Mt Kilimanjaro 360° Trek with Once-in-a-Lifetime Crater Camping

4.9 (8 reviews) Moshi, Tanzania
Duration10 days
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, Russian, Portuguese, English, Chinese, Italian, Polish, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure with our 9-day Northern Circuit trek, offering unparalleled beauty and exclusivity. This route, renowned for its stunning panoramic views and less-traveled paths, provides a peaceful, immersive experience through Kilimanjaro's diverse ecosystems. From lush rainforests to the dramatic alpine desert, you'll trek along the quieter northern slopes, all the way to the majestic Uhuru Peak. The highlight? An unforgettable night of crater camping beneath Kilimanjaro's towering glaciers, a once-in-a-lifetime experience few adventurers get to enjoy. With expert guides, personalized service, and the best acclimatization schedule, this is the ideal trek for those seeking both challenge and serenity on Africa’s highest mountain.

Duration: 9 or 10 days
Difficulty: Medium
Scenery: Excellent
Traffic: Low

What's included

  • Fresh Water for drinking & Hot water for a wash daily
  • Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook + wages as per standard set by KINAPA
  • Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport
  • Lunch
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress)
  • Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summit aid) and Basic first aid kit
  • Hotel the night after the climb, with breakfast included
  • Visas and Flights
  • Travel and Health Insurances (Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory)
  • Gratuities
  • Items of Personal Nature
  • Personal hiking/trekking gear–you opt to rent the gears from equipment stores in Moshi
  • Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
  • -Personal medicine and water purifying tablets + Meals & drinks not specified and snacks

What to expect

Day 1: LONDROSSI GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP: 4.8K /3MI | 3-4 HRS | RAINFOREST
  1. 4h · Admission ticket included
    Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft
    Altitude gained: 396m

    Departing from Moshi a 45-minute drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
Day 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP: 7.9KM/5MI | 4-6HRS | MOORLAND
  1. 6h · Admission ticket included
    Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft
    Altitude gained: 719m

    After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
Day 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA II CAMP: 6.9KM/4MI | 3-4HRS | LOW ALPINE
  1. 4h · Admission ticket included
    Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft
    Altitude gained: 391m

    Our trek crosses the Shira one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbs will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.
Day 4: SHIRA II CAMP- LAVA TOWER – MOIR: 17.7KM/11.1MI | 5-7HRS | HIGH ALPINE
  1. 7h · Admission ticket included
    Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft
    Altitude gained: 91m

    Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 5: MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP: 9.2KM/5.7MI | 5-7HRS | HIGH ALPINE ZONE
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    7h · Admission ticket included
    Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft
    Altitude loss: 122m

    We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretches as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
Day 6: BUFFALO CAMP – RONGAI 3RD CAVE: 6.8KM /4.3MI | 5-7HRS | ALPINE DESERT
  1. 7h
    Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft
    Altitude lost: 97m

    Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon
Day 7: RONGAI 3RD CAVE – SCHOOL HUT:4.8KM /3MI | 5-7HRS | GLACIAL ZONE
  1. Mount Kilimanjaro
    7h · Admission ticket included
    Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft
    Altitude gained: 781m

    A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera before going to bed.
Day 8: SCHOOL HUT – SUMMIT: 5.9KM /3.7MI | 6-8HRS | – CRATER CAMP: 3KM | 2-3HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT
  1. 9h
    Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
    Begin your ascent to the Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, just before dawn. After celebrating at the summit, descend into Kilimanjaro’s Crater for an unforgettable night at Crater Camp, just beneath the glaciers.
    Trekking Time: 7-9 hours
Day 9: CRATER CAMP – MILLENIUM CAMP : 7.5KM/5MI |4-5HRS
  1. 5h · Admission ticket included
    Explore the Ash Pit in Kilimanjaro’s crater in the morning before descending to Millennium Camp. Enjoy a well-deserved rest after the strenuous summit day.
    Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Day 10: MILLENIUM CAMP TO MWEKA GATE - MOSHI
  1. 4h
    Complete your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your certificate of achievement. Drive back to Moshi for celebration and relaxation.
    Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Kindly inform us of your spot (It may be a hotel, a restaurant, a bus stop etc.) and with our excellent knowledge of the region, we will reach you.

End point

Kindly inform us of your spot (It may be a hotel, a restaurant, a bus stop etc.) and with our excellent knowledge of the region, we will reach you.

Pickup details

Our Airport Pick-up Team always have a paper with your name on it; kindly observe right after coming out to spot her/him/them

Additional information

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Reviews

4.9 (8)
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