The Kilimanjaro has three distinctive peaks which are Shira peak, Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak. The Shira Peak stands at an altitude of about 4,005 meters above sea level.
Somewhere on this peak we shall find the Shira plateau which is also a famous attraction here.
Since the Shira cone of Mount Kilimanjaro last erupted approximately 2.5 million years ago, it is considered an extinct volcano. Mawenzi and Kibo, the other two cones of Kilimanjaro, are likewise dormant.
The Shira Plateau is one of the famous places around the Kilimanjaro. The Plateau offers hikers to the Kilimanjaro a sample of what to expect when they hike this African Giant.
There will be breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro Mountains’ environs as you reach the summit of the Shira Plateau.
The Plateau stretches from the western to the eastern pole over a distance of almost 13 kilometers. At various spots, the region is basically elevated between 3,500 and 3962 meters above sea level.
This elevation makes this plateau one of the tallest in the world and that’s why it’s special. The Shira Plateau was formed about 500,000 years ago.
It is believed that the crater in this area was eroded and over time the plateau was formed at the base of the volcanic pit.
This peak is also the oldest among the cones of the Kilimanjaro and it was the first that stopped erupting and went from dead to extinct.
On the western side of the mountain we find the Shira ridge.
This ridge has generally been eroded a lot over time. It was part of the initial Shira crater. The Plateau on this peak covers an area of about 6200 hectares.
How to get to Shira
To get to this peak, you will have to take the Machame route of the Kilimanjaro. It’s a challenging trek but very rewarding with spectacular view of the tropical forest below and the southern ice fields.
The area in covered by several vegetation types including the Rain-forests, Arctic and the Moorland.
The first wedding to be conducted on the Kilimanjaro basically took place here. In the year 2014 on the 21st of September a couple took their marriage vows on the Shira camp 2, one of the camps that lead up to the peak of this mountain.
Shira Needle of Kilimanjaro
There are several fine minor summits to be climbed around the Shira plateau; the Shira Needle can be scaled by a scramble and provides an amazing viewpoint.
Walking on the edge of the Shira Plateau/Caldera you can catch a great view of Shira Cathedral and Shira Needle.
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