Northern Circuit + Crater Camping
Northern Circuit with crater camping
This is an extended Northern Circuit style programme that adds a rare overnight in the Kibo crater zone after Uhuru Peak, subject to KINAPA rules, weather, staffing, and special permits. It is longer (often 10 days on the mountain / 12-day tour) and priced higher than the standard Northern Circuit.
Safety first: Crater logistics require stricter protocols for oxygen, pacing, and evacuation planning. Your consultant must confirm availability before you publish or sell fixed dates.
Expert recommendation
Reserve this only for teams who understand the extra altitude exposure and accept that the crater segment may be rerouted to a standard descent if authorities or conditions require it.
This package with Serengeti Nexus
Use the day-by-day outline below as a template; final camp names and timings follow your ground operator’s approved plan.
Is this tour for me?
Private group — flexible dates and pace
15+ — families and groups welcome
Adventure
Parks & destinations in this program:
Safari Route Map
Explore your journey through Tanzania's wilderness
Itinerary
Explore the detailed day-by-day plan
Arrival at JRO; hotel transfer; briefing with Serengeti Nexus. Please note: Check-in often from 2:00 PM.
Accommodation
Gold Crest Hotel
Morning briefing, then drive ~3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate, register, and continue by vehicle toward the high drop-off (~3,414 m / 11,200 ft). Short trek to Shira 1 — gentle start with time to acclimatize.
Please note: Hydrate well from day one; report symptoms early.
Trekking time: ~1 hour | Distance: ~4 km (2.4 mi)
Accommodation
Shira 1 Camp
Easy day to Shira 2 with modest altitude gain; enjoy views and endemic plants. After lunch, optional acclimatization walk toward Lava Tower (~260 m extra gain) to sleep lower afterward.
Acclimatization hike: Shira 2 (~3,850 m) toward ~4,110 m — ~2 km, 1–2 hours.
Trekking time (main): 3–4 hours | Distance: ~7 km (4.3 mi)
Accommodation
Shira 2 Camp
From Shira 2, hike to Lava Tower (~4,600 m) for lunch — a demanding segment for many. After lunch and rest, continue to Moir Hut on the quiet northern side of the mountain.
Trekking time: 5–7 hours | Distance: ~14 km (8.7 mi)
Accommodation
Moir Huts
Exit Moir Valley with a short steep pull, then traverse northern slopes with views toward Kenya on clear days. Rolling ups and downs without extreme jumps.
Trekking time: 5–7 hours | Distance: ~12 km (7.4 mi)
Accommodation
Simba Camp
Shorter day as the trail approaches the line used by Rongai. By now you should feel comfortable near 3,800 m.
Trekking time: 4–6 hours | Distance: ~8 km (4.9 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
Trek to School Hut summit camp (~4,800 m / 15,744 ft). Sleep early; avoid heavy exertion; drink heavily. Summit night begins around midnight.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: ~5 km (3.1 mi)
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
From School Hut, begin the night ascent toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After sunrise at the summit, a special supported extension may continue into the Kibo crater floor for a rare overnight — exact camp, route, and rules depend on KINAPA, weather, and confirmed permits. Quote only after your ground team approves logistics.
Stricter oxygen, staffing, and pacing protocols apply in the crater zone.
Please note: The crater segment may be replaced by a standard descent via Barafu to Millennium if required for safety or park instructions.
Trekking time: 12–16+ hours (highly variable) | Distance: varies by approved route
Accommodation
Kilimanjaro mountain camp (tented)
Leave the crater on the approved path (often linking toward Barafu), then descend to Millennium Camp in the forest for a full night’s sleep.
Please note: Most slips occur on descent — focus on footing.
Trekking time: 8–12 hours (variable) | Distance: varies
Accommodation
Millenium Camp
Rainforest descent to Mweka Gate; certificates; celebratory handshakes with crew; hotel transfer.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours | Distance: ~12 km (7.4 mi)
Accommodation
Kikulelwa Camp
Hotel rest and airport transfer. Please note: Check-out often 11:00 AM.
What's included
All transfers in Tanzania as per programme (airport pick-up and drop-off, hotel ↔ park gate / trailhead)
Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (typically bed & breakfast; shared twin unless single supplement)
Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fee contributions as applicable
Professional mountain guides, assistant guides, cook(s), and porter crew
All meals on the mountain; mess / kitchen tent and group dining equipment
Four-season mountain tents (shared, two per tent by default), group sleeping mat, group camping furniture
Safety: emergency oxygen, comprehensive group medical kit, daily health monitoring with guides
Summit certificates after a successful climb
International flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Tanzania visa fees (confirm current rate before travel)
Travel and high-altitude evacuation insurance (mandatory — confirm coverage for trekking to 6,000 m)
Tips for guides, cooks, and porters (budget per consultant advice)
Personal trekking clothing, boots, and sleeping bag (rental may be available)
Lunch and dinner at the hotel before/after the climb unless stated otherwise
Single room or single tent supplements; optional portable toilet hire; optional private tent surcharge
Personal expenses, drinks, laundry, and phone/data charges
Why Book This Trip
- Camp INSIDE Kilimanjaro's volcanic crater at 5,700m – only a handful of climbers do this each year
- Visit the ash pit and inner cone of Africa's most iconic volcano – a truly otherworldly experience
- Complete Northern Circuit route plus the extraordinary bonus of crater camping
- The highest possible summit success rate of any Kilimanjaro itinerary – 11 days of acclimatization
- One of the most exclusive mountaineering experiences in the world – reserved for serious adventurers
Best Time to Visit
- January – February: Clearest crater weather – stunning blue skies above the cloud layer
- July – September: Stable dry season – best conditions for the extra night at crater altitude
- Crater camping permits must be booked 3–6 months in advance – plan early
- Avoid all rainy seasons completely – crater camping in wet conditions is hazardous and strongly discouraged
- December: Short festive-season window – clear skies and memorable summit crater camp sunrises
Pricing
High Season - June + July + August + September + 20 Dec - 10 Jan
Price per person
| Solo | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6+ PAX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-day | $8,688 | $6,319 | $5,520 | $5,106 | $4,968 | $4,748 |
Group Discount: The more travelers, the lower the price per person. Perfect for families and groups!
Tony Carlos
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this 11-day hiking adventure
This package includes: All transfers in Tanzania as per programme (airport pick-up and drop-off, hotel ↔ park gate / trailhead), Hotel accommodation before and after the climb (typically bed & breakfast; shared twin unless single supplement), Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fee contributions as applicable All transportation, expert guides, and most activities are included in the price.
The best time for hiking in Kilimanjaro National Park is during the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around water sources. However, this 11-day adventure is available year-round, with each season offering unique experiences.
This is a private adventure that can accommodate 1-6 travelers. The price per person decreases with more travelers, making it perfect for families and groups.
Essential items include: comfortable clothing in neutral colors, sturdy walking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with extra batteries, binoculars, and a light jacket for early mornings. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking confirmation.
Cancellation policies vary by season and timing. Generally, cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus processing fees. Please contact us for specific cancellation terms for your travel dates.
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