Kilimanjaro's longest route: nine days circling the quiet north for the best acclimatization and highest summit success.
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Style
- Trekking
- Country
- Tanzania
- Format
- Private
9 days · Trekking
At a glance
- 9
- Days
- 8
- Nights
- 8
- Places to stay
- Private
- Group
Where you'll stay
- Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Shira 1 Camp
- Shira 2 Camp
- Moir Camp
- Buffalo Camp
- Third Cave Camp
Every day is flexible — we tune the pace, lodges and game drives to you.
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
A 1 hour 45 minute drive from Arusha to the park gate, then a 3–4 hour hike (4.8 km) through rainforest. Gaiters and poles are recommended on the muddy trail. 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
Leave the forest and climb steadily with wide views to the rim of the Shira Plateau (4–6 hours, 7.9 km). Elevation to 3,504 m.
Where you stay
Shira 1 Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Cross Shira, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, to Shira 2 (3,895 m). Take the extra energy to climb a little higher for the view across the valley and of Kilimanjaro's Western Breach. The plateau is exposed, with temperatures below zero at night.
Where you stay
Shira 2 Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Camp
Continue east up a ridge past the junction towards Kibo to Lava Tower, the 'Shark's Tooth' (4,650 m), then descend to Moir Camp. An important acclimatization day (5–7 hours).
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 with an optional detour to the summit of Little Lent Hill (4,375 m), then inclines and declines around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,033 m), with views to the Kenyan border.
Where you stay
Buffalo Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
Climb Buffalo Ridge and descend into Pofu Camp for lunch, then continue east around the northern slopes to Third Cave (3,936 m), arriving mid-afternoon.
Where you stay
Third Cave Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Rongai Third Cave to School Hut
A steady ascent over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, then south-west to School Hut (4,717 m). Early dinner, rest, and prepare your gear for the summit attempt.
Where you stay
School Hut (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Summit Day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, down to Mweka Camp
Start around midnight through heavy scree to the crater rim and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise, often through snow on the final stretch. Descend via Barafu for lunch to Mweka Camp (about 3,106 m). Gaiters and poles are recommended.
Where you stay
Mweka Camp (camping)
Meals
Full board (on the mountain)
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate (3–4 hours) to receive your summit certificates, then transfer back to your hotel.
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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