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Summary
Crater Camp via Northern Circuit is a unique place. It is the highest campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located just 340 feet lower than the summit, Uhuru Point. We offer the opportunity to stay at Crater Camp on the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes. This option will add one day to the standard itineraries making them the 9 Lemosho Crater Route and 10 day Northern Crater Route. We leave for the summit during daylight hours and stay at Crater Camp after the summit for better acclimatization. On all other Kilimanjaro routes, only the guides and clients summit while the rest of the mountain crew remains at high camp (i.e. Barafu). Using Crater Camp requires significantly more effort on our part as the entire mountain crew, along with all of the expedition equipment, has to ascend 4,000 feet higher than they normally would. Therefore, there is considerable added cost to do a Crater Camp route.From Crater Camp, one can take an optional one hour hike to Reutsch Crater, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Reutsch Crater is a magnificent sight. It is almost perfectly circular and the ash pit measures 400 feet (120 m) deep and 1,300 feet (400 m) wide. This is rarely seen by tourists. We understand the attraction of staying at Crater Camp. However, the drawback of sleeping at this high altitude is that it is pretty dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved. Due to safety concerns for clients and staff, these routes are done only by special request and are subject to approval by Eco-Africa Climbing
Activities
- Bird Watching
Physical Condition
- Sportive
Connectivity
- No WiFi but some phone coverage
Day-by-day Description
Day 1Arrive in Tanzania
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureArrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), there will be a pick up private transfer waiting to Stella Maris hotel in Moshi. All airport transfers are the part of the package, no extra fee is required. We will gather in the evening for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Travel Time: 1 hrs
Day 2Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureWe depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, Distance: 6 k,Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 3Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureWe continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft, Distance: 8 km,Hiking Time 5-6 hours,Habitat: Health
Day 4Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureWe explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft, Distance: 7 km,Hiking Time: 3-4 hours,Habitat: Heath
Day 5Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureWe continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft, Distance: 7 km,Hiking Time: 3-4 hours,Habitat: Alpine Desert Lava Tower to Moir Hut, Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft, Distance: 7 km,Hiking Time: 2-3 hours,Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureWe trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft, Distance: 12 km,Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureAs we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave. Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, Distance: 8 km, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Heath
Day 8Third Cave to School Hut
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureWe climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit day. Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 9School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureDuring normal morning hours, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks. The trail turns into heavy scree as we make the steep climb to the crater rim. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), we see the summit sign in the distance. We continue the around the crater rim until finally we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. We then descend a short distance to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit, or simply explore the areas around Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely. Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft, Distance: 6 km, Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp,Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft, Distance: 1 km, Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours, Habitat: Artic
Day 10Crater Camp to Mweka Camp
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureFrom Crater Camp, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft, Distance: 12 km, Hiking Time: 4-6 hours, Habitat: Artic
Day 11Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureOn our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi. Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft, Distance: 10 km, Hiking Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 12Departure day in Tanzania
Activities Included
Bird Watching CultureWe will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.if you will have more time you can extend your tour to wildlife safari in northern circuit to Serengeti , Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara and Zanzibar, but additional cost will be required
Other Benefits (On Arrival)
- Transfer
Location
Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Travel Time: 1 hrs
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Offical Visa Regulations and Health Requirements
For personalized details on health and visa requirements please check the IATA travel centre here
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com
