10 Days Northern Crater Route

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Day 1

• Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

We 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.

DAY 2

• Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
• Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath

We 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.

DAY 3

• Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Heath

We 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.

DAY 4

• Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Lava Tower to Moir Hut
• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We 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.

DAY 5

• Moir Hut to Pofu Camp
• Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We 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 Pofu 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.

DAY 6

• Pofu Camp to Third Cave
• Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Heath

As we head up Pofu 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.

DAY 7

• Third Cave to School Hut
• Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

We 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.

DAY 8

• School Hut to Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Arctic

• Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
• Distance: 1 km/.6 miles
• Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hours
• Habitat: Artic

During 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.

DAY 9

• Crater Camp to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Artic

From 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.

DAY 10

• Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

On 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.

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