Arrival

Altezza Travel - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), an Altezza Travel representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel included in your package. The hotel offers all the essentials for a pleasant stay: comfortable rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a briefing with our managers to ensure you are prepared to start the climb.

Note: Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 1 Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - In the morning, a guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel for another briefing. You will then travel by vehicle (approximately 3–4 hours) to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Londorossi Gate (2,200 m). After quickly obtaining climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will proceed to the drop-off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 3,500 meters). Here, you will witness the breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from the drop-off point to the first high-altitude camp, Shira 1, involves a slight altitude gain and is not too physically demanding. This allows you to begin the acclimatization process effectively. Upon reaching the camp, our professional mountain crew will have everything ready, including setting up tents and preparing dinner for you.

This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is highly recommended to follow these instructions from this point on:

• Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine
• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (in small, frequent amounts)
• Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most climbers take Diamox in the morning before starting their ascent to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip in case of potential allergies.

At night, you may experience discomfort due to acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body receives less oxygen than during the day. Considering the altitude, you may start feeling unwell and have a headache. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Shira 1 to Shira 2 Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro - This day involves another modest altitude gain of 300 m on the way from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp. The trek’s low physical demands will leave you with both time and energy to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s flora and, when the weather is favorable, Mount Meru, the 5th-highest mountain on the continent. An additional acclimatization walk towards Lava Tower will follow lunch and a 2-hour rest period, allowing you to experience a further gain of 300 m.

Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower Trek

Mount Kilimanjaro - After breakfast, the group departs from the altitude of 3,900 m at Shira Camp and heads towards Lava Tower’s 4,630 m. This part of the route is filled with ups and downs and may cause some discomfort. You will need to spend one or two hours at a higher altitude to acclimatize properly, so the lunch break will take place at Lava Tower itself.
The afternoon route climbs slightly before descending to Moir Hut Camp. If any group members do not appear to have acclimatized properly, your guide may decide to bypass Lava Tower altogether, taking the porter trail instead. In this case, the highest altitude reached will be 4,400, rather than 4,630 meters.

Trekking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - This day involves a relatively long but easy trek. After a short steep climb out of Moir Valley, you will begin circling the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Similar to the path to Lava Tower, the route is full of highs and lows, without any steep altitude gains. This path passes close to the border with Kenya, offering stunning views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys.

Trekking from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - You will complete the trek up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night at 3rd Cave Camp, where the route meets the traditional Rongai route. This day’s trek is shorter than the previous day, and by this time, your body will have fully acclimated to an altitude of 4,000 meters, contributing to your overall well-being.

Trekking from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - On this day, you will trek to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,750 m). The trek itself is not very challenging, so remember to maintain an appropriate pace to conserve your energy for the trek to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Upon reaching the camp, it is recommended to rest well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of fluids, as you will complete the trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) that very night.

Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Safety is the primary concern during any summit attempt, so one guide will be assigned for every two climbers. Their main responsibility is to monitor their designated clients’ health on the trek to Uhuru Peak’s 5,895 m. The climb, starting at School Hut’s 4,750 m around midnight, is relatively easy technically but challenging due to high altitude. A walk on the nearest glacier is an option upon successful summiting.
The group then descends to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and rest break. The day concludes at Millennium Camp’s 3,820 m.
Please remember that 9/10 accidents occur during descent. Be cautious to avoid potential falls, breaks, and damaged toes.

Return to Mweka Gate from Millennium Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Millennium Camp is located in a tropical rainforest. The lower altitude and the sense of achievement from reaching the summit contribute to a restful night there. A hot breakfast is followed by your final descent to the Park’s exit gate, Mweka, at 1,650 m. This final stop before your transfer to our offices to receive your accomplishment certificates provides an excellent opportunity to recap the adventure with your support team. Finally, you will be driven to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Departure

• Three energy-rich meals a day including a variety of cuisines
• High-quality group camping equipment including tents, sleeping pads, and dining setup
• Transportation services including Kilimanjaro Airport pick-up/drop-off and all ground transport
• Certified Wilderness First Responder mountain guides
• Options for single accommodation and special meal plans (vegetarian, gluten-free, halal, kosher)
• Park fees covered by the Kilimanjaro National Park
• Experienced climbing crew, medical check-ups, and safety equipment (medical kits, oxygen tanks, altimeters)
• Two-night hotel stay at Aishi Machame with amenities and meals
• Tented accommodation during the trek with two hikers per walk-in tent
• A variety of beverages including tea, coffee, juices, and soda

• Tips for the mountain support crew
• Insurance to cover trekking up to 6000 m/19685 m and helicopter evacuationHighly recommended!
• The costs of getting to Tanzania
• Personal gear (hiking outfit, boots, sleeping bag, etc.) needed for the hike. Available for hire
• Lunch and dinner at the hotel
• Visa fees
• Single accommodation at the hotel and in a tent is available at extra charge

The longest and the newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern circuit is known for excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro northern slopes. A very limited number of travelers have set foot on this trail, and the route is hardly ever crowded.

Staying overnight in the Kilimanjaro crater is a one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll be sleeping higher than most on Earth, beneath clear, starry skies, and with breathtaking views of glaciers that are diminishing yearly due to wind erosion.

However, crater camping brings an added layer of challenge and risk due to the high altitude. It necessitates a realistic assessment of your physical condition and high-altitude experience. We offer this program, which includes crater camping, as an extended 10-day trek.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.