Kilimanjaro Shira Plateau Day Hike to Cathedral Point

Shira Plateau Full day Hike

Experience the breathtaking Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro, the oldest peak of this iconic mountain, rising to 3,870 meters above sea level. This full-day hiking adventure offers stunning views, unique vegetation, wildlife sightings, and a taste of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystems — all within a single day. Perfect for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers, this private tour provides a safe and guided exploration of one of Tanzania’s top natural wonders.

The hike to Cathedral Point allows you to explore the volcanic origins of the plateau, witness panoramic vistas of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped summit, and even see the vast plains of neighboring Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

Tour Features:

Highlights:

Spot wildlife including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and velvet monkeys
Discover animal tracks of elephants, buffaloes, elands, and lions from Amboseli National Park
Trek through montane rainforest, moorlands, and volcanic lava landscapes
Exceptional photography opportunities of Kilimanjaro, untouched wilderness, and unique ecosystem

Day 1: Mt. Kilimanjaro one day hike to Cathedral Point 3872m

Start early at 06:00 am in the morning from your hotel with a drive to the western side of the mountain in which you will drive through the rich agriculture area at the base of the mountain, then to plantation forest up to Londorosi gate at 2250m asl.

After all registrations and park formalities, move steadily up through indigenous montane rain forest, home to a variety of animals and birdlife. Spot different types of wildlife like colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, velvet monkeys, different types of birds like crested turacos, hornbill, and alpine chat.

See animal footprints and droppings of elephants, elands, buffalo, and lions as these western regions are frequently visited by a big game from Kenya’s Amboseli National Park which neighbours Kilimanjaro National Park and the less visited side of the mountain.

End the drive at Morum barrier at 3400m asl where you will begin a 6-hour hike. From this point at the edge of the plateau, hike in any direction as you follow the myriad of small animal tracks and meander your way across the plateau 8.5km to Shira Cathedral point 3870m/12703 ft asl.

Get a stunning view of Mt. Kilimanjaro peak and see the remains of a volcanic crater that expired around half a million years ago and is one of the world heritage sites. In the late afternoon or evening, walk back to Morum Barrier gate, where the vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to the hotel