10 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Northern Circuit Crater Camp

10 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route - Crater Camping

Mount Kilimanjaro Crater Camp via Lemosho is a unique place. It is the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located just 340 feet lower than the summit, Uhuru Point. We offer the opportunity to stay at Crater Camp on the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes. This option will add one day to the standard itineraries making them the 9 Lemosho Crater Route and 10 days Northern Crater Route. We leave for the summit during daylight hours and stay at Crater Camp after the summit for better acclimatization.

On all other Kilimanjaro routes, only the guides and clients summit while the rest of the mountain crew remains at high camp (i.e. Barafu). Using Crater Camp requires significantly more effort on our part as the entire mountain crew, along with all of the expedition equipment, has to ascend 4,000 feet higher than they normally would. Therefore, there is considerable added cost to do a Crater Camp route.From Crater Camp, one can take an optional one hour hike to Reutsch Crater, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Reutsch Crater is a magnificent sight. It is almost perfectly circular and the ash pit measures 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide. This is rarely seen by tourists. We understand the attraction of staying at Crater Camp.

However, the drawback of sleeping at this high altitude is that it is pretty dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved.

Itinerary

ARRIVAL DAY

On the arrival day, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa

DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA - SHIRA HUT 1

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 1

DAY 3: SHIRA HUT 1 - SHIRA HUT 2

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 2

DAY 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO LAVA TOWER THEN MOIR HUT

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut

DAY 5: MOIR HUT TO BUFFALO CAMP

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp

DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP TO THIRD CAVE

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave

DAY 7: THIRD CAVE TO SCHOOL HUT

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at School Hut

DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT TO UHURU PEAK TO CRATER CAMP

During normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely.

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
Distance: 1 km
Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours
Habitat: Artic
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Crater Camp

DAY 9: CRATER CAMP TO MWEKA CAMP

From Crater Camp, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

DAY 10: MWEKA CAMP TO MOSHI

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Accommodation: Your Hotel

DEPARTURE DAY

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.

Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Group price

$4100 per person when 1 person travels alone

$3600 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together

$3400 per person when 5 – 7 persons travel together

$3200 per person when 8 – 15 persons travel together

For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.

What is included

• Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi.

• 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb

• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate

• Park entry fees, Camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees

• 4 Season mountain tents

• Double layered Sleeping Mats

• Professional mountain guides, cook and porters

• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain

• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek

• Hot water for washing

• Fair treatment and payment of our crew

• Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

• Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent

• Emergency first-aid kit, and Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

What is not included

– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook