- Tour Overview
- Tour Plan
- Kilimanjaro Climbing Cost
- Tanzania Destinations
- Similar Tours
Kilimanjaro Climb 10 Days
The Northern Circuit Route is a distinctive route and the longest trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It goes through the untouched northern slope and begins in the West of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate with excellent views from all sides of the mountain. The trail is less popular and thus good for people looking for a quieter route.
Northern circuit route can be a good optional for those people who need more time for acclimatization will trekking the roof of Africa and it can be done in 10 days including an extra night at crater camp or for 9 days without camping at crater camp.
What's included
- All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
- All meals while on the mountain
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Community Development Fund
- Conservation Fund
- Fair Wages
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes
- International Air, unless expressly paid for
- Kilimanjaro Certificates after Trek
- Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Medical insurance and emergency insurance
- Professionally guided tour
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents
- Laundry Services
- Other International flights
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to Mountain Crew
- Visa arrangements
- Day 0
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
- Day 10
Arrival Day
We meet at Kilimanjaro international airport and drive to your hotel in Moshi rest for a while before meet your guide for gear checking and briefing about the mountain. Also our guide will go through our camping equipment and demonstrate the use and operation of all equipment especially emergence oxygen cylinder and pulse ox meter. Also our guide will go through signs and symptoms of mountain sickness which might happen while trekking.
- Driving distance: 55 km/miles,
- Driving Time: 1hour
- Habitat: Cultivated zone
- Hotel: Bed and Breakfast
Drive from Moshi to Londorosi Gate Hike To Mti Mkubwa camp 2650m
After breakfast we will drive about 2 to 3 hours from Moshi to Londorosi gate for registration and collect our entrance permit then we will drive again about one hour to Lemosho starting point where we will get off from our jeep and break for picnic lunch. In this point is where we will meet with the rest of our Kilimanjaro crew like guide, cook and Porters. Our hiking will start through crossing rain forest about 3 to 4 hours to cover the distance of 7km. On our way we will see a lot of beautiful flowers like impatients Kilimanjari and if you will be lucky you might see black and white Colobus Monkey sand other forest wildlife.
- Distance: 8km/5miles,
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours,
- Eleven: 7,742ft 9,498ft
- Habitat: Rain Forest.
Hike Mti Mkubwa To Shira one camp 3610m
After breakfast while our crew clearing the camp we will start gradual working through rain forest and after two hours we will be out of the forest in the moorland zone, West side of Shira plateau where you will be able to see old lava flow and we will walk slowly to enjoying the sun and more breaks for acclimatize. Our distance will be 7km and we will spend 5 to 7 hours including picnic lunch break, after we will get to our camp for resting and overnight.
- Distance: 5km/3miles,
- Hiking Time: 5-6hours,
- Eleven: 9,498ft to 11,500ft or,
- Habitat: Heath.
Shira onee camp To Shira two camp 3850m
Today we will walk for 4 to 6 hours to cover the distance of 10km also we will cross the middle of Shira plateau the world heritage site. Optional we can walk via Shira cathedral for acclimatization, view of Shira plateaus and picnic lunch before heading to our camp for resting and overnight.
- Distance: 7km/4miles,
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours,
- Eleven: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
- Habitat: Heath
Shira two camp To Moir hut (4200m) via lava tower
Today you will have long way by starting with the gradual boulder rocks and get to the junction in alpine desert, Meet with other hikers from Machame route and join them in the same trail heading to Lava tower, A high 150m volcanic lava plug juts out of the side of mountain, we will arrive at lava tower around noon for lunch and rest for a while before descend about 1 to 2 hours to Moir hut our beautiful overnight camp located at the base of massive lava flow.
- Distance: 7km/4miles and 7km/4miles
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours and 2-3 hours
- Eleven: 12,500 ft to 15,190ft to 13,580 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Moir Hut To Buffalo camp 4020m
After breakfast we will start by hiking boulders rock heading eastern northern side and we will have clear view of the Kibo peak, we will break somewhere for picnic lunch before getting to our camp. We will hike for 4 to 6 hours to cover the distance of 10km.
- Distance: 12km/7miles,
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours,
- Eleven: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Buffalo camp To Third cave 3875m
Today after breakfast we will keep moving eastern north side of the mountain about 4 to 5 hours until we get to our camp where we will have hot lunch and rest before overnight. In this camp we will meet with other hikers from Rongai route eastern part of the mountain and we will overnight in the same camp and we will be able to see second peak in Kilimanjaro called Mawenzi peak 5149m
- Distance: 8km/5miles,
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours,
- Eleven: 13,200 ft to 12700 ft
- Habitat: Heath
Third cave To school hut 4800m
Its long day walking about 10km for 4 to 6 hours crossing the saddle area and alpine desert, Also this camp will be last water point in our trek hence our crew will carry water from this point to the base of the mountain where we are going to overnight.
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Eleven:12,700 ft to 15,600 ft.
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
School hut To crater camp 5700m
Today it’s our difficult and challenging part of our hike we will start by gradual ascent through volcanic screed meet zigzag trail which starting to get steep and keep moving to carter rim at Gilman’s point 5685m, where we will break for a while to get some pictures and light food before heading to Stella point 5756m where we will gate into crater from this point. You will rest for a while and after you will have an optional hike to explore the inner crater and ash pit which is raised circular inner rim the inside of which slopes down to a flat floor and then 200m deep inverted cone at the very center of volcano, Also mount Kilimanjaro has one of the mostly perfect formed volcanic ash pit of any mountain in the world.
- Distance: 5km/3miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Eleven:
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Crater camp To Uhuru summit 5895m then Descend to Millenium camp
Today we will wake up earlier enjoy our breakfast start our ascent to the summit early enough in the morning to be at the summit by sunrise. This final hike to the summit is about 195m but very tiring. The beginning part of the trail is very soft, loose, dusty and very few steep rocky scrambling to the top followed by relatively flat terrain about 250yards to Uhuru sign. This is quite difference compare to 1200m long required to summit from other base camp. The reward of seeing glacier and standing of Africa highest peak are well worth the efforts. At the summit you will spend 10 to 20 minutes for pictures and view before join other hikers to descend to Barafu base camp for 2 to 3 hours where we will have short break for brunch before descend to Millenium Camp for overnight.
- Distance: 6km/4miles and 12km/7miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours and 4-6 hours
- Eleven: 15,600 ft to 19,341ft and 10,065
- Habitat: Arctic zone
Descend to Mweka gate 1640m and Back to Hotel
After breakfast you will meet with your crew again for group pictures and Kilimanjaro song, After we will start descending down via rain forest about 10km for 3 to 4 hours. While we are in the forest if you’re lucky you can see black and white Colobus and blue Monkeys and you will be able to hear a lot bird singing some songs but it’s not easy to see them. Once we arrive at the gate we will sing out in Kilimanjaro national park log book our guide will collect our certificate for those who made successful summit and drive to your hotel in Moshi for long shower and Kilimanjaro beer.
- Distance: 12km/7miles,
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours,
- Eleven:12,434 ft – 5,380 ft
- Vegetation: Rain forest
The true price of a cheap Kilimanjaro climb
If you are planning for Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure and you have many quotes with variable prices, you might be confused and worried!
What does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro and what should a Kilimanjaro climb cost you?
The prices for Kilimanjaro climbs vary wildly. To climb Kilimanjaro can cost you anything from $1000 to $4000 and above.
(There are some operators advertising cheap Kilimanjaro climbs that cost below $1200. Don't go there. Actually, don't go below $1700. You'll see why.)
That is the cost of your Kilimanjaro climb itself. It does not necessarily include you accommodation before and after, it definitely does not include the equipment you need to buy, the vaccinations, the flight...
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not a cheap holiday!
Of course you try to save money where you can. The temptation is big to go hunting for the cheapest Kilimanjaro climb.
DON'T! Do not start your search for a Kilimanjaro climb by looking at the cost first.
If you do, you may end up paying the ultimate price, or someone else may have to pay it for you...
Every year both climbers and porters die on Kilimanjaro. Needlessly.
Also, was it really such a great buy if you then fail to make it to the summit? Would you really feel good to know that children have to go hungry or aren't able to continue their education, just so you could save a few bucks?
I didn't think so.
Few tourists are aware why the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro is so high and where the budget operators cut corners to drop the prices. Let's look at where your money actually goes, what you pay for, and why.
The true cost of a Kilimanjaro climb
Several hundred climb operators are competing for business on Kilimanjaro, which has resulted in a cut throat price war. Good for you, you may think. Drops the prices.
Well, sure, it does,. But if operators drop prices they also have to cut expenses to stay profitable.
The steep Kilimanjaro National Park fees are something that nobody can change. For a six day/five night camping trek you pay about $800 in fees alone!
So where can operators save? And how does it affect you?
The links and information below will shed some light on that.
The very first place where budget Kilimanjaro operators will cut costs is staff expenses. And I am not talking about the lovely lady in the office who takes your booking. I am talking about the porters.
Booking a cheap Kilimanjaro climb? The money you save is coming straight out of the pockets of your Kilimanjaro porters, and porters' wages are not the only place where money is saved at their expense. Read that page before you book a cheap Kilimanjaro climb!
Of course, all other staff on a budget climb are also paid less and treated with less respect. Few staff on Kilimanjaro climbs have permanent or at least reliable employment. Most of them freelance.
If someone does not get decent pay, does not get appreciated and has no idea who he will work for next time, how do you think that affects their motivation? How much will they care if you reach the summit or not? And whether you enjoy the experience or not?
Also, your safety depends on how many guides/assistant guides are on your team and how well trained they are by the company.
Hopefully you will have a great Kilimanjaro climb in good weather and without any complications. But if things turn pear shaped, the one thing you want to be sure of is that your Kilimanjaro guide is one of the best!
A trick of the trade to make Kilimanjaro climbs LOOK cheap is to not include all costs up front. I already mentioned porter wages and tips on the Kilimanjaro porters page, but there are other costs and fees that can be dropped. You will still have to pay the money when you get there! Read carefully about what is included in a climb when comparing prices and be wary of those hidden costs.
Another place where money can be saved is equipment and food. Neither is a luxury!
This is not about comfort for softies and weaklings. This is about making it to the summit or not. If you can't sleep at night because you are cold and miserable, then you won't be making it to the summit.
Quality equipment that keeps you warm and dry even in the worst weather costs money. And there is so much other equipment, for the kitchen, the mess tent and more, that budget operators can leave behind to cut costs. It makes the trek physically harder on you and decreases your chances to reach the summit.
The cost of food on a Kilimanjaro climb is not a major factor. Food can be bought cheaply in Tanzania. But carrying food up the mountain costs money. So the quality fresh stuff, the fruit and vegetables, are the first to get cut from the shopping list of a budget operator.
You need quality food to sustain you for the rigour of the six or more days ahead of you. It should be high in fluids and high in carbohydrates. (Important at altitude!)
And it should taste good! You will have no appetite. Loss of appetite is one of the symptoms of being at altitude. But you have to eat. Your body needs the fuel! So the food better be nice. You want your operator to pay attention to this.
How well is the cook trained? And the rest of the staff? What about food hygiene? Training costs money.
Don't be surprised if you end up with a bad case of traveller's diarrhea if climbing with a budget operator. It happens very easily and it doesn't exactly increase your summit chances.
And what about the rubbish? Do you think a budget operator will spend money on making sure it is all carried back down the mountain again? Or voluntarily spend money on clean up crews? Just wait till you see the busier trails and campsites on the mountain.
Environmentally responsible behavior also costs money.
There are a thousand little things where a budget operator can cut corners and save money. I haven't mentioned a fraction of them and most of them you will never notice or be aware of. The things I can make you aware of may seem like little things to you, something you'll cope with, something you can do without. But it adds up!
What it comes down to is that your chances of reaching the summit and your chances of coming back down alive increase and decrease with the cost of your Kilimanjaro climb.
You want to book a climb that is run by mountaineers, people who understand mountains, who understand the risks and know how to manage them. People who care about you, about how much you'll enjoy the trek, about their staff and about the mountain.
You will not find those people for $1200. In fact, you won't find them for under $1700. For a six day Kilimanjaro climb, booked in advance, that is the absolute minimum cost that you should budget for, and you will be sacrificing quality of experience at that level (e.g. you will be climbing on a more crowded or less scenic Kilimanjaro route).
Kilimanjaro climbs that cost less are guaranteed to cut corners. But not every climb above $1700 is guaranteed to be a quality, safe one! Not by a long shot. You better do some thorough research if you want to book in that range!
There are other factors that determine the final cost of your Kilimanjaro climb and that allow you to save some money.
The larger the climb group, the lower the price per person. There are operators who put over 20 people in one group. Add to that at least two porters per person, cooks, assistant guides and guides... And you have a whole army trekking up that mountain! I think I'd rather spend a few dollars extra...
A private climb with two people is very expensive, but a group of up to twelve people is bearable and affordable. At least that's how I experienced it.
What will also determine the overall cost is the route you'll be taking.The more scenic and less crowded routes are more expensive. That's discussed in the section about Kilimanjaro climb routes. So $1700 might be a half decent climb up the Marangu route, but you won't be finding that on the Lemosho route.
And last but not least, booking from overseas is more expensive than booking when you get there. BUT, you have the piece of mind of knowing when your trek will depart, that it will indeed depart, and you have the time to do research and ensure you are with a responsible operator. (About 90% of Kilimanjaro climbers book from overseas.
