Private Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike: Shira Plateau or Marangu
Description
Experience the beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro without needing to climb to the summit or spend several days on the mountain. This private one-day hike is a great option for travelers who want to enjoy the atmosphere of Kilimanjaro, explore its unique landscapes, and experience the mountain at a comfortable pace. Choose between the famous Marangu rainforest trail with monkeys, birds, and lush forest scenery, or the quieter Shira Plateau with open alpine landscapes and wide panoramic views. Both routes offer a completely different side of Kilimanjaro and are guided by experienced local mountain guides who share stories about the mountain, wildlife, and local culture along the way. With private transport from Moshi or Arusha, flexible pacing, scenic picnic lunch spots, and unforgettable views throughout the day, this experience is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, families, couples, and travelers with limited time in Tanzania.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up in the morning from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, or upon arrival at Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports. For airport pickups, your driver will be waiting with a sign displaying your name. Karibu!
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Kilimanjaro National Park park fees are not included and must be paid directly at the park gate
- Guests must bring their passport and Credit card for park registration
- Please inform us in advance if you prefer regular, vegetarian, or gluten-free lunch options.
- Warm clothing and proper hiking shoes are highly recommended
Reviews(8)
It was a great experience. My guide helped me all through the way, great encouragement. Snacks provided on the way as well
Chuwa and Milton were AMAZING guides!! I am a 59 yr old female solo traveler and they made me comfortable and confident the entire trip. The altitude will kick your butt (at least it did mine), but Chuwa slowed the pace and I was able to go a long time before needing a break. They encouraged me when going up the last part of Cathedral Point, which is very rocky, and not something I normally do on hikes. They celebrated with me when we got to the top! Kilimanjaro was shrouded in clouds when we reached the top, but I thoroughly enjoyed the picnic lunch they brought while looking over the Shira plateau on one side and a beautiful green valley on the other side. I did get to see all of Kilimanjaro while hiking to Shira 1 camp, which is the first third of the hike. Can’t say enough good things about this hike and these guides!
Dear Kathleen, Thank you so much for your wonderful and inspiring review—we’re truly delighted to hear about your experience. It’s especially meaningful to know that you felt comfortable and confident throughout the journey as a solo traveler. Chuwa and Milton will be very happy to hear your kind words—they take great pride in supporting each guest at their own pace, especially on more challenging sections like Cathedral Point. We’re glad you were able to enjoy the experience despite the altitude, and that the views across the Shira Plateau made the effort worthwhile. Moments like reaching the summit and celebrating together are what make this hike so special. Thank you again for trusting us with your Kilimanjaro experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. You are always welcome back for another adventure. Warm regards, Africa Pathways Team
A highlight of my backpacking trip through East Africa! From the organization in advance to the preliminary meeting the night before to the tour itself, everything was just perfect! With Goodwin as mountain guide, the tour was fantastic!
Dear Jograsi, Thank you so much for your wonderful review—we’re truly delighted to hear that this was a highlight of your backpacking trip through East Africa. It’s great to know that everything from the organization and pre-trip briefing to the tour itself met your expectations. We’re especially happy to hear your kind words about Goodwin—he will be very pleased to know he helped make your experience so memorable. Thank you again for your trust, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Tanzania. Warm regards, Africa Pathways Team
I cannot recommend this tour enough! 10/10. I did it a month ago, on Feb 16th. I reached out directly to Africa Pathways after seeing the tour online on third party websites. It was very useful to have direct contact as Alfred was exceptional in organising the tour for me and providing me all the information I need for the hike. Communication was consistent and clear on what I should be expecting. On the day of the hike, I was picked up by my driver Milton and mountain guide Godwin. It was a ~2.5hrs drive from Moshi to Kilimanjaro, but I did not feel it because of the interesting information they were telling me about Tanzania and pointing out of animals en route. Once we started the hike, Godwin’s knowledge about the region was incredible. I learnt a lot about the nature and plants too! Godwin was also a great photographer, taking cool videos and photos of me and the landscape. While I successfully made it to the top, the last part to get to the top was the most challenging, but Godwin was so patient and helpful. “Polé polé” is something you’d hear, it means take it slow. It’s important to take it slow since oxygen is lighter. All in all, the hike took me 6.5hrs, but it was the best feeling to sit at the top and have lunch with the views, so the challenge is 1000% worth it. And having Godwin as my guide made the experience wonderful! Since the altitude is so high, I will advise you do what you can to minimise the symptoms of altitude sickness (doesn’t affect everyone but if it does, it can include headache, nausea and vomiting). Stay hydrated throughout the hike, eat very well before the hike, sleep well and if you’d like, take some Diamox (16hrs before hike I believe). If you do get altitude sickness, you should be fine once you get back down to sea level after your hike. One more thing to note for any female solo travellers considering this tour, I was travelling solo, and felt very safe, cared for and respected throughout my trip! They’re a very friendly bunch! Thank you to Alfred, Godwin and Milton for this wonderful experience. Look forward to coming back and doing the full hike to Uhuru one day.
Dear Sara, Thank you so much for your incredibly detailed and inspiring review—we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We’re especially glad that the communication and planning before your trip helped you feel prepared and confident. It means a lot that you chose to reach out to us directly, and we’re happy we could support you every step of the way. Godwin and Milton will be very proud to hear your kind words. Supporting guests at their own pace—“pole pole”—is an essential part of the Kilimanjaro experience, and we’re delighted that their guidance, knowledge, and encouragement helped you reach Cathedral Point and enjoy the journey. We’re also very grateful that you shared your experience as a solo female traveler. Creating a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment is extremely important to us, and your words will help future travelers feel confident choosing this experience. Thank you again for trusting us with your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro. We would be absolutely delighted to welcome you back one day for your full summit to Uhuru Peak. Warm regards, Africa Pathways Team
Lovely, good guide, good walk, not hard to do, no practice needed. The guide takes picture en you can enjoy your Day. Good lunch. Would recommend it. Thanks to mpemba.
Dear Jeanine, Thank you very much for your kind review—we’re delighted to hear you had such a lovely and enjoyable day. It’s great to know that you found the walk accessible and relaxing, and that Mpemba helped make the experience even more special. We’re also happy you enjoyed the lunch and the moments captured during the tour. Thank you for your recommendation—it truly means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Tanzania. Warm regards, Africa Pathways Team
Great hiking, perfect organization. As a bonus, we were able to meet giraffes on the road. Very nice guide. Alfred organizes all the outings you want.
Dear MerryL, Thank you very much for your wonderful review—we’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience on your hike to Cathedral Point. It’s especially rewarding to know that the organization met your expectations and that you enjoyed the journey, including the special moment of seeing giraffes along the way—these unexpected encounters always make the experience even more memorable. We’re also happy to hear your kind words about your guide, and we truly appreciate your trust in us to organize your experiences. Thank you again for choosing us for your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro. You are always very welcome back. Warm regards, Africa Pathways Team
Had a great experience doing the one day hike at Kilimanjaro. Saw the wonderful nature in kilimanjaro National Park and a had super guide with a lot of experience.
Dear SMartin.., Thank you very much for your kind review—we’re delighted to hear you had such a wonderful hiking experience. It’s great to know you enjoyed the unique landscapes and natural beauty of Kilimanjaro National Park, and that your guide’s experience and knowledge helped make the day even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another memorable adventure in Tanzania. Warm regards, Africa Pathways Team
