The spectacular, expansive Shira Plateau is located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, at an elevation ranging from 3,500 meters to 3,962 meters above sea level. Shira Peak, situated on the Shira Plateau, is the third-highest peak on Mount Kilimanjaro, rising to an elevation of 4,005 meters above sea level and covering a distance of 13 kilometers.
The Shira Plateau is the oldest among the three volcanic cones on Kilimanjaro. Volcanic activity at Shira commenced about 2.5 million years ago, with major eruptions occurring approximately 1.9 million years ago. The northern part of the edifice collapsed, forming a plateau now known as Shira. After the collapse of the caldera about half a million years ago, the Shira Plateau has blossomed with irresistible beauty and boasts the status of a world heritage site. The Shira Ridge, situated at 3,962 meters above sea level, must have originally reached heights of between 4,900 and 5,200 meters before undergoing significant erosion.
The Shira Plateau is now primarily composed of basic lava and pyroclastic materials, with the formation of two distinct cones. The highest point on Shira is Johnsell Point, towering at 3,962 meters. Another notable attraction on the plateau is the Shira Ridge at 3,600 meters. The Shira Cathedral is a massive rock shaped like a pyramid, resembling a cathedral, and stands at 3,895 meters, close to Shira Hill. Short hikes can be enjoyed on the hill and ridge. While at the Shira Ridge, there are opportunities to spot crowned eagles. The Shira Needle hike, involving some scrambling, offers some of the best views of Kilimanjaro.
The hike to the Shira Plateau can be accomplished using the Machame route, Lemosho route, or Shira route.
Following the formation of Shira, Mawenzi began to take shape with eruptions within the Shira caldera. Eventually, a powerful eruption led to the formation of Kibo, which is now the highest point in Africa, making Kilimanjaro the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
In September 2014, the first-ever wedding on top of Mount Kilimanjaro took place at the Shira Plateau, offering the unique experience of tying the knot in one of the world’s highest plateaus.
The Shira Plateau is a perfect destination for those who do not wish to summit Mount Kilimanjaro but still desire to trek and catch a glimpse of the stunning peaks on a clear day. Many tour operators organize short hikes to the Shira Plateau.
While Mount Kilimanjaro is considered dormant and not extinct, the smell of sulfur still lingers around the crater, and Kibo is likely to erupt again in the future.
The hike to the Shira Plateau covers approximately 38.02 kilometers, with a descent of 20.6 kilometers. To explore the entire Shira Plateau, hikers should use the Machame route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Shira can be visited year-round, but for the best experience and superb views, the ideal time to visit is during the dry seasons of June to August and December to February when the hiking trails are in good condition, ensuring an overall comfortable climb.
