Kilimanjaro Crater route

10-day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $3946
An extended version of Northern circuit with overnight camping at the highest point at equator.
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Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)

The extended version of Northern Circuit route includes two extra days to get proper acclimatization before overnighting at Crater Camp. Situated close to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro at the altitude of 5790 m, this is the highest overnight possible at the equator, so we will do our utmost to make your Kilimanjaro climb comfortable, as well as unforgettable. Only a lucky few can lay claim to having seen the night skies at this altitude and they are indeed a sight to behold: Kilimanjaro Glaciers against the backdrop of the Milky Way! While such ascents are never without their risks, the Altezza Travel Team has both the expertise and equipment to ensure your safety at Kilimanjaro Crater Camp.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours via Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)

Day 1 | Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Altezza Travel representative, and transfer to the hotel under 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.

Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Day 2 | Trekking From Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold another briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking to the first camp on your route – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m). Taking rain covers (raincoats or ponchos) with you is important, because the trek lies through the dense tropical forest, where torrential rains are frequent.

By the time you reach the camp, our professional mountain crew will prepare everything necessary, put tents and cook lunch for you. After having lunch you will complete an acclimatization hike up to 300 m towards Shira 1 Camp and go back to Mti Mkubwa, where hot dinner will be served for you.

Note: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 of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro 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:

  • Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
  • Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently).

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780 m) – Set point (3,095 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1 hour

Elevation
2,200 m to 2,780 m
Hiking time
3-4 hours
Distance
6 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 3 | Trekking From Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

An early wakeup, breakfast, and a gradual walk up to the altitude of 3,500 meters; at this point you will be able to see stunning views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano for the first time.

On the whole, the passage from Mti Mkubwa to the second high-altitude camp - Shira 1 (3,505 m) is rather easy and takes about 5-6 hours. This will allow you to start the acclimatization process gradually, which is the mainstay of good trekking towards the Kilimanjaro Crater Camp. When you reach the camp, your team of specialists will cook you lunch and you will have the chance to rest in your tent or walk around the nearby area.

Elevation
2,780 m to 3,505 m
Hiking time
5-6 hours
Distance
5 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Meadows
Day 4 | Trekking From Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Departing from Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m) and a light trekking towards the second high altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m). This trek is not difficult and you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Africa and the unique flora of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. Shira 2 Camp is the best place on the trip to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa), weather permitting.

When you arrive to 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-meter gain in altitude.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,810 m) — Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m)
Hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Elevation
3,505 m to 3,810 m
Hiking time
3-4 hours
Distance
7 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Moorland
Day 5 | Trekking From Shira 2 Camp to The Lava Tower and Descent to Moir Hut

After breakfast you leave Shira 2 Camp (3,810 m) and start trekking for the day towards the route's key feature: Lava Tower (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of highs and lows that end in a camp at over 4,600 meters. It will be hard, and you may encounter some discomfort, but in order to successfully acclimate to the altitude you have to spend at least 1-2 hours here, so this is where lunch will be offered.

After lunch you will trek a little higher, after which there is a gradual descent to Moir Hut. This camp is located on the way to the northern part of Kilimanjaro.

Note: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters, getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters.

Elevation
3,810 m to 4,630 m
4,630 m to 4,200 m
Hiking time
5-7 hours
Distance
14 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Moorland
Day 6 | Trekking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

On this day you will have a rather long but at the same time easy trek. After a short steep climb out of Moir Valley you will start going around the northern slope of Kilimanjaro, and just like on the way to Lava Tower the path will be full of highs and lows, without any steep gains in altitude. This route passes close to the border with Kenya, so you will be treated to amazing views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys.

Elevation
4,200 m to 4,020 m
Hiking time
5-6 hours
Distance
12 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Moorland
Day 7 | Trekking From Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

You will finish trekking up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night in 3rd Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the traditional Rongai route. On this day the trekking will be shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body will already have become completely acclimated to an altitude of 4,000 meters, which will contribute to your general feelings of well-being.

Elevation
4,020 m to 3,870 m
Hiking time
4-6 hours
Distance
8 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Moorland
Day 8 | Trekking from 3rd cave Camp to School Hut

On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,750 m). 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 many fluids as you can, because tomorrow you will manage the trekking to the crater.

Elevation
3,870 m to 4,750 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
5 km
Difficulty
Medium
Habitat
Arctic desert
Day 9 | Trekking from School Hut to Crater Camp

This day will be one of the toughest on your route. The cooks will make a warm breakfast for you to reinforce your energy. Reaching the crater rim requires much dedication. Reaching the crater, you will be astonished by the ancient glaciers and snow. If you want, you may further climb to the Ash Pit (it takes some 90 minutes), or leave this exploit for the next day.  It is very cold at the campsite, and the possibility of snowing during the night is high. If you are in the crater, you are among the few who did it. Warm dinner and supper will energize you, but try reducing your physical activities to the utmost.

Elevation
4,750 m to 5,700 m
Hiking time
4-6 hours
Distance
5 km
Difficulty
High
Habitat
Alpine
Day 10 | Trekking from Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak and down to Mellennium Camp

Waking up around 5:30 you will have a rich, nutrional breakfast and enter the darkness. The chances that you will be striding in the snow are very big. Technically, this leg of your journey is not difficult, but high altitude is really a challenge. A guide will accompany each couple of the climbers. He will monitor your stamina and health. Within two hours you will reach the Uhuru Peak, where you will see one of the most amazing sunrises. Summit time depends on the weather conditions, but do not stay there for long – starting again may be very difficult because of coldness and fatigue.

Then, you will start descending to Millenium Camp through Barafu.

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 11 | Descent from Mellennium Camp to Mweka Gate

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,650 m). 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 a transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation
3,820 m to 1,650 m
Hiking time
4-5 hours
Distance
12 km
Difficulty
Low
Habitat
Rainforest
Day 12 | Departure

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: 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.

Prices for Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)

All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike - our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures - only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

10-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
$7 710 $5 620 $4 821 $4 473 $4 386 $4 179 $4 077 $3 946 Compare prices
10-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
1 pax
$7 710
2 pax
$5 620
3 pax
$4 821
4 pax
$4 473
5 pax
$4 386
6 pax
$4 179
7 pax
$4 077
8 pax
$3 946
Compare prices
The climb cost includes:

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 (Aishi Machame Hotel or Altezza Lodge) 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;
  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits.

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.).

We are proud to be the members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators Altezza is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks and other Kilimanjaro teammates. You may read more about our Kilimanjaro crews here.

Taxes:

  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Altezza Travel is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The climb cost excludes:
  • 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.
All payments in Tanzania are in USD only. The prices in other currencies are given for comparison only.

Our premium Kilimanjaro adventures include extra features such as spacious walk-in tents, advanced meal plan on the hike, portable toilet, camping cots, satellite phone to stay in touch with your family and friends and some other upgrades on Kilimanjaro. It is the highest quality service a luxury-focused climber can get here!

Safety protocols for the premium adventures include mandatory Wilderness First Responder Certification of all our guides, oxygen cylinders, medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

Before and after your trip you will be staying in a 5* hotel in Arusha (breakfast and dinner included).

10-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
1 pax 2 pax 3 pax 4 pax 5 pax 6 pax 7 pax 8+ pax
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
$7 878 $7 024 $6 756 $6 672 $6 576 $6 483 $6 456 $6 538 Compare prices
10-day climb + 2 days in a hotel
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
Kilimanjaro climb via Northern Circuit Route (with Crater Camping)
1 pax
$7 878
2 pax
$7 024
3 pax
$6 756
4 pax
$6 672
5 pax
$6 576
6 pax
$6 483
7 pax
$6 456
8 pax
$6 538
Compare prices
The climb cost includes:

Transfers:

  • Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation;
  • Return transfer from accommodation to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation at 5* Legendary Lodge (Arusha) one night before and one night after the expedition. Legendary Lodge is the ultimate premium retreat with the highest service standards to be found in northern Tanzania;
  • For all routes except Marangu: Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (spacious, custom-designed, 4-season walk-in 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. Single occupancy is available upon request.

Park Fees:

  • All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Meals:

  • Breakfast and dinner at the hotel before and after the climb, including soft drinks from the minibar in your room;
  • All meals on the hike. Our premium Kilimanjaro packages feature enhanced meals with a wider variety of cheeses, nuts, desserts, snacks, yogurts, local and imported fresh fruit and berries. We guarantee top-notch catering in camping conditions. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
  • All drinks on the hike (juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water);
  • Bottled water for the whole climb.

Hiking and Safety Equipment:

  • 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
  • Camping cots;
  • All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
  • Sleeping bag Mountain Hardwear Lamina (Comfort -29°C/-20F);
  • Portable toilet. Portable toilets are not available on Marangu route;
  • Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
  • GPS-tracking service;
  • Complete medical kits;
  • Satellite phone (20 min credit included, 3 USD per every extra min);
  • Complete medical kits.

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.).

We are proud to be the members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project). It is an unbiased evaluation of our commitment to fair treatment of our mountain crews. Of all operators Altezza is paying the highest wages to the porters, guides, cooks and other Kilimanjaro teammates. You may read more about our Kilimanjaro crews here.

Taxes

  • 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Altezza Travel is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The climb cost excludes:
  • International flights;
  • Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
  • Personal gear rentals;
  • Tips (450–600 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
  • Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.
SUPERB ACCLIMATIZATION
SUPERB ACCLIMATIZATION
Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.
HIGH SUCCESS RATE
HIGH SUCCESS RATE
Rest assured - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with our professional guides will be successful.
STUNNING SCENERIES
STUNNING SCENERIES
Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mt Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.

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Professional mountaineer
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