A quiet 360-degree circuit of Kilimanjaro's rarely visited northern slopes with excellent acclimatization.
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Style
- Trekking
- Country
- Tanzania
- Format
- Private
8 days · Trekking
At a glance
- 8
- Days
- 7
- Nights
- 7
- Places to stay
- Private
- Group
Where you'll stay
- Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Shira 1 Camp
- Moir Camp
- Buffalo Camp
- Third Cave Camp
- School Hut
Every day is flexible — we tune the pace, lodges and game drives to you.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to Londorossi Gate (about two hours from Moshi), register, then continue to the trailhead for lunch and a short trek of 3–4 hours (4.8 km) through rainforest. You may spot elephant or buffalo. Elevation 2,389 m to 2,785 m.
Where you stay
Mti Mkubwa Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Spend the first hour in the last section of rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland that leads up onto the Shira Plateau. A relatively short, gradual day (5–6 hours, 7.9 km) to Shira 1 at 3,504 m.
Where you stay
Shira 1 Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut via Lava Tower
A long trek east through the 'Garden of the Senecios' into high alpine desert, up to Lava Tower and the Shark's Tooth rock formation (4,600 m) for lunch, then down to Moir Camp (4,161 m). High altitude then sleep low aids acclimatization.
Where you stay
Moir Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
A moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley (optional detour to Little Lent Hill, 4,375 m), then a series of ups and downs around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,033 m) with views across the northern plains to the Kenyan border. Arrive just after midday.
Where you stay
Buffalo Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
Climb Buffalo Ridge and drop into Pofu Camp for lunch, then continue east around the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave (3,936 m). A shorter day; you should now feel well acclimatized.
Where you stay
Third Cave Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Third Cave to School Hut
A steady incline up and over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, then south-west to School Hut (about 4,717 m). Early dinner and rest; prepare warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera.
Where you stay
School Hut (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Summit Day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, down to Millennium Camp
Woken around 11:30 pm, climb in darkness past Hans Meyer Cave to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) 5–6 hours later, then along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) around sunrise. Return to Stella Point and descend the screed slopes to Barafu Camp and on to Millennium Camp (about 3,827–3,950 m). A very long day of 14–16 hours.
Where you stay
Millennium Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate (3–4 hours), receive your summit certificates, and transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch
Rates are in US dollars, per person sharing, based on the lodges in this itinerary. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates and party.
Per person sharing
USD
Per person sharing, USD, 2022-23 rate; solo climber add-on $320, single-room supplement $280; subject to current government park fees at time of departure; includes park fees, guides, crew, camping gear, meals on the mountain, transfers and 2 nights B&B. Prices are guides and may change with season, availability and exchange rates. See our terms for payment and cancellation details.
Included
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide (Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified)
- Mountain crew of cook and porters in the right ratio for your group
- Pre- and post-climb accommodation (2 nights bed and breakfast)
- Airport transfers
- All meals on the mountain, drinking water
- All National Park and hut/camping fees, crew permits and VAT
- Fair and sustainable crew wages
- Transfers to and from the trek gate
- Complimentary emergency oxygen cylinder
- Portable private toilet and porter
- Quality imported camping equipment
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