mandara Hut, the Shira Plateau, and the gate are among the lower camps of Kilimanjaro that you will visit on these one-day walks as you explore the untainted tropical wilderness and take in the breathtaking scenery around the mountain.