The Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro
The Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Shira Plateau Located in Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: The Shira Plateau comprises a caldera, extending approximately 13 kilometers westward from the snow-capped Kibo mountain. In other words, it is a collapsed volcanic crater. Traversing the plateau entails navigating the remnants of the initial of Kilimanjaro’s three extinct volcanoes. Approximately 500,000 years ago, this event transpired, and the lava along with other debris associated with the subsequent Kibo eruption occupied the area.
The plateau is renowned for its biodiversity, largely due to its proximity to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. Herds of elephants, elands, and buffalo have been documented departing this park and ascending the mountainside.
Identifying any indications of wildlife on the plateau would be exceedingly fortunate. It is indeed possible to occasionally encounter a hoof print or some desiccated fecal matter. Nevertheless, it is uncommon to encounter a genuine animal aside than a monkey or a mouse.
Avoid embarking on the walk with the expectation of encountering wildlife, although the proximity to Africa’s most magnificent mammals does impart a distinct thrill. Traveling a considerable distance to observe desiccated elephant feces is ludicrous.
SHIRA PLATEAU ROAD
Ascent duration: 4-6 days; total duration, including descent: 5-7 or 8 days.
Distance: 38.02 km (23.75 miles) ascent via standard route; 20.6 km (12.75 miles) descent; total distance walked: 58.62 km (36.5 miles).
The initial pathway traversing the plateau is designated as the Shira Plateau Route. The Lemosho Route remained unestablished for numerous years. The Shira Route is hardly utilized now, particularly by hikers. It has been converted into a 4WD path enabling ambulances to access the Shira 2 Campsite.
Hikers who have reservations for the Shira Plateau trail often commence their trek above a forested area. This is undoubtedly one of its principal disadvantages. I contend that the woodland on that side of the mountain is the finest on the entire mountain. It becomes illogical to overlook it at this juncture. Upon descending from the plateau to the base of Kibo at Lava Tower, you have two alternatives.
a) The Barafu Route offers a longer and more straightforward option to circumnavigate Kibo’s southern flank. If you select this route and incorporate extra overnight stops on the plateau and in the Karanga Valley, the trek may extend to eight days. Seven days are more probable, if not certain.
b) The Western Breach Route through Arrow Glacier and the Crater Camp. The hike via this trail typically requires 6 to 7 days.
LEMOSHO OR SHIRA PLATEAU: WHICH IS SUPERIOR?
The Lemosho Route is preferable, however the two routes are comparable. The initial two days are the sole instances in which the two diverge. Your forest excursion commences with Lemosho. When utilizing the Shira Plateau Route, one generally drives directly to the plateau. This results in missing Kilimanjaro’s finest vegetation. Alternatively, it is visible, albeit solely through a car window.
You not only forfeit the experience but also the opportunity for advantageous acclimatization. Consequently, although the ascent to the plateau via the Lemosho Route may be arduous, it is rewarding. Although the AMS-afflicted individuals, who are crying and vomiting, populate the path to the Shira Plateau, the benefits of walking instead of driving may not be apparent until later, as you ascend Kibo with minimal headache.
Nonetheless, a notable company continues to endorse excursions along this route, albeit significantly diverging from the conventional Shira trail. They claim it offers multiple advantages compared to the traditional Lemosho Route. Nonetheless, my suggestion remains unchanged: If given the option, always select the Lemosho route over the Shira Plateau Route.
The Lemosho Route is sometimes confused with the Shira Plateau Route, which is the primary distinction to recognize between the two. This is particularly applicable to overseas organizations that are keen to disseminate the information regarding your traversal of the Shira Plateau. This ambiguity is comprehensible; so, you should request your agency to clarify which of the two possibilities you will pursue.
Verifying the location of your initial night’s accommodation is an alternative. If you are residing in the Big Tree Campsite, referred to as Mti Mkubwa in the local language, you will be traversing the Lemosho Route.
ITINERARY FOR THE SHIRA PLATEAU ROUTE
Day 1: Morum Barrier to Shira 1 or Simba Cave
Distance: 3.75 km to Shira 1, 6.5 km to Simba Cave
Elevation Elevation achieved: 99 meters to Shira 1, 215 meters to Simba Cave
The expedition commences at what seems to be an antiquated concrete gatepost located at the farthest northwestern edge of the Shirt Plateau. This post is a vestige of the old Morum Barrier (3405m). This place appears quite desolate. The environment is desolate, the flora is scant and arid, and the wildlife is nearly absent.
The subsequent days will be devoted to this plateau. Occasionally, late-arriving groups are required to camp here. Hiking to one of the tents on the plateau is more prevalent, provided that everything has proceeded as intended up to this point. The sole feasible possibilities are Shira 1 or Simba Cave Campsite, contingent upon our arrival time.
A little path extending south from the informational boards directs to Shira 1 (3504m). The track traverses several creeks, however the complete journey lasts approximately 70 minutes. The Lemosho Route is thereafter traversed from Shira 1 to Shira 2, potentially via the cathedral, and finally to Lava Tower. We may have opted for the Northern Circuit rather than proceeding towards Moir Huts.
The options for guests in Simba Cave Campsite (3640m) are approximately equivalent, accessible on foot via the 4WD road. The primary junction of the road and the Lemosho Route is indicated by the campsite, adorned with several dilapidated, antiquated wooden bathrooms.
