Private Mount Kilimanjaro Day Hike: Shira Plateau or Marangu

Arusha, Tanzania

12 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Offered in: English

Overview

If you don’t have time to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, this private 1-day hike to Cathedral Point is a great alternative. Begin your hike in the early morning with hotel pickup to reach Cathedral Point, 12,700 feet (3,870 meters) above sea level. Located on the Shira Plateau, the oldest peak of Kilimanjaro, this hike provides stunning views of the snow-capped summit.

Private tour with hotel pickup for convenience
Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife
A boxed lunch and bottled water are provided
Hike through different ecosystems along the way

What's Included

Private transportation
Professional mountain Guide
Lunch
Bottled water
Hotel pickup & drop-off
Basic first aid support
All hiking assistance and registration support

National Park fees (To be paid directly by guests at the gate, by card - 82.6$ per person)
Personal hiking gear
Travel insurance
Tips & gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

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!

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
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
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Fantastic hike to Cathedral Point

kathleen_s, Oct 2024

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!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

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

Ascension Kilimandjaro avec Supers Guides

Anne_C, Jul 2023

La randonnée était magnifique mais difficile sur la fin. Le temps était beau. Les guides étaient vraiment très bienveillants et très agréables. La lunch box super bonne. Le seul problème était le véhicule pour nous y emmener qui était un mini bus et non un 4×4 pas du tout adapté à la piste sur la fin .Nous avons du descendre du mini bus pour qu'il passe à un endroit. Nous avons mis 1h de plus de trajet, dommage. Merci à nos 3 guides .

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Dear Anne, Thank you very much for your detailed feedback—we’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the hike, the good weather, and the support of our guides. It’s a pleasure to know they contributed to making your experience enjoyable, and we will be sure to pass along your thanks to them. We’re also happy that you liked the lunch box. We also appreciate your comment regarding the vehicle. Depending on group size and logistical conditions, different types of vehicles may be used. However, we understand that the final part of the road may have been less comfortable in your case. Your feedback is very valuable and helps us improve this aspect to ensure an even smoother experience in the future. Thank you again for your trust, and we hope to welcome you again in Tanzania. Warm regards, Africa Pathways Team