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. And Shira Ridge of Mount Kilimanjaro
The Shira cone of the Kilimanjaro is classified as an extinct volcano as it last erupted bout 2.5 million years ago. The other two cones of the Kilimanjaro which are Mawenzi and the Kibo are also not active.
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 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.
The highest point of this peak is known as the Johnsell point which stands at about 3962 meters above sea level. The next other point below this one is the Shira ridge at 3840 meters above sea level.
How to get to Shira Ridge of Mount Kilimanjaro
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 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 Ridge of Mount Kilimanjaro
There is a ridge on the Shira Plateau. Therefore you don’t have only the Shira Plateau to choose from. The ridge stands at an altitude of about 3,600 meters above sea level.
The ridge is not very far from the Shira gate and is located in the forest zone of the Kilimanjaro Mountain.
At this level you will see a lot of Lobelias, giant goundsel, colorful red pokers and Senecios trees.
This area of the mountain mainly receives rain through the mist which usually covers the area without notice. The temperatures here of course will be below 0 degrees.
