Pumbaa Africa Expeditions

Min Age

12+

Max Group Size

Unlimitted

Duration

9 Days

Price

$ 2,780 / person

overview

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

This route avoids the crowds on the southern routes and over 9 days, you have a fantastic journey and a great chance of summiting successfully. The climb begins at Londorossi Gate, at an altitude of 2360 metres, with an approach far to the west of the mountain. It follows the Lemosho route, passing through majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge. From there you will cross the famed Shira plateau and see the awe inspiring Shira Cathedral before turning north onto the Northern Circuit proper.

The northern slopes of Kilimanjaro are far more remote and have the benefit of less traffic from other climbers. On a clear day the views stretch over the Amboseli Plains of Kenya. The trail then joins the Rongai and Marangu routes in the east for the final summit ascent via Gillmans Point. After reaching the summit, you will descend by the Mweka trail, rather than retracing your steps along the ascent route.

The Northern Circuit is a good nine day hike for those who have not trekked much at high altitudes, with an effective extra day’s acclimatization, giving a better success rate. Experienced trekkers may opt for the more difficult 8 day ascent along the Northern Circuit.

Day by Day summary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp - Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut - Pofu Camp

Day 6: Pofu Camp - Third Cave Camp

Day 7: Third Cave Camp - School Hut

Day 8: School Hut - Summit - Millennium Camp

Day 9: Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate

Tailor-made itineraries

Every Pumbaa Expeditions trip is custom-created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

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Kilimanjaro Expedition Highlights

Situated in the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania; Kilimanjaro is the highest peak of the African continent. Acquiring 5,895m height it’s also the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Being the topmost mountain in Africa, this is a dream for hikers. There are 30,000 trekkers including the experienced to the aspiring one visiting Tanzania for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro Climbing is one of the most incredible experiences for climbers. It's a genuine experience that brings remarkable highs and testing lows. The greatest aspect of Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – and what makes is so well known – is that it's available to nearly anybody. With the right planning, a solid ability, and an awesome support group around you, it's entirely possible to reach the summit.

Day-by-day

Itinerary Details

We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Arrival Day

A representative of Pumbaa Africa Expeditions will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and escort you to tonight’s accommodations in Moshi. As local Tanzania our guides know the country with unrivaled familiarity, so you’ll be in good hands from the moment you land to the moment you leave.

  • Transport: Private transfer (1 hour, 45km)
  • Accommodation: Parkview Inn

Note: Hotel check-in start at 02:00 PM. In case you need an early check-in we can arrange it for an extra fee.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

4WD transfer to Londorossi Park Gate for registration. Our porters prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite at 2895m. We will stay here overnight.

  • Transport: 1.7 hours, 80 km
  • Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (5 km)
  • Ascent: 535 m
  • altitude: 2895 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira 1 Camp

Our journey continues eastwards across the Shira Plateau with spectacular views of Shira Cathedral. We cross moorland meadow to reach Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.

  • Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours (8 km)
  • Ascent: 605 m
  • altitude: 3500 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp - Shira 2 Camp

Today we walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in. From our camp near Shira Hut, we take in the unforgettable views of Mt Meru.

  • Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (7 km)
  • Ascent: 310 m
  • altitude: 3810 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp - Moir Hut

We leave the moorland behind now and a gentle grade walk takes us across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m.

  • Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (14 km)
  • Ascent: 390 m
  • altitude: 4200 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Moir Hut - Pofu Camp

We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4700m). After admiring the views we return to the trail and heads eastwards around the Northern Circuit trail. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Pofu Camp.

  • Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours (12 km)
  • Ascent: 500 m
  • Descent: 680 m
  • altitude: 4700 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Pofu Camp - Third Cave Camp

From Pofu Camp we cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp.

  • Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours (8 km)
  • Descent: 60 m
  • altitude: 4020 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7: Third Cave Camp - School Hut

Today there is a steady ascent to reach the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day.

  • Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours (5 km)
  • Ascent: 830 m
  • altitude: 4790 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8: School Hut - Summit - Millennium Camp

We start the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 am on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. We then head on to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp, where our porters will meet us with a packed lunch. We will then continue to descend to reach Millennium Camp.

  • Hiking time: 14 – 16 hours (16 km)
  • Ascent: 1105 m
  • Descent: 2068 m
  • altitude: 5895 m
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 9: Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate

Your final day on the trek. Departing after breakfast, we descend a further 1300m to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. We will then transfer toy our hotel for a well-earned shower and celebration.

  • Transport: Private transfer (0.6 hour, 17 km)
  • Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours (12 km)
  • Descent: 2027 m
  • altitude: 3827 m
  • Accommodation: Parkview Inn
  • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Departure

You will be picked up from the hotel and be transferred to the airport to catch up your flight back home.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, you have the option to extend your hotel stay till 6:00 PM for an extra fee.

Group Discount

The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
GROUP SIZEPRICE PER PERSON
1 Pax$ 3,176
2 Pax$ 2,892
3 Pax$ 2,671
4 Pax$ 2,619
5 Pax$ 2,606
6 Pax$ 2,593
7 Pax$ 2,580
8 Pax$ 2,554

Inquiry This Tour

Group bookings: For groups of 20 or more please contact info@pumbaaexpeditions.com or call us on +255 (0) 784 759 796

MOUNTAIN HIKING PACKING LIST

  • Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
  • Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 35)
  • Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Knitted hat
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Neck gaiter
  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
  • Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
  • Waterproof, windproof shell
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
  • Hiking pants (2)
  • Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
  • Waterproof, windproof shell
  • Hiking shorts
  • Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
  • Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
  • Wool or technical fabric warm socks
  • Hiking socks
  • Liner socks (optional such as silk)
  • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
  • Ice Cleats/Micro Spikes (recommended to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
  • Casual shoes
  • Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)

Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.

  • Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
  • Sports bras (women)
  • Pajamas or sleeping clothes

(Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)

  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Ointment

Once in Nepal, if you have the time, you can purchase supplies and gear for hiking. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hub, is home to many shops where you can get a variety of reasonably priced trekking equipment.

  • Power bank or extra batteries
  • Cameras and mobile phone
  • Cards/book
  • Binoculars
  • Trekking poles
  • Whistle
  • Thermos for hot water

Includes & Excludes

Airport pick-up and drop-off

2 nights hotel accommodation before and after you’re a climb on bed & breakfast basis

Transfers to and from the mountain

National Park entry, huts and climbing fees

Rescue fees

A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)

All meals and drinking water on the mountain

Access to first aid kit and emergency oxygen

A certificate documenting your summit ascent

NB: Depending on the availability, hotels of the same standard can be substituted

International flights and visas

Tips for your guide and crew

Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)

Visa fees

Your personal trekking gears

Snacks on the mountain

Meals and drinks not on the mountain

Speak to an Expert

Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip.

Words From Our Clients

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We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and Pumbaa Expeditions is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

Sample Itineraries

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, enchanting beaches and intriguing cities, every bespoke Pumbaa Expeditions is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favourites.