Kilimanjaro North Route: a wild and little-frequented route
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationTanzania / Kilimanjaro
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AgeFrom 10 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions111.96 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
In a few words
Opt for the most comprehensive Kilimanjaro route , the North Route , renowned for its optimal acclimatization and exceptional success rate . This unique route circumnavigates the mountain to the north, offering rare panoramas and a gentle ascent to the summit.
From Londorossi Gate , the ascent begins in a lush rainforest before reaching the heights of the Shira Plateau . For several days, the landscapes unfold – volcanic ridges, high-altitude moors, and spectacular views – at the pace of a gradual and well-planned hike . Passing by Moir Hut , Buffalo Camp , and School Hut , you will circumnavigate the massif on a less-traveled loop , allowing for a wilder and less crowded approach to the mountain.
The final ascent is made via the eastern slope, with a safe arrival at the summit, before a more direct descent via the Mweka road . An unforgettable experience on the slopes of Africa's highest peak, designed for those who want to maximize their chances of success while fully enjoying the diverse landscapes that Kilimanjaro offers.
The highlights
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The longest route, offering excellent acclimatization.
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Unique and unprecedented views of neighboring Kenya, the Shira plateau and the Kibo glaciers
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Varied landscapes: rainforest, Shira plateau, panoramic views
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 489 m
- Average daily descent: 519 m
Management
During this trek, you will be accompanied by a sufficient number of guides, porters and a head cook.
Program
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Arrival
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 36km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
At Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha (JRO), our driver will be waiting patiently for you with
a sign bearing your name. After this warm welcome, you will be transferred by bus, completely
comfortable, towards the charming Hotel Salinero located in Moshi. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be
taken care of by our mountain coordinators and your guide who will give you all the
Essential information before trekking, an opportunity to learn more about the wonders
who are waiting for you.
Enjoy the hotel's relaxing environment with swimming pool, beautiful garden, bar and restaurant.
Meals not included
Day 1 -
Moshigate lemosho – mti mkubwa
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 98km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you will depart for a 1.5-hour drive to the gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, where you will need to finalize the formalities for issuing the permits.
permit. The trek begins with a hike along forest trails to the camp. Once the
Lunch will be served, giving you time to relax until dinner, which will be followed by a debriefing session with
your guide to prepare for the trek the next day.
Altitude: 2100 m - 2750 m
Day 2 -
Mti mkubwa – shira camp 2
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1090 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, departure for a trek during which you will have a view of the Kibo volcano
often called Kilimanjaro. The trail crosses volcanic terrain showcasing large
shrubs and wildflowers. Upon your arrival at Shira 1 camp, the chef will prepare lunch. After the
After lunch, you continue the trek to Shira 2 camp, approximately 2-3 hours away. Camp 2 offers a view
Breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Dinner and in the evening, the guide will inform you about the route.
of the following day.
Altitude: 2750 m - 3840 m
Day 3 -
Shira camp 2 – moir hut
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 360 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After an early breakfast, we head towards Moir Hut. The trail gradually becomes more challenging, you
leading into the giant heathland area and crossing Shira Bridge. In the early afternoon, you
Arrive for lunch and you can relax before dinner to acclimatize to the altitude.
This section of the trek has many gentle climbs with spectacular views. The environment is peaceful.
will allow you to recharge your batteries.
Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
Altitude: 3840 m - 4200 m
Day 4 -
Moir hut – pofu camp
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After an early breakfast, we head towards Moir Hut. The trail gradually becomes more challenging, you
leading into the giant heathland area and crossing Shira Bridge. In the early afternoon, you
Arrive for lunch and you can relax before dinner to acclimatize to the altitude.
This section of the trek has many gentle climbs with spectacular views. The environment is peaceful.
will allow you to recharge your batteries.
Pay attention to your body and keep your guide informed of any signs of altitude sickness.
Altitude: 3840 m - 4200 m
Day 5 -
Moir hut – pofu camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Negative elevation 175 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, you set off on a demanding trek that will take you into the alpine desert.
A steep ridge awaits you, but a magnificent view of the Kenyan wilderness is yours. This is the
contrast between the moorland and the austere beauty of the desert.
Altitude: 4200 m – 4025 m
Day 6 -
Pofu camp – third caves camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 12 km
- Negative elevation 425 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast, you continue eastward through the alpine desert, valleys and the
moorland. A collection of varied landscapes that rewards you with breathtaking views. As you go and
As you progress, the rugged terrain and panoramic views provide a backdrop
This trip will be spectacular. Once you arrive at the camp, you'll have time to fully enjoy this place.
Breathtaking, a well-deserved rest.
Altitude: 4025 m – 3600 m
Day 7 -
Third caves camp – mawenzi tarn camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 715 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast and off we go for a new day. You climb steadily up to Mawenzi.
Tarn nestled at the foot of the steep ridges of Kilimanjaro's second highest peak. This part of
The trek takes you over rugged terrain but through increasingly majestic scenery. Upon arrival,
A peaceful setting provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and acclimatization, allowing you
to fully appreciate the grandeur of your environment and calmly prepare for what comes next.
Altitude: 3600 – 4315 m
Day 8 -
Mawenzi tarn camp – kibo hut
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 405 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you set off on a trek through the vast, arid, lunar landscape known as
The name "Saddle" stretches from the Mawenzi peaks to Kibo. The terrain is desolate but captivating, with
Rugged views and the summit looming in the distance. Although the trail is long, it has a gentle slope.
This allows for a steady pace. Last stage before the final climb. Rest with an early dinner
to conserve energy. Your guide will provide you with a detailed debriefing regarding the ascent of Uhuru Peak.
begins shortly after midnight.
Altitude: 4315 m – 4720 m
Day 9 -
Kibo hut – summit – millennium camp
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 15h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1175 m
- Negative elevation 2785 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Around midnight, you will be woken to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. This is the part
The most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The climb to Gillman's Point, at 5685 m, is
steep and tiring, generally taking 6 hours of steady climbing. This difficult section will put you at
The challenge will test your endurance, but your guide will support you. Once you have reached
From Gillman's Point, you will cross the crater rim towards Uhuru Peak, the highest point of
Africa.
Weather permitting, you will be rewarded with a splendid sunrise.
After celebrating your incredible achievement, you will descend to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Well-deserved, dinner and night.
Altitude: 4720 m – 5885 m – 3110 m
Day 10 -
Millenium camp – mweka gate - moshi
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Negative elevation 1280 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you will continue your descent through the moorland, the lush tropical forest
to reach the Mweka Gate. Take the opportunity to admire the final views and to reflect inwardly on
Your achievement will be documented by a certificate. From the Mweka Gate, you will be taken back to Moshi.
then dropped off at the Salinero hotel for a shower and a restful night.
Meals not included
Altitude: 3110 m – 1830 m
Day 11 -
Departure
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 36km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight.
Day 12
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Transfers
- All fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park
- One night at the Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night afterwards;
- The hotel offers all the necessary comforts – attentive staff, pleasant rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant.
- Tent accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern and comfortable 4-season tents: North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
- Breakfast at the hotel before and after the hike;
- All meals during the hike.
- Our food on Kilimanjaro is energy-rich and highly nutritious, prepared by our professional chefs specializing in high altitude cuisine.
- Typical meals include various soups, side dishes, several types of fish and meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal options are available at no extra charge.
- All drinks during the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
- Hiking and safety equipment
- Comfortable sleeping mattresses, 10 cm thick;
- All group equipment (large, spacious dining tent, camping table and chairs, dishes and cutlery);
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
- GPS tracking service;
- Complete medical kit.
- Professional guides, accredited by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Dedicated support team: assistant guides, camp leader, porters, cooks, etc.
The price does not include
- Airline tickets;
- Visa fees;
- Personal equipment rental;
- Tips for the mountain team;
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Hiking and safety equipment
- Thick and comfortable 10 cm (4 inch) sleeping mattress
- All group equipment (large comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, dishes and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters
- GPS tracking service
- Complete medical kit
Equipment to bring
You can either rent equipment on site, or bring your own equipment
- Waterproof, broken-in hiking boots – $25
- Backpack / Daypack – $15
- Duffel bag – $15
- Extreme cold weather sleeping bag (–25°C to –35°C) – $30
- Hiking poles (pair) – $15
- Leg warmers – $10
- Headlamp or flashlight – $12
- Bottle of water – $3
Clothing to bring
You can either rent clothes on site, or bring your own clothes.
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom) – $10
- Quick-drying technical T-shirts
- Warm sweater or sweatshirt – $15
- 2 lightweight fleece jackets
- 1 thick and breathable fleece
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproof jacket – $15
- Poncho (light or heavy) – $10
- Warm jacket or down jacket – $15
- Gore-Tex type warm jacket – $10
- Comfortable hiking pants
- Rain pants – $10
- Fleece pants – $10
- Thermal gloves + windproof and waterproof gloves – $10
- Fleece hat
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Buff or neck warmer
- Balaclava – $10
- Thin liner socks
- Thermal socks (extra) – $2 per pair
- Shorts and tank top
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