The extended version of the Northern Circuit route includes an additional two days to allow for proper acclimatization before we overnight at Crater Camp. Located at an altitude of 5,790 meters, this camp is the highest possible overnight stop at the equator. We will do everything we can to make your Kilimanjaro climb both comfortable and unforgettable. Only a fortunate few can claim to have witnessed the night skies at this altitude, which offer a stunning view of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers against the backdrop of the Milky Way.
While such ascents come with inherent risks, our team possesses both the expertise and equipment necessary to ensure your safety at Kilimanjaro Crater Camp.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you will meet an our representative, and transfer to the hotel at the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
In the morning, your guide and climbing support team will meet you at your hotel for a final briefing. Then you will drive for approximately 3-4 hrs to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance, Londorossi Gate (2,250 m /7,380 ftft).
After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, your group will start trekking to the first camp on your route – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m /8,692 f). Taking raincoats or ponchos with you is important because the trek lies through the dense tropical forest, where heavy rains are frequent.
By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything you need for rest, pitch the tents, and cook lunch for you. After having lunch you will complete an acclimatization hike towards Shira 1 Camp and go back to Mti Mkubwa, where a hot dinner will be served for you.
The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances to climb Kilimanjaro successfully and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
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Change in Elevation:
Hiking distance:
Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:On this day, you will wake up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Afterward, you will begin a gradual walk to an altitude of 3,414 meters (11,200 feet). At this point, you will have your first stunning views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano.
Overall, the trek from Mti Mkubwa to the second high-altitude camp, Shira 1 (3,414 m / 11,200 ft), is relatively easy and will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. This gradual ascent will help you acclimatize, which is essential for successful trekking toward Kilimanjaro Crater Camp. Upon reaching the camp, your team of specialists will provide a hot lunch, and you will have the opportunity to relax in your tent or take in the breathtaking scenery.
Trekking time:Distance:Today, your group will depart from Shira 1 Camp (3,414 m / 11,200 ft) and complete a light trek towards the second high-altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,628 ft). This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique plants endemic to Kilimanjaro. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth-highest summit of Africa), weather permitting.
When you arrive at the camp, you will have lunch, and after a two-hour rest, everyone will complete an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 300 m /984 f gain in altitude. Remember, acclimatization hikes are very important, but this one also offers a stunning view from the top.
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:After breakfast, you will depart from Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,628 ft) and begin your trek to Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft). This route is more challenging than the hikes from previous days, featuring more inclines and descents. You may find it to be more physically demanding than the day before; however, it is an excellent opportunity to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Lunch will be served atop Lava Tower, where you can take 1 to 2 hours to rest and relax after a strenuous morning.
Following lunch, you will trek a bit higher before gradually descending to Moir Hut. This camp is situated on the route to the northern part of Kilimanjaro.
Trekking time:Distance:On this day, you will have a long but relatively easy trek. Initially, you will have a steep (although short) climb to depart Moir Valley, and then approach the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. While there will be more ups and downs on this trek, there are no steep altitude gains. This route passes close to the border with Kenya, so you will be treated to amazing views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys.
Trekking time:Distance:You will ascend the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and reach the breathtaking 3rd Cave Camp, where the path converges with the renowned Rongai route. This day will feature a shorter trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning surroundings. By this point, your body will have adeptly acclimated to an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,464 feet), significantly enhancing your comfort and overall well-being as you continue your remarkable journey.
Trekking time:Distance:On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m /15,744 f). The actual trekking is not very hard, so remember to just choose an appropriate pace in order to keep your strength up for the next day. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much water as you can, because tomorrow your group will trek into the crater.
Trekking time:Distance:Around midnight, you will depart from the camp and walk along the edge of the crater rim to reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 meters. Once you arrive at the top, you will spend about 30-40 minutes taking photos and watching an amazing sunrise with views across Africa. You can explore the nearby glaciers (just a 30-minute walk from the top) or start descending to the crater camp whenever you’re ready.
Reaching the crater floor requires much dedication, but it is well worth it! When you arrive, you will be astonished by the ancient glaciers and snow. If you want, you may choose to trek further to the Ash Pit (it takes approximately 90 minutes), or save this endeavor for the next day.
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Trekking time:Distance:On this day, you have the option to make another summit attempt in the morning, depending on your overall condition. If you choose not to return to Uhuru Peak, you can hike out of the crater to Barafu Camp and continue down the slope to Millennium Camp, which will be your next overnight stop.
Alternatively, if you are up for it, you can visit the Ash Pit, a warm, ice-free area in the crater with a diameter of 340 meters, made up of lava gravel (if you didn’t explore it yesterday). The whitish-yellow sulfur slopes drop about 200 meters into the depths of the volcano. Together with the Reusch Crater surrounding the Ash Pit, Kilimanjaro boasts one of the most perfect crater shapes on Earth. The amount of snow present in the crater will determine your ability to reach the Ash Pit.
Trekking time:Distance:The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m /5,379 f). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
Trekking time:Distance:Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you will meet an our representative, and transfer to the hotel at the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges will apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, sync your group’s arrival and departure times.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel. Then you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate. After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group continues upwards towards their drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,414 m / 11,200 ft). Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.
The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp, Shira 2, features a moderate gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. Due to this, you will be able to properly begin the process of acclimatization. By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will have already prepared everything necessary, put up the tents, and begun preparing dinner.
PLEASE NOTE:Â This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Trekking time:Distance:Your day begins with an early wake-up followed by a hearty breakfast before your team embarks on the trek to Barranco Camp. As you hike, you’ll notice the rainforest gradually giving way to moorland, and if the weather is clear, you may catch your first glimpse of Meru Volcano. This day of trekking is of moderate length, and you are expected to arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,792 ft) around lunchtime. The camp is situated within a large volcanic fault. Lunch will be provided, and after that, you will have the rest of the day to relax, which will greatly aid in the acclimatization process.
Trekking time:Distance:Today, you will relax at Barranco, the most scenic camp on Kilimanjaro. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Dendrosenecio Valley and the challenge that awaits you tomorrow—the Barranco Wall. Taking a relaxed day at high altitude is important for climbers as it significantly aids in acclimatization. This break will help you recover from the strenuous trekking of the previous days and prepare you for the summit push. Use this day to enjoy the beauty of Kilimanjaro and regain your strength. The guides will provide an acclimatization hike to a higher point, allowing you to “climb high and sleep low.”
This day begins with an invigorating early wake-up and a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure as your group tackles the ascent of Barranco Wall. To make the most of your experience and avoid crowds, we strongly encourage you to leave camp as early as possible. The climb up the gorge wall is manageable and typically takes only about an hour, after which you’ll have the opportunity to rest and capture stunning photos in front of the majestic Kibo volcano.
Following this rewarding climb, you’ll embark on a more challenging trek to Karanga Camp, which features several ascents and descents. But fear not! Our expert guides are skilled at pacing the group to ensure everyone stays energized and motivated. Upon reaching Karanga Camp, a delicious warm lunch awaits you, recharging your spirits for the next adventure.
After a well-deserved rest, you will embark on an essential acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, featuring a gradual 200-meter (656-foot) ascent. This is a critical step in your journey, as it not only boosts your acclimatization but also prepares you for the challenges ahead. Remember, this trek is vital for enhancing your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and safeguarding against the risks of altitude sickness. Embrace this journey; every step brings you closer to achieving your incredible goal!
Change in Elevation:Hiking distance:Hiking time:Trekking time:Distance:In the morning, after breakfast, you will begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp, which is located at an elevation of 4,673 meters (15,327 feet). This camp serves as the starting point for the nighttime summit attempt of Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters (19,336 feet).
Our team will have set up your camp in advance, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax as soon as you arrive. After taking some time to regain your strength, you will go on an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp, situated at 4,870 meters (15,974 feet), before returning to Barafu Camp.
Once back at Barafu Camp, you will enjoy a hot dinner. It is advisable to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping to prepare for the night summit.
The group departs from Barafu Camp around midnight. Tonight, you will climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 meters (19,336 feet). While the trek itself is not particularly difficult, the high altitude can make even regular physical activity feel strenuous. To ensure safety, we pair every two climbers with a personal guide who closely monitors their physical and mental well-being.
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you have the option to explore one of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Afterward, the group will return to Barafu Camp for a two-hour rest before beginning the descent to Millennium Camp, located at 3,950 meters (12,956 feet).
Please be aware that while descending does provide relief from the high altitude, it is also a time when most accidents and injuries (up to 90%) occur. You can easily avoid falls and potential injuries, such as broken limbs or damaged toenails, by simply watching your step.
Trekking time:Distance:Millennium Camp sits amidst a rainforest. The lower altitude, as well as the realization of having reached your goal, make for a good night’s sleep. The group will set out on the last leg of the journey towards Mweka Gate – national park exit (1,640 m /5,379 f) upon finishing breakfast. This will be your last opportunity to share memories of the climb with your guides and support team. You will receive your certificates of accomplishment at our offices before being driven back to your hotel.
Trekking time:Distance:Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE:Â Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
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