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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
You’ll arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for resting, adjusting to the altitude, and preparing for the adventure. Your guide will conduct a full briefing, equipment check, and safety overview.
Take time to explore the town, enjoy local cuisine, and meet your fellow climbers. At around 900 m (2,953 ft), this low-altitude location offers the perfect base before beginning your ascent. Be sure to hydrate, relax, and get a good night’s sleep before your trek on Africa’s highest peak begins.
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha |
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge |
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha |
Kili Season Hotel
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha
Villa Maua Hotel
Day 2: Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 m/6,561 ft) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)
Today you drive to Lemosho Gate for registration before starting your trek through dense rainforest. The trail gently climbs from the trailhead at 2,000 meters (6,561 ft) to Big Tree Camp at 2,780 meters (9,120 ft).
This lush forest section is rich with birdlife, butterflies, and monkeys, including the distinctive black-and-white colobus monkey. The atmosphere is humid and vibrant, with moss-covered trees and wildflowers. You’ll arrive at Big Tree Camp in the afternoon, nestled under a canopy of tall forest trees. Enjoy a warm dinner and the peaceful sounds of nature as you sleep in tents for your first night on the mountain.
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Time: 3–4 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Big Tree Camp |
Big Tree Camp
Big Tree Camp
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) – Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)
Today’s hike takes you out of the forest and into the heather and moorland zone. As you gain altitude, the scenery opens up to expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak. The trail is steady, with a few steeper sections, giving you a chance to acclimatize gradually.
Unique plant species like giant groundsels and lobelias dot the landscape. You’ll reach Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) by afternoon, where you’ll enjoy your first wide-open views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. The air is cooler and drier here, with brilliant skies at night—perfect for stargazing as you settle in for the night.
- Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
- Time: 5–6 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Shira 1 Camp |
Shira 1 Camp
Shira 1 Camp
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) – Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft)
Today is a big elevation gain as you trek to the impressive Lava Tower, located at 4,630 meters (15,190 ft). The landscape becomes more alpine and rockier as you move deeper into the high desert zone.
You’ll cross the vast Shira Plateau with epic views in every direction. Lava Tower is a dramatic rock formation rising from the slopes of Kibo. Though you’ll camp here tonight (unlike the Lemosho route which descends), it’s a key acclimatization day. The high elevation may bring cold winds and thin air, so hiking slowly is essential. The sunset over the rocky tower is breathtaking.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Time: 6–7 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Lava Tower |
Lava Tower
Lava Tower
Day 5: Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) – Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft)
Today, you begin to circle the northern flanks of Kilimanjaro, entering the remote and less- traveled sections of the Northern Circuit. The trail gradually descends from Lava Tower into the high alpine desert, with wide views toward Kenya. It’s a scenic and quiet stretch, with fewer trekkers and a sense of solitude. You’ll cross undulating ridges and valleys, eventually arriving at Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft).
Wildlife like eland and buffalo sometimes appear in this area. The camp sits beneath rolling hills with dramatic mountain backdrops. It’s another good acclimatization day with beautiful, stark landscapes and fewer crowds.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Time: 6–7 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Buffalo Camp |
Buffalo Camp
Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft) – Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft)
The trail continues east along Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes. It’s a gentle walk compared to previous days, offering wide views of the Kenyan plains. The trail has little vegetation but is peaceful and atmospheric, surrounded by the vastness of Kilimanjaro’s wilderness.
You’ll arrive at Third Cave Camp at 3,930 meters (12,893 ft), named after nearby rock formations once used for shelter. This area offers tranquility, with incredible night skies free from light pollution. It’s a good place to rest and continue acclimatizing before your ascent to high camp. The scenery remains stark and beautiful, emphasizing the mountain’s remoteness.
- Distance: 8 km (5 mi)
- Time: 5–6 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Third Cave Camp |
Third Cave Camp
Third Cave Camp
Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft) – School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft)
Today’s trek leads you toward your final base before the summit push—School Huts Camp at 4,710 meters (15,452 ft). The trail is steeper and winds through barren alpine landscapes. You’ll feel the altitude here, so a slow and steady pace is important. School Huts Camp is quieter than the popular Kibo Huts, offering a peaceful place to rest and prepare for summit night.
Views stretch across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. After an early dinner, you’ll rest in preparation for the midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak. This is a key acclimatization night— hydrate, eat well, and get as much sleep as possible.
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Time: 4–5 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
School Huts Camp |
School Huts Camp
School Huts Camp
Day 8: School Huts Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)
Summit night begins around midnight. You’ll ascend by headlamp up steep scree slopes to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m/18,652 ft), then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft). Reaching the top of Africa is a moment of triumph and awe, with views of glaciers, the crater, and a stunning sunrise. After photos and a short celebration, you descend to School Huts for a break, then continue down to Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft).
The descent is long but rewarding. You’ll feel the oxygen return as you drop altitude. Millenium Camp offers a warm meal and a much-deserved rest.
- Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi)
- Time: 12–14 hours
| PUBLIC CAMPS |
|---|
|
Millenium Camp |
Millenium Camp
Millenium Camp
Day 9: Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) – Hotel
Your final descent takes you through lush rainforest as you make your way to Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft). The trail is steep and can be slippery when wet, but it’s rich with plant life, birds, and possibly monkeys swinging through the canopy.
The warmth and greenery are a welcome contrast to the high alpine environment of the past few days. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and say farewell to your mountain crew. Then it’s a drive back to your hotel for a hot shower, a celebratory meal, and time to relax. You’ve officially conquered Kilimanjaro!
| LUXURY LODGES AND CAMPS | MID - RANGE LODGES & CAMPS | BUDGET LODGES &CAMPS |
|---|---|---|
|
Kili Season Hotel/coffee Lodge Arusha |
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha/lake Duluti Lodge |
Villa Maua Hotel/africa Safari Arusha |
Kili Season Hotel
Kahawa House Lodge Arusha
Villa Maua Hotel
Day 10: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight home. If your schedule allows, you may also add on a local excursion—such as a coffee tour, hot springs visit, or short safari. Take a final look at Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak from the plane window and reflect on your incredible accomplishment.
The Northern Circuit Route offered a longer, scenic path to the summit, allowing for superb acclimatization and breathtaking views. You leave with stories, friendships, and the memory of standing on Africa’s highest point. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again for another adventure!
Price Per Person
Low Season (April, May & November)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
High Season (Rest of the Year)
Quote for 7 Days Gurumeti River Great Migration Crossing
| GS | PP |
|---|---|
|
2 |
USD 5000 |
|
3 |
USD 5000 |
|
4 |
USD 5000 |
|
5 |
USD 5000 |
|
6 |
USD 5000 |
- Price Includes
Transport as described in the itinerary
Safari activities-unlimited day game drives, nature walks, hiking and walks with local people (where specified), English-speaking driver-guide, expert local guides where necessary
All National Park and Conservancy fees
Accommodation as described in the itinerary (double/twin or triple rooms)
All meals while on safari-breakfasts, lunches (picnic lunch boxes when necessary) and dinners
Bottled drinking water during game drives
Flying Doctor emergency evacuation cover
- Price Excludes
- Entry Visas
- Airport transfers
- Activities cited as “optional” in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Single Room Supplements.
- Personal spending-services or meals not mentioned as included, beverages in hotels, telephone calls and laundry etc.
- Tips/Gratuities (Kenya policy)
- Extra costs incurred as a result of alterations to the original tour plan e.g. different accommodations and services
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