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 flavor of it.

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

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

Shira Route MapStanding 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 The Kilimanjaro Shira Day Hike cost?

Prices for the day trip to the incredible Shira Plateau along the Lemosho Route will cost from $185 for a group of 5 people or more to $327 for a single person.

Kilimanjaro Day hike to Shira from Moshi

The distance from Moshi to Londorossi gate where this day trip to Shira Plateau begins is about 83km and it would take roughly 1 hour and 46 minutes to reach there while driving.

Prices for the Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Shira Plateau (per person) from Moshi 

1 Person2 Persons3 Persons4 Persons5 Persons6 Persons
327 USD235 USD205 USD195 USD195 USD185 USD

Short Mount Kilimanjaro Hike from Arusha

The distance from Arusha to Londorossi gate, the starting point of your day trip is about 2 hr 35 min (110.7 km) and it would cost about $195 for 8 or more people to $395 per person. This is a short one-day Mount Kilimanjaro hike to Mount Kilimanjaro’s Shira Plateau that can be done from either Moshi or Arusha. it is possible to do this tour from Arusha Town and if you would prefer, you can also take this short day trip from Moshi town, the nearest town to the mountain.

Prices for the Kilimanjaro Day Hike to Shira Plateau (per person) from  Arusha

1 Person2 Persons3 Persons4 Persons5 Persons6 Persons8 Persons and more
395 USD265 USD255 USD235 USD225 USD215 USD195 USD
An English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from Arusha or Moshi to Londorossi gate, Lemosho, 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 the Kilimanjaro Shira day hike take?

Trekking from the gate to Shira Plateau along the Lemosho Route and then returning to the Londorossi 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 (6 pm).

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.

 

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Kilimanjaro Day Hike from Arusha or Moshi

There isn’t that much of a difference in taking this day trip to Shira Plateau from Arusha or Moshi. From Arusha to Londorossi Gate the distance is about 114 km and it would take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach there by vehicle. 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.

  1. Morning Departure: Similar to the Marangu Route, depart early from Moshi or Arusha for the Londorossi Gate, which is located at a higher altitude on the western side of Kilimanjaro. The drive may take slightly longer due to the distance.
  2. Shira Gate to Shira Plateau (First leg of the trek): Begin your hike from the Shira Gate (2,385 meters) and trek across the Shira Plateau, a vast expanse of moorland with stunning views of the mountain. This section of the route offers gentle terrain and ample space for kids to explore.
  3. Picnic Lunch on the Plateau: Find a scenic spot on the Shira Plateau to enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro. Take in panoramic views of the mountain and its surrounding landscapes.
  4. Nature Exploration: After lunch, take a leisurely stroll across the Shira Plateau, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who can point out interesting features and wildlife along the way. Keep an eye out for unique plants, birds, and other mountain inhabitants.
  5. Return to Shira Gate: As the afternoon progresses, begin your descent back to the Shira Gate. Enjoy the downhill hike with occasional stops to rest and soak in the mountain scenery.
  6. Evening Return: Arrive back at the Shira Gate in the late afternoon or early evening, where your transport will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation. Reflect on the day’s adventures and the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes.

A one-day Mount Kilimanjaro excursion can be done via the Marangu Route which is another one-day Kilimanjaro hike alternative.

 

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.

Kilimanjaro day hike

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