For those who want to experience the thrill of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro without wishing to summit, book a hike on the spectacular Shira Plateau. This plateau stretches out over 13 kilometres to the west of Kibo, at an elevation of 3 962 metres.
Placed on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, the Shira Plateau shows the remains of an ancient caldera, a volcanic crater that expired around half a million years ago. Today, it stands as a World Heritage Site, boasting deep valleys and weather-beaten lava flows. These are wonderfully framed near the Kibo Massif, which resembles twisted, modern sculptures.
Choose from a variety of one to four-day hikes in the area, around different tracks. Every track offers the chance to encounter wildlife from the neighbouring Amboseli National Park, across the border in Kenya. Walk along paths treaded by herds of massive elephant, eland antelope, buffalo, and even lions.
Longer hikes offer the opportunity to witness a variety of rolling and winding landscapes. Admire the plateau’s silvery glaciers and rocky ridges, and the Lemosho forest with lush, rainforest valleys.
Every hike promises incredible views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks on clearer days.