The Best Chance of Summit Success
The most luxurious way to experience Kilimanjaro, The Grand Traverse offers maximum acclimatization time as well as upgraded amenities. Ideal for those interested in the Northern Circuit, this least-traveled route features more intimate group sizes, an opportunity to stay overnight at Crater Camp, and stunning views into Kenya.
Elevation and Trek Hours
Review Your Itinerary
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Arrival DayArrive into Tanzania
A staff member will escort you from the airport to your scenic lodge in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Overnight:
Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200′)
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Acclimatization DayNdarakwai Ranch
Spend an acclimatization day shaking off the jet lag at Ndarakwai Ranch. Look for wildlife on leisurely hikes through the ranch’s extensive grounds.
Overnight:
Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200′)
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Trek Day 1Begin Trek to Shira 1 Camp
Drive through dense rainforest to the trailhead, then hike to your night’s camp. Be on the lookout for rare black-and-white Colobus monkeys swinging in the canopy overhead.
Overnight:
Shira 1 Camp (11,844′)
Hours trekking:
2–3
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Trek Day 2Shira 1 to Moir Camp
Hike through misty, cloud-covered terrain into the sparser moorlands.
Overnight:
Moir Camp (13,780′)
Hours trekking:
5–6
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Trek Day 3Moir to Pofu Camp
Vegetation begins to thin as you climb higher. Look for one of Kilimanjaro’s best-known lava formations, the Shark’s Tooth.
Overnight:
Pofu Camp (13,205′)
Hours trekking:
5–7
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Trek Day 4Pofu to Rongai Caves 2 Camp
Enjoy extraordinary views of massive volcanic formations and strange, alien-looking plant life. Camp above this lunar landscape in a remote location overlooking Kenya’s vast badlands.
Overnight:
Rongai Caves 2 Camp (11,319′)
Hours trekking:
5–7
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Trek Day 5Rongai 2 Caves to Kikelewa Caves Camp
Cross the alpine desert, where volcanic towers, rocky overhangs, and large boulder formations dot the trail.
Overnight:
Kikelewa Caves Camp (11,811′)
Hours trekking:
3–5
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Trek Day 6Kikelewa Caves to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Located next to a placid lake at the foot of Mawenzi (Kilimanjaro’s second-highest volcanic cone), today’s camp offers spectacular views of Mawenzi’s many spires.
Overnight:
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,157′)
Hours trekking:
4–6
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Trek Day 7Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut Camp
Trek across the stark Saddle to the foot of Kibo (Kilimanjaro’s highest cone). Rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s daytime summit bid.
Overnight:
Kibo Hut Camp (15,486′)
Hours trekking:
5–6
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Trek Day 8Kibo Hut to Summit | Crater Camp
Wake before dawn to start your summit approach. You’ll reach Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon, when few groups are around. A short descent brings you to Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the famed Furtwangler Glacier.
Overnight:
Crater Camp (18,802′)
Hours trekking:
7–10 to Summit | 1–2 to Crater Camp
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Trek Day 9Crater to Mweka Camp
See the famous Ash Pit during a morning hike to Reusch Crater, or summit for a second time as the sun rises. A steep descent brings you to your final Kilimanjaro camp.
Overnight:
Mweka Camp (10,171′)
Hours trekking:
4–7
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Trek Day 10 | Departure DayMweka Gate | Return Home
Celebrate with a farewell lunch at the gate with your group, guides, and porters. Transfer to a day room in Arusha for a hot shower and rest before your evening flight home.
Day room:
Planet Lodge
Hours trekking:
3–4
photo: Carey Wagner
Add-On
Personal Porter
Strong, friendly, encouraging, and kind, personal porters can lighten your load as you trek to Uhuru Peak. Dedicated solely to your trekking needs, your personal porter carries your daypack all the way up and down the mountain. That’s 10–20 pounds off your back, which adds up over the course of a weeklong trek at altitude. Once you’ve booked your trek, ask us about working with a personal porter.
Extend Your Trip
Crater & Plains Safari
From $4,990 per Adult
See the big five and hundreds more species in breathtaking locations like the Serengeti and the lush Ngorongoro Crater. It’s the perfect complement to your Kilimanjaro climb!
Highlights Safari
From $6,890 per Adult
Our premier safari extension features visits to remote Maasai communities, world-class wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and a stay in an exclusive private nature refuge.