Trek to the Summit of Africa's Highest peak
Climb Kilimanjaro!
Important Note:Wilderness Travel does not summit Kili from Barafu (15,311'), as most other companies do! The bleak and crowded Barafu campsite is packed tent-to-tent with climbers who begin their 9-hour summit day at midnight, climbing through the dark on a crowded path. Our Northern Circuit Route avoids this by camping at Crater Camp (18,800'), beside the spectacular glaciers at Kili's crater rim, making our summit climb short—just 541 feet!
SAFARI EXTENSION DISCOUNT
$500 off per person when you add a Safari Extension to your Kilimanjaro Climb
Special offers cannot be combined with other discounts
Overview
Ascend to the celebrated “snows of Kilimanjaro” on the stunning Northern Circuit Route, a breathtaking trail on Kili’s little-traveled northern flanks. Our special route gives you seven days on the ascent for proper altitude acclimatization and the best chance of summit success—plus just a short summit climb (not the grueling 9-hour climb in the dark required on other routes!). With more than 40 years of experience on Kili, we know that maximum acclimatization is the key—we’re proud of our 98% summit success rate! You’ll have the finest amenities, with freshly prepared meals and full porter support. Let our legendary guides (the most experienced on the mountain) bring expertise, camaraderie, and fun to your climb.
Arrive: Arusha, Tanzania
Depart: Arusha, Tanzania
Highlights
- Climb the best route to the summit of Africa's highest mountain!
- Uncrowded trails, Kili's five ecozones, vital extra days for acclimatization
- Sunrise on the summit of Africa, camp by the glaciers on Kili's crater rim
- Led by the most experienced guides on the mountain
- Best camp amenities for your comfort, safety, and nourishment on the climb
- We set the standard for environmental stewardship and support for our porters
Itinerary
Two nights at our private camp at 6,500 feet on Mt. Meru in Arusha National Park aid in your acclimatization, with warm-up hikes to look for bushbuck, giraffe, and black-and-white colobus monkey.
Meeting our porters and trail guides at 7,400 feet, we hike through lush montane forests and keep an eye out for a colorful array of birdlife and evidence of forest elephant. Ascending through the giant heath zone where Kili’s ancient lava flows are still visible, we move up to our Shira Ridge Camp (11,450'), with its dramatic view of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers that climbers on other routes never see. We continue to Moir Camp at 13,640 feet.
Traversing to Pofu Camp (13,200'), our panoramas stretch across the West Kilimanjaro and Amboseli National Park plains, home to the well-known elephant population long studied by Cynthia Moss and Joyce Poole. Reaching the lunar-like alpine zone, we ascend from Third Camp (13,000') to School Camp (15,600')—just 3,200 feet below the summit! Higher up at Crater Camp (18,800'), with its extraordinary setting near the Furtwängler Glacier, we can hike right to the rim of Kili’s astonishing inner crater, a surreal moonscape. The next day, our two-hour climb from Crater Camp is short, bringing us to Uhuru Peak (19,341'), Kili’s true summit and the roof of Africa. We’ll be on the summit for sunrise, with magnificent views of the vast African plains before the daytime clouds arrive. A descent along the Mweka Route brings us back to our lodge for a well-deserved hot shower and victory celebration. Depart in the evening of Day 11 via Arusha, or join our post-climb safari or other extensions.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated a Level 6+ (Very Strenuous) according to our trip grading system, our most strenuous rating. There are no alternative hiking options available. Despite the fact that the Kilimanjaro climb doesn't require climbing equipment or technical skills, it is extremely challenging and considered a real physical test. All trip members must be in excellent shape—both physically and mentally!
Challenge Days
- Day 9 - 6-8 hours, 2.5 miles, 3,361 feet ascent/descent
- Day 10 - 8-10 hours, 8 miles, 541 feet ascent, 9,301 feet descent
How Tough is This Trip?
You need to be able to hike on steep, uneven surfaces and over loose scree. You must feel comfortable and confident on your feet for an average of 8 hours a day, with recent experience hiking 10 miles in a day. There are dangers inherent in any expedition to high altitude—in this case, 19,341 feet, with an overnight at 18,800 feet.
Trail conditions, weather and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times. Normally, some trip members hike faster than others. Our climbing groups are accompanied by highly experienced Kilimanjaro mountain guides in addition to the Wilderness Travel Trip Leader so that we can divide into smaller groups, each hiking at their own pace and each with its own guide.
You will be hiking through a variety of different terrain along your ascent and descent. From forested areas with low angle dirt trails, into loose lava flows and valleys, all the way up to steep volcanic scree. In general, the trail is a tight footpath, rocky underfoot, winding its way across lava flows and exposed ridges. As you gain elevation, the mountain becomes steeper and the footing becomes looser. Compounded by the high elevation, these last days cover less ground but are the most physically demanding.
Along this trek, dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to a means of rapid evacuation, adequate medical supplies, or adequate medical attention once provided. Although we carry oxygen and Gamow bags on every climb, it is important that all participants understand that the climb is very challenging. Our Trip Leaders and crew are experienced veterans of the mountain, but it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful ascent.
Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging — you should be in excellent physical condition. Even though trip members carry only a daypack (with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities you may need during the day), we recommend you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip by hiking, running, swimming, bicycling, or engaging in other forms of aerobic exercise well beyond your normal routine. Many activities get heart and lungs into shape, but the most effective way of getting fit for hiking is to hike! Walking up and down flights of stairs is also an effective way to train. Bending your knees as you go down stairs will help strengthen your quad muscles. At least two months prior to your trek, we urge you to go on weekend day hikes that involve long uphill and downhill walking.
For this trek, we require your doctor sign the Wilderness Travel Medical Form. Once Wilderness Travel has confirmed your place on the trip roster, no refunds beyond our standard fees will be made if your physician refuses to sign the form. It is very important that you and your physician fully agree that you are physically capable of undertaking a strenuous trek, and equally important that you undertake proper conditioning prior to the trek.
The Trek Leader has the right to disqualify any member from the trip at any time if it is medically necessary, to avoid endangering the group, or if the participant in question is physically unfit for the rigors of the trip. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.
As in most mountain areas, the weather on Kilimanjaro can and does change abruptly. Usually, Kilimanjaro's summit clouds appear around 10:00 am and then disappear from around 4:30 pm until sundown. The snow line usually begins at 17,000 or 18,000 feet, but a sudden storm may bring it as low as 14,000 feet (the snow line is usually at its lowest after the two rainy seasons). Daytime temperatures range from the 50s to the 70sF at altitudes from 7,500', where we start the climb, to about 12,000'. Above this altitude, daytime temperatures are lower and evening temperatures can drop to 10°F or even lower.
Above 16,000', daytime temperatures most often are in the high teens to low 40s, but on the occasional clear calm day, because of the lack of atmosphere to filter the UV, it can feel hot. At this altitude, you should expect nighttime temperatures to be below freezing, and temperatures below zero are not uncommon. At the summit, it is rarely above 45°F during the day. Kilimanjaro is the first high-altitude obstacle facing the moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, so it receives higher than average rainfall.
We don't offer climbs during the rainy months of April and May or November. As with most mountain areas, the weather on Kilimanjaro can change abruptly so you need to be ready for these sudden changes with extra layers of clothing, including waterproof gear, in your day pack at all times. Usually, Kilimanjaro's summit clouds appear in the late morning and then dissipate shortly before sundown.
On the Kilimanjaro climb, porters carry the group gear and you carry a daypack for your wind/rain jacket, water bottle, and camera (depending on your equipment, this can weigh approximately 10 pounds). The camp crew sets up camp each day and we are served dinner in a dining tent with tables and chairs. We use American-made mountaineering tents rated by the manufacturer as 3-person tents but we use them for only two people, ensuring a fair amount of space for sleeping. Sleeping bags are rated to -30°F and sleeping pads are two inches thick and over two feet wide. Fires are not allowed on the mountain so there are no hot showers available at camps (hot showers are available at all of our safari camps).
For more information about our accommodations, please reference our “Camping with Wilderness Travel” and “Climb Kilimanjaro Lodging” pages of the detailed itinerary.
While there are certainly limits as to what can be done in such a setting, our Kili climbs have become renowned for the excellent meals served on the mountain, even at the highest altitudes. We have put a great deal of effort into combining proper nutrition with appealing and varied dishes; WT even launched the first chef training school in Tanzania over twenty years ago to create the highest standard of food quality for our high-altitude climbs.
Breakfasts typically include tea, coffee, fruit, eggs, bacon, porridge and homemade granola. Picnic lunches set up along the trail midway through the day can include sandwiches, soup, energy bars, nuts, fruit, cheese, crackers, and guacamole. Dinners vary day by day (and with elevation moving to foods that are easier to digest) but include soups with baked bread, an assortment of salads, pasta with garlic bread, spaghetti Bolognese, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, and of course brownies and apple pie with cream!
We have a separate dining tent with food available upon request at any time, and provide an assortment of snacks for you to take on the trail, including mixed nuts, energy bars, homemade granola, dried fruit and much needed sugary sweets to boost your energy at higher elevations such as chocolate bars.
Please let us know of any dietary needs and we will accommodate as best as possible.
From our Kilimanjaro camps, we try to carry out every item of trash that we cannot burn easily. Toilet paper, which is put in a can beside the chemical toilet, is burned by the crew before leaving each camp and some small easily burnable items can be given to them to burn at the same time. For pit stops on the trail, carry toilet paper back to camp in a plastic bag. Please keep your own trash in a trash bag and pack it in your porter duffel for removal from the mountain. Take chemical or toxic trash (such as dead batteries) back to the US with you so they can be disposed of properly.
There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote wilderness regions, especially when they involve travel to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to means of rapid evacuation, availability of medical supplies, or adequate medical attention once provided. Our Trek Leaders and support crew are experienced veterans of Mt. Kilimanjaro, but it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek.
We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.
We will be going to high elevation on this trip. It is not uncommon to experience headache, nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and fatigue at altitude. These can occur when you first arrive at higher elevations and usually decrease in severity with time. We have designed this itinerary to allow for appropriate rest and acclimatization, but for your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. While on trip, be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid pushing yourself too hard, however physically fit you may be or feel. You may want to consult with your physician about bringing medication to prevent altitude sickness, such as Diamox. You can learn more about altitude and how to prepare for it in our video linked here.
Client Testimonials
"We had an amazing time on this trip. It was extremely well planned, and we didn't have to worry about anything!"
Amanda & Lance L.
Denver, CO
"Amazing trip! Leadership, other personnel (cooks, porters, etc.), itinerary, and particularly the meals definitely exceeded my expectations!"
Bill B.
Houston, TX
"I felt very well cared for in every way. This was a challenging trip, but it was so well planned and well executed that success was assured. Thank you for designing a trip that made it possible for me to complete this climb with such high spirits and all happy memories!"
Candace S.
Palo Alto, CA
"We were very impressed by the quality of the crew on the Kili climb. All were friendly, supportive, encouraging, and clearly better organized than other groups we saw on the mountain. Our camp cooks were amazing."
Cappy N.
Lebanon, NH
"It was an amazing trip, with awesome porters and guides who created a fun atmosphere. Turkey dinner on Christmas Day with Christmas crackers! How fun was that! On the summit, we were on top of the world, thanks to our guides and porters."
Carrie S.
Redmond, WA
"Your team did an amazing job coordinating, assisting, informing, and providing sound leadership."
Ed C.
Hillsborough, NJ
"Wonderful trip, very smooth despite the logistical challenges. Amazing, really! I felt well taken care of."
Fred G.
San Antonio, TX
"Had the time of my life. Beautiful landscapes. Great companions. Didn't want to come home!"
Fred T.
Raleigh, NC
"The climb up Kilimanjaro could not have been better. The preparation and communication of what and where we were going was outstanding. The overall guide team was fantastic; all were caring and concerned about our health and well-being. The route was good, and the timing of the campsites allowed us to make the summit without much difficulty. The food was great, the porters were friendly and thoughtful. A really memorable time."
Geoff S.
Richmond, VA
"Wow. I was blown away by the quality of the food and lodging during the Kilimanjaro expedition. This was due to the very hard work of the many experienced, talented, and excellent porters and staff members who accompanied us on the mountain. The head cooks, in particular, went above and beyond in crafting healthy, delicious menus that sustained us on our journey."
Jacqueline V.
Atlanta, GA
"This is the best Kilimanjaro trek that you are going to find anywhere, with any company. I highly recommend it!"
James H.
Newton Center, MA
"It was an indescribable, life-affirming experience that I will always cherish. In particular, I wanted to commend your selection of Bonaventure and Innocent as trip leaders. Their skill, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the entire trip seem effortless even though the challenge was great."
James P.
Burbank, CA
"We had an amazing adventure and it was made perfect by the hard-working team of people on the ground. The leaders and porters were truly amazing, and every day their kindness and attitude were outstanding. I can't say enough wonderful things about your team in Africa!"
Jennifer K.
Kittery Point, ME
"Bonaventure and staff continually inspired confidence in our group. At no time did I ever doubt we would make it to the summit."
Juan C.
Newburgh, IN
"I loved, loved, loved the trip—if I could do the Kilimanjaro climb every year, I would. It was an extraordinary experience."
Julie O.
Alexandria, VA
"The Kilimanjaro climb was the experience of a lifetime. WT does such a fantastic job. It was so well organized and I always felt safe and secure."
Karen G.
Orinda, CA
"Another incredible WT trip!! 5-star cuisine all the way to the top. Porters and all staff went out of their way to pamper us and rally us to the top. The whole trip was impressive."
Laurie E.
Loomis, CA
"It was a wonderful experience! The guides and porters were half of what made the experience great, as were the really nice people we had in our group. We thought the route we took was awesome, and when we descended along the other route and looked back at the camping areas and scenery, it was confirmed that we had chosen the most beautiful hiking option with the best camping sites! As well, when we looked at other operations on the hike, it was obvious that Wilderness was one of the best run and top quality operations out there!"
Lori H.
New Ulm, MN
"There are no words to describe this adventure. This is the best trip so far!"
Lynn G.
Orange, CT
"It was a trip of a lifetime. WT did everything to make it a success and to maximize our chances to summit and it showed. The care shown by WT and its local partners for their guests made us feel like we could do anything, including summiting Kili! It is why we keep returning to WT for our adventures. "
Maritza C.
Arlington, VA
"This trip was everything I've ever wanted and then some! The food was phenomenal and the accommodations (even the tents) were extraordinary. I had an amazing experience and can't wait to go on another Wilderness Travel trip."
Martha M.
Granger, IN
"I cannot say enough incredible things about the logistics, trip quality, support team, leadership. The emphasis on cleanliness at camps was highly appreciated and the food was always excellent and plentiful."
Martin B.
North Wales, PA
"I was very impressed. Everything was smooth. Amazing food on the mountain!"
Michele R.
Steamboat Springs, CO
"The Kilimanjaro trip was one of the best trips I've ever done. Both my husband and I loved the trip and our guides were excellent!"
Michelle W.
Johannesburg, South Africa
"The trip of a lifetime for me! It was life changing and outstanding in every way. I not only made the summit but also fell in love with Africa and her people."
Midge S.
Jerome, AZ
"This is an outstanding trip. Everything is well thought out and very well executed, every step of the way. The pre-trip planning and organization are top-notch. Everything from pick-up at Kilimanjaro airport on arrival to drop-off at departure was seamless. Pre and post-climb lodging were exceptional. The Safari extension was similarly well planned and well organized. The tented camps were fantastic and our safari guide was exceptional. This was a life-altering experience for us. Thank you for making it possible!"
Mike E.
Anchorage, AK
"Climbing Kilimanjaro was one of my life goals, and I am so glad to have done it with Wilderness Travel. The trip was amazing, extremely well thought out from start to finish. The team anticipated our needs and did everything within their power to ensure that we had a fantastic experience. Their knowledge and assistance enabled us to get to the top and to feel good doing it! And the food...holy moly! I ate the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life on the side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. How many people can say that?!"
Nicole C.
San Francisco, CA
"A first-class trip, smooth from start to finish."
Paul S.
Boulder, CO
"You did a wonderful job of planning the trip, and my climbing partners and I felt wonderfully cared-for—pampered really—by so many details such as hot water and coffee at the tents upon wake-up, tea time every day (which included wine except when we were climbing), hot eucalyptus-scented washcloths and cool fruit juice awaiting us when we returned from hot, dusty days on the Serengeti."
Phyllis L.
Middletown, CT
"An epic, life-changing trip for all 7 of us. Will sing your praises to any and all people that want to take on this challenge. As far as I am concerned, your plan is the only way to do the trip!"
Randy S.
San Clemente, CA
"Our guide and the assistants were outstanding, encouraging us and providing helpful information for the entire itinerary. We could not have summited without them!"
Rani C.
Austin, TX
"Trip of a lifetime. We are so pleased that we selected Wilderness Travel."
Robert S.
Moraga, CA
"I had a fabulous trip—truly the trip of a lifetime. I cannot thank you enough for the well-thought-out itinerary and acclimatization plan."
Sandra B.
Sacramento, CA
"A trip of a lifetime that far exceeded my expectations. The route was truly spectacular, which we appreciated more on our descent and saw what other climbers experienced on their way to the summit. We could not have asked for better guides, who provided individual attention to each climber to give them what they needed and to ensure all were successful in reaching the summit. Unforgettable memories!"
Sandra H.
Palatine, IL
"Fabulous—could not have expected more and cannot think of any way the trip could be improved. I felt very well taken care of, comfortable, and loved every minute of it!"
Sarabeth D.
Vienna, VA
"Seeing the sunrise at the summit was exhilarating! All of the staff were amazing, from the leaders to the guides, cooking/camp staff, and porters."
Sharon C.
Newton Center, MA
"Although standing atop Kilimanjaro was arguably the motivation and goal for this trip, the ascent to the summit up the snow slope out of Crater Camp was an incredible experience for me. The beautiful weather (mostly cloudless, no wind) was definitely a contributing factor, but the crunch of the snow beneath my boots, the freezing air, and the first rays of sunlight striking the clouds on the horizon while the stars gleamed above... absolutely sublime. I'll never forget that moment and the experience on that slope. (Reaching the summit was cool too.) It is why we seek out the wild places, as you know."
Skip J.
Hampton, NJ
"A class organization. Other groups we encountered on the mountain were not even in the same ballpark. The Trip Leaders, porters, and all ancillary support staff were fantastic."
Stephen G.
South Londonderry, VT
"This was an awesome trip. It is a challenging hike but the staff does a great job at making the summit attainable—I wouldn't go with anyone else!"
Steve F.
Manakin Sabot, VA
"An outstanding itinerary, giving us time not only to acclimatize but also to enjoy the many wonders of the mountain, which go well beyond just the summit (spectacular as that is)."
Susan F.
Seattle, WA
"Amazing, fantastic, great, awesome. I totally loved it."
Tomas H.
Dublin, CA
"Wilderness Travel's route up Kilimanjaro was far better, more interesting than the major highways used by most trekkers. We were the only group at many campsites and felt like we were the only people on that magnificent mountain."
Trenholm W.
Charleston, SC
"Fantastic travel experience with a caring staff, comfortable accommodations, and delicious food considering the logistical challenges on Kilimanjaro. Camp food was varied and beautifully presented. Porter service was always with a smile."
Virginia Y.
Leesburg, VA
FAQs
We consider the Northern Circuit Route the best route to the summit. Why? It is the most scenic and least-traveled route up Kilimanjaro. With a full seven days on the ascent, this route also provides maximum time for acclimatization and therefore the greatest chance of reaching to top—we have a 98% summit success rate!
We give a detailed summary all the different climbing options on Kilimanjaro, and explain the difference between each.
With any hiking adventure, it's important to be adequately prepared both mentally and physically. If possible, start training several months before departure. Increasing your cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max) will improve your stamina on the mountain. Activities like hiking, running, using a StairMaster, or bike-riding are great choices and, when combined, can really help boost your fitness levels. Increase your strength and endurance with weight and resistance workouts. Hiking with a 10-20 pound daypack is the most beneficial activity.
We have designed our 9-day climb route with successful acclimatization in mind. The summit of Kilimanjaro, at 19,341 feet, is considered extreme high altitude. As you climb the mountain, the air becomes less compressed and contains fewer molecules of oxygen per breath. At the summit of Kilimanjaro, there is 50% of the air pressure there is at sea level. You will greatly improve your safety and enjoyment of the climb if you:
- Make your best efforts to arrive physically fit and gear up with the appropriate clothing.
- Keep well hydrated throughout your time on the mountain (Drink. Drink. Drink! You need 4-5 liters of water per day to counteract the effects of altitude!).
- Maintain your energy by eating the good meals we will prepare for you.
- Hike at a pace slow enough such that you can maintain it for hours a time (you want to avoid “racing and resting”).
- Be aware of the symptoms of AMS (your Trip Leader will also review them with you).
- It is highly recommended that you request a prescription for Diamox (Acetazolamide) from your physician.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a rigorous, but non-technical, hike that goes to high altitudes. All travel in the mountains involves inherent dangers, which can never be totally controlled. With that said, seeing to your safety is our primary concern. See below for the steps we take, the equipment we bring, and the rigorous training we put all our guides through to ensure your safety on the mountain.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.