10-day climb Kilimanjaro Crater route + 2 days hotel stay
Overview
An extended version of Northern circuit with overnight camping at the highest point at equator. Using the Northern Circuit Route to climb Kilimanjaro (with Crater Camping)
Before spending the night at Crater Camp, the Northern Circuit route is extended by two days to allow for sufficient acclimatization.
We will do everything in our power to make your trek up Mount Kilimanjaro comfortable as well as unforgettable since it is located close to the summit at an elevation of 5790 meters, making it the highest overnight stay conceivable at the equator.
The Milky Way and the Kilimanjaro Glaciers provide for an incredible sight that only a select few people can claim to have seen in the night skies at this height.
Despite the risks involved, the Kiliholidays Team has the knowledge and tools necessary to guarantee your safety at Kilimanjaro Crater.
We bring you to the world’s best safari destination. When you book with us you get:
- Amazing lifetime experience
- Unlimited Safari Mileage
- Experienced Safari Guide
- Quality Service
Day 00 | Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be warmly welcomed by your Langa Africa Safaris representative. You will then be transferred to Planet Lodge Arusha, which provides a comfortable and relaxing environment for your stay. The lodge offers cozy rooms, a swimming pool, Internet access, and friendly staff to ensure your comfort. In the evening, a briefing will be held by the guides, who will review your trek details and ensure you’re prepared for your upcoming Kilimanjaro adventure.
Note: Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
Day 1 | Trekking from Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast at Planet Lodge Arusha, you’ll meet your guide and mountain support crew, who will conduct a briefing before your journey to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After completing the necessary paperwork and registration, the trek begins. The first day takes you through lush tropical rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m). Prepare for possible rain, so remember to bring rain covers. Upon arrival at the camp, enjoy a hot meal and complete an acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp, climbing an additional 300 meters before returning to Mti Mkubwa Camp for the night.
Elevation: 2,200 m to 2,780 m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 2 | Trekking from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, enjoy a gradual climb to the second camp, Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m). This 5-6 hour trek provides scenic views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano. Upon arrival at Shira 1, lunch will be prepared, and you can relax or explore the surrounding area. This trek helps with the acclimatization process, preparing your body for the higher altitudes ahead.
Elevation: 2,780 m to 3,505 m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Meadows
Day 3 | Trekking from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today’s trek takes you to Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m), where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro. After lunch, you’ll undertake an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, gaining 300 meters in elevation. This will help your body adjust to the higher altitude. The camp is a great spot for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,810 m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4 | Trekking from Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Descent to Moir Hut
After breakfast, embark on a challenging trek toward Lava Tower (4,630 m), where you’ll spend time acclimatizing. The terrain will have some ascents and descents, so be prepared for physical exertion. After spending some time at Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Moir Hut (4,200 m) for the night.
Elevation: 3,810 m to 4,630 m
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 14 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland
Day 5 | Trekking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Today’s trek will take you around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The route offers beautiful views of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys as it passes close to the Kenyan border. The terrain features gentle ascents and descents, with no steep climbs, making it a more relaxed day of trekking.
Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,020 m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland
Day 6 | Trekking from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp
Today, you will continue along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, eventually reaching 3rd Cave Camp (3,870 m). This is a relatively short trek compared to the previous day, and by now, your body should be well acclimatized to the altitude.
Elevation: 4,020 m to 3,870 m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Moorland
Day 7 | Trekking from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut
This trek will take you to School Hut (4,750 m), which is your last stop before heading to the crater the next day. The trek itself is not too difficult, but it’s important to keep a steady pace. Once you arrive at School Hut, relax and prepare for the challenging summit trek the following day.
Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,750 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Arctic desert
Day 8 | Trekking from School Hut to Crater Camp
This will be one of the most demanding days of the trek as you aim to reach the rim of the crater (5,700 m). The terrain is challenging, but the rewards are immense. Once you arrive at Crater Camp, take in the magnificent glaciers and snow-covered landscapes. It’s extremely cold here, and you might experience snow during the night.
Elevation: 4,750 m to 5,700 m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Alpine
Day 9 | Trekking from Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Millennium Camp
The final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) begins early in the morning. The climb in the darkness will lead to one of the most memorable sunrises you’ll ever see. After taking in the incredible views from the summit, descend to Millennium Camp (3,820 m) for the night. The descent is physically demanding, but the sense of accomplishment after reaching the summit makes it all worthwhile.
Elevation: 5,700 m to 5,895 m / 5,895 m to 3,820 m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Alpine
Day 10 | Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
On the final day of your trek, you’ll descend through the tropical rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,650 m), where your adventure officially ends. A warm breakfast will provide energy for the descent. Once at the gate, you’ll receive your well-deserved commemorative certificates and celebrate the achievement with the group. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Planet Lodge Arusha for a relaxing evening.
Elevation: 3,820 m to 1,650 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 00 | Departure
After a restful night at Planet Lodge Arusha, enjoy your last breakfast before checking out of the lodge and heading to the airport for your departure. If you have an evening flight, you may extend your stay for an additional fee.
Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Included
Transfers:
- Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
- Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.
Entry fees:
- Park Fees: All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).
Accommodation:
- Accommodation at 3* hotel (Weru weru Lodge or similar ) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay – friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
- For all routes except Marangu: Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern comfortable 4-season North Face VE-25 tents);
- Special for Marangu route: Accommodation in huts. Allocation of huts is ruled by rangers of the national park. We will do our best to arrange separate huts for our groups, but during busy months you’re likely to share huts with climbers from other groups.
Please note: by default, you will share a room and a tent with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement is available upon request.
Meals:
- Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
- All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
- All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
Hiking and safety equipment:
- 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
- Complete medical kits including Diamox.
Climbing crew:
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).
Taxes:
- 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Kiliholidays is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Excluded
- International flights;
- Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
- Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
- Personal gear rentals;
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
- Portable toilets (if required – 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3 people). Portable toilets are not available on Marangu route;
- Mountaineering insurance. You’ll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.