8-DAYS ADVENTUURE
KILIMANJARO
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
Tanzania
Price from
Per Person in a Group Trek
$2100
Overview of 8 Days NORTHERN CIRCUIT route
The Machame Route 7 days is one of the most scenic and popular ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the Whiskey Route for its demanding yet rewarding path, it is ideal for adventurous hikers seeking a real mountain challenge. This route offers a high summit success rate thanks to its excellent acclimatization profile with plenty of walk-high and sleep-low opportunities. Trekkers pass through five distinct climate zones, from rainforest and heath to alpine desert and arctic summit. Key highlights include the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s southern ice fields. The climb begins at Machame Gate and ends with a descent via the Mweka Route, giving trekkers a full range of landscapes. The journey starts in Moshi and finishes at Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. This route is perfect for hikers looking for challenge, scenery, and a strong chance of reaching the summit.
Trip highlights
- High Summit Success Rate Benefit from the route’s over 98% summit success rate, thanks to its gradual ascent, which gives you ample time to acclimatize.
- Shira Plateau – Trek across this vast, ancient volcanic caldera with sweeping views of Kibo Peak. The high-altitude moorland landscape feels like another planet!
- Barranco Wall Challenge – Conquer this thrilling (but non-technical) 257m rock scramble. The adrenaline rush and panoramic views make it a trekker favorite!
- Southern Ice Fields Walk beneath Kilimanjaro’s stunning glaciers on the southern slopes—an awe-inspiring view of the mountain’s remaining ice caps before reaching the summit.
- Fully Carbon Offset Rest easy knowing your trip is fully carbon offset, helping to preserve the environment you’re exploring.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE MAP
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GALLERY
Lemosho Route Detailed Itinerary
DAY
1
Arrival
All trekkers need to organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From JRO we will arrange a private transfer to your hotel. That night or early the next morning you will meet your local Kandoo representative and have a full pre-climb briefing.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
2
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
In the morning, your guide and mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel to meet you for a quick briefing. Afterward, you will embark on a scenic drive (approximately 3-4 hours) to the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,381 ft). Once there, we’ll complete the necessary formalities, including acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service.
Following this, the group will begin trekking toward the first camp of the route, Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Be sure to bring your raincoat, as you will be walking through the rainforest. By the time you arrive at camp, our professional mountain crew will have everything set up—tents will be pitched, and lunch will be prepared.
In the afternoon, you will go on an acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp, gaining an altitude of 300 m (984 ft), before returning to Mti Mkubwa Camp for a hot dinner.
Important Note on Acclimatization
The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight altitude gain, designed to help speed up the acclimatization process. It is crucial to take acclimatization hikes seriously, as they significantly improve your chances of summiting Kilimanjaro successfully and reduce the risks of altitude sickness.
This will be your first day at a higher altitude, so it’s essential to follow these guidelines:
- Hydration: Drink over 4 liters of bottled water each day (sip frequently throughout the day).
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: Consider using a high-altitude aid medicine to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Many climbers take these pills in the morning before ascending. Your trip manager will provide more details along with your itinerary. We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip to discuss any allergies or health concerns.
- Altitude Symptoms: You may experience discomfort as your body adjusts to the high altitude, especially at night. Reduced breathing during sleep means less oxygen, which could cause headaches and sickness. Be mindful of your body and inform your guide if you start experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
3
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Today, you’ll wake up early to enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning your trek. The journey will take you to an altitude of 3,610 m (11,843 ft), and you will experience breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano for the first time.
The trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude camp, Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft), is relatively easy and will take approximately 5-6 hours. This gradual ascent helps you start the acclimatization process, which is crucial for a successful climb.
Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, your experienced team will prepare a delicious lunch. You’ll have some time to rest in your tent or explore the surrounding area before settling in for the night.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
Professional Guides
- 7+ years of Experience
- Wilderness First Responders
DAY
4
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
On this day, you’ll depart from Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft) and trek towards the second high-altitude camp, Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). The trek is relatively easy and offers spectacular views of the African savannah, the unique flora of Kilimanjaro, and the surrounding landscape. Shira 2 Camp is the best location on the route to see Mount Meru (the fifth-highest mountain in Africa and the second-highest in Tanzania), weather permitting.
Optional Hike to Cathedral Peak
During the trek, your guides will offer the option to ascend Cathedral Peak (3,872 m / 12,703 ft), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. This straightforward hike presents no technical challenges and offers breathtaking views of the valley below, often described as a “lost world” due to its stunning, untouched beauty. On a clear day, this is a perfect spot for a memorable photograph.
If you prefer to skip this ascent or encounter unfavorable weather, you can continue directly to Shira 2 Camp. Both Shira 2 and Cathedral Peak are at similar altitudes, so skipping the peak won’t affect your acclimatization process. However, we highly recommend taking the opportunity to hike to Cathedral Peak for the unique experience and amazing views.
Arrival at Shira 2 Camp
Upon arrival at Shira 2 Camp, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch. After a two-hour rest, you’ll embark on an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, which involves a 300 m (984 ft) altitude gain. This acclimatization hike is crucial for adjusting to the higher altitudes as you continue your ascent.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
5
Shira 2 Camp to The Lava Tower and Descent to Barranco Camp
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft) and head towards one of the key points of the route: Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,091 ft). This Part of the expedition involves several ascents and descents, which can Be challenging at times. It’s common to experience some discomfort as you adjust to the altitude. To help acclimatization, spend at least 1-2 hours at Lava Tower, where you can take a break and enjoy your lunch.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). There you will see the famous Barranco Wall, impressive in both its massive size and steepness! The next day you will be climbing it, but don’t worry: it features a very simple hiking trail that is not intimidating at all.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
6
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You will have an early start and a filling breakfast before beginning to hike the Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid crowds of the other groups which could slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.
Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don’t worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200 m (656 ft) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
7
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After a warm and hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your hike toward Barafu Summit Camp, the starting point for your final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft)—the ultimate goal of your Kilimanjaro trek. Our team will set up camp in advance, so when you arrive, your tents and sleeping bags will be ready. This allows you to relax and rest before the challenging night summit.
We recommend spending the remainder of the day resting and sleeping to conserve energy for the final push to the summit later that night.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
8
Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
Your group will depart from Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,331 ft) during the night to begin the final ascent toward the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro—Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft). While the climb itself is technically straightforward, the high altitude can make even simple physical activity feel strenuous. To ensure your safety and well-being, each pair of climbers will be assigned a personal guide to monitor both your physical and mental condition throughout the ascent.
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Kilimanjaro and the final destination on the Lemosho Route, you can take in the breathtaking views and celebrate your achievement. If desired, you may descend to the nearest glacier. Afterward, you will return to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved 2-hour rest before continuing your descent to Millennium Camp (3,950 m / 12,959 ft).
Important Note on Safety
Please note that 90% of all accidents on the mountain occur during the descent, including many cases of broken arms and legs. Exercise caution and be mindful of your footing, as there is a high risk of injuring your toenails during the descent.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
9
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
The Millenium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft). After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to the hotel.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DAY
10
Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
DETAILED PRICE FOR NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.
This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike – our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures – only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).
The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.
Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.
Price For Northern circuit Route
PRICE
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax
PRICE
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax
Per Person
$ 1,289 USD*
$ 1,289 USD*
$ 1,289 USD*
$ 1,289 USD*
$ 1,289 USD*
$ 1,289 USD*
$ 998 USD*
$ 899 USD*
Interested In This Tour
- CLIMBING COST INCLUDES
Our Kilimanjaro packages cover all transfers outlined in the program. When you arrive at Kilimanjaro, one of our drivers will pick you up in a spacious and comfortable Toyota Alphard and take you to your hotel. Our cars have large trunks that can accommodate plenty of luggage. Inside you'll find complimentary bottled water (custom-ordered by Altezza Travel), a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wet wipes for your convenience. All our cars undergo regular examination and maintenance by our in-house team of technicians.
Our driving team consists of experienced and knowledgeable drivers, all of whom speak fluent English.
For the transfer to the trailhead of your climbing adventure, we will use Toyota Hiace or Coaster, which are better suited for navigating the wilderness terrain en route to Mt. Kilimanjaro. These cars are built to handle rough trails and ensure your safety.
At the end of your journey, we'll also provide you with a return transfer to the Kilimanjaro International Airport. With our comprehensive package, you can rest easy and enjoy the journey without concerns about your transportation.
The night before the climb and the night following the descent, you will be accommodated in a 3* hotel in the area of Moshi Town. By default - shared double occupancy room unless you order a single supplement. We always offer Aishi Machame Hotel and Brubru Lodge as the first option, as both hotels are owned and run by Altezza Travel. Should both of them be unavailable, you will be offered an alternative property with the matching comfort and service level. In your hotel, you will find everything a traveler needs: professional staff, a restaurant, a swimming pool, comfortable rooms with mosquito nets, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Aishi Machame is situated in a tranquil, green rural neighborhood, just 23 km (14.3 mi) from Moshi, and is often visited by monkeys, mongooses, and other wildlife, which you can observe from the restaurant terrace during breakfast. This location is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Our office and rental gear store are also located here.
Brubru Lodge is situated in the quietest area of Moshi, known as Shanty Town, and we recommend it to those who want to be closer to city life and explore local cafes, shops, and nightlife. If you need any gear for your climb from our gear store at Aishi Machame - don’t worry - our managers will deliver it right to Brubru Lodge for your orientation briefing.
By default, our packages include bed and breakfast accommodation. We also offer half-board and full-board upgrades at an additional cost.
Note:You will be sharing a room with your travel companion, or, if traveling solo, with a same-sex traveler. If you prefer to have a single room, please order a single supplement as soon as you can, as our hotels often have many guests, and the rooms may be fully booked by the time of your arrival. Also, should you decide to descend earlier than planned, a charge for all extra nights spent in our hotels will apply. Contact your travel consultant to book a single room.
On the day before the climb, our managers will meet you in your hotel for an orientation briefing, and our car will pick you up for the start of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
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Our mountain chefs and waiters will take care of preparing and serving your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the adventure. The menu has been designed in consultation with a professional dietitian to ensure that our meals are both delicious and energy-rich, providing hikers with the necessary nutrition.
At Altezza Travel, we understand that everyone has unique dietary needs. That's why we offer delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and other types of meal plans for our mountain adventures. Just let your manager know, and our mountain chef will be ready to prepare a meal that meets your requirements. Best of all, switching to a special meal plan won't cost you a thing.
For example, for breakfast, you can expect to enjoy porridge, vegetables, eggs, sausages, sweet potato, spinach cooked in a local fashion ("mchicha"), and coffee or tea. For lunch, we usually serve various soups (butternut, tomato, leek, vegetable, beef); spaghetti; stews; avocado salads; mashed potato; fried chicken with coconut, tomato, garlic and other sauces; minced meat in tomato sauce, and other popular international and local meals.
Similarly, for dinner, you can expect a soup; vegetable salad (locally styled "Kachumbari"); Mexican salad with tomatoes, corn, and onion, avocado; a juicy stew (such as bamia stew); fried vegetables; various main dishes with chicken, beef or fish. All meals are served with tasty sauces, and extra seasonings are always available on the table. After each meal, our waiters serve fresh local fruits, such as mangoes, oranges, pineapple, and bananas, to give hikers a vitamin boost.
We use organic, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and meat from neighboring farms to supply our trips. Our team rigorously checks each provider to ensure that it has a certification from the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA). Altezza Travel also prefers to choose small local farms instead of large agricultural companies. This way, we ensure that all produce is always fresh and organic and that our expeditions provide a meaningful impact on the local economy.
Our mountain chefs will prepare all meals during the expedition, except for lunch on the first day of your trip, which you will have after entering the park and before reaching the first camp where we will set up our kitchen. Our restaurant chefs at Aishi Machame Hotel will prepare this first lunch, and we will pack it for your adventure in sturdy compostable packaging from Vegware, our UK-based supplier of eco-friendly food packaging.
When evaluating the quality of our meals on Kilimanjaro, please keep in mind that our teams prepare them in very challenging conditions. Our mountain chef prepares meals in a camp kitchen, using a camping gas oven with an electric torch for lighting. At times, weather conditions can be harsh, with wind and rain, and during certain months, it can be quite cold. While our mountain chef strives to create delicious and visually appealing meals, the unpredictable weather and challenging camping conditions may occasionally impact the quality and appearance of our dishes. We work tirelessly to maintain a high level of performance in such a demanding environment.
On your adventure you will be led by our outstanding Kilimanjaro mountain guides.
Each guide has at least seven years of experience and boasts excellent knowledge of the Mt Kilimanjaro terrain, flora, and fauna. They have been chosen to lead some of the most incredible expeditions and adventures on the mountain, such as Wings of Kilimanjaro or Red Bull’s Kilimanjaro wingsuit BASE jump, which are yet to be repeated by anyone else. They also took part in the high-speed Kilimanjaro ascent of Nimsdai (aka Nirmal Purja) whose story is told in the Netflix Documentary "14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible".
You are in safe hands: all our mountain guides are certified Wilderness First Responders. This certification is administered by the independent USA-based organization ("Wilderness Medical Associates") and confirms that the certificate holders are well-trained to respond to any emergencies, which may happen in the wilderness. This WFR badge, together with excellent knowledge of the routes and locations, is a pre-condition for taking a mountain leader position in our company.
Altezza guides are good story-tellers, and will always be happy to entertain you with Kilimanjaro legends and tales. You will also learn a lot about the plants, animals, and history of the highest free-standing mountain in the world. For those interested, our mountain team will be a rich source of information about the local culture, lifestyle, and customs.
In the meantime, the guides are considerate and know when to take a step back to let you enjoy some peace and quiet alone. Whenever you want to enjoy some solitude with nature, our guides will quietly retreat to the background.
The guides will be supported by our hard-working porters, camp managers, and other members of the crew. They will pitch up the camp ahead of your arrival, bring water from the mountain streams, and carry all of the expedition's supplies and gear. The mountain chefs will attend to the camp kitchen to provide you with nutritious and tasty meals.
Altezza Travel is proud to pay the highest salaries to our mountain crews in the Tanzanian tourism industry. Also, we open individual bank accounts for each member of the expedition team to ensure transparency and accountability of salary payouts. Taking good care of our mountain crews is the foundation of our work.
Due to that, our guiding team receives positive reviews daily. They are undoubtedly the key reason we are ranked as the #1 Kilimanjaro trekking company on TripAdvisor.
Altezza Travel is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) - an independent organization that advocates for the fair treatment of porters working on Kilimanjaro. KPAP certification is proof that our company treats its porters ethically and provides them with a safe and comfortable working environment.
We carry bottled oxygen supplies for each Hiking Kilimanjaro expedition. The guiding team uses it to make the high-altitude acclimatization process easier and prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS). Our guides administer bottled oxygen as soon as a climber develops the first signs of AMS, and that typically stabilizes the oxygen saturation, allowing them to continue the adventure.
At Hiking Kilimanjaro, we never run short on oxygen supplies. In the unlikely event of a crisis requiring larger amounts of oxygen for one of our teams, other Hiking Kilimanjaro teams from the same camp will always come to help and share their supplies. As the largest operator on Kilimanjaro operating 15% of all on Kilimanjaro, we have multiple Hiking Kilimanjaro teams located in different camps at the same time. Besides, we can organize a fast (less than six hours) delivery from our climbing base.
Many of the companies operating on Kilimanjaro say that they have oxygen bottles on their expeditions as well. However, the devil is in the details, and the key thing to look at is how the guides use it.
Most of them provide oxygen to their clients at the late stages of AMS, when evacuation is the only remedy. Hiking Kilimanjaro is the only company here that uses bottled oxygen as an AMS prevention technique. This approach translates into less stressful acclimatization, significantly fewer AMS cases, and a successful Kilimanjaro experience.
Nowadays, Hiking Kilimanjaro is the most oxygen-conscious trek outfitter on Kilimanjaro. We have a staff member whose sole responsibility is to oversee our oxygen storage and ensure that our bottles are always filled, the valves are functioning properly, and each crew receives the right amount of oxygen. As of today, we have 150 portable expedition oxygen systems.
Each expedition is equipped with a reliable GPS tracking device, allowing us to track our Kilimanjaro teams in real-time. While primarily a safety protocol, the GPS links also provide peace of mind for your loved ones who can track the hikers’ progress from home.
The morning your Kilimanjaro expedition begins, our adventure consultant will give you a QR code that can be scanned to generate a GPS link. In addition, this link will also be accessible through your personal account at Hiking Kilimanjaro Personal Trip Board.
Every morning and evening on the hike, our WFR-certified guides perform medical check-ups to ensure that both hikers and crew members (including porters, camp managers, and chefs) are properly acclimating to the altitude. During these check-ups, our guides will ask general questions about your health and measure your oxygen saturation level. In some cases, they may also need to check your blood pressure or listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to assess your breathing.
It's mandatory for all hikers to attend those medical check-ups, even for those who feel great and don't have any altitude-related symptoms. They allow our guiding team to diagnose the early stages of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and take preventive measures to ensure that everyone is acclimating properly and that the hike is a pleasant and safe adventure.
Note Important:
At Hiking Kilimanjaro, we are experienced in accommodating climbers with various health conditions, such as diabetes, and asthma, among others. We have developed special protocols to ensure that those climbers receive the support and care they need during their climb. We understand that climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro can be challenging, especially for those with underlying health conditions. That's why we work closely with our climbers to understand their individual needs and develop a plan that ensures their safety and well-being throughout the climb.
All our expeditions are equipped with satellite phone. The phone is carried by your guide and is used for emergency communication with our head office at the Arusha climbing base, when regular mobile phone service is unavailable. This ensures an immediate response from our 24/7 safety monitoring team.
Please note: The satellite phone is primarily designated for emergencies. If you wish to stay in touch with family, friends, or business partners via satellite connection, you can rent a personal satellite phone for your own use. Reach out to our travel experts to learn more.
Hiking Kilimanjaro sets high standards for ensuring hikers' health and safety, which is why each climbing crew carries multiple medical kits. These include large "camp" medical kits that contain medication for various mountain-related illnesses. There are 49 different types of medications and items in a kit, making it one of the most complete emergency kits in Tanzania.
In addition to the group medical kit, each guide also carries a tactical medical kit with hemostatic plasters, tourniquets, painkillers, and anything else that may be needed during emergencies and while moving from one camp to another. Our guides are always prepared to treat twisted ankles and arms, strained muscles or tendons, and other injuries.
We have been operating in Tanzania for almost ten years, and during this time, not a single medical kit has ever been used to its fullest extent. However, we firmly believe that being prepared for any situation is one of the reasons why Hiking Kilimanjaro is the safest company to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with.
In addition, Hiking Kilimanjaro has a VIP ward reserved for our clients on a stand-by basis in the ST JOSEPH hospital where our clients who experience high-altitude sickness receive priority examination and treatment. In the unlikely event of evacuation, our clients will not have to wait in line in the emergency unit and will receive the attention of a personal nurse instead. Moreover, in the very rare event that an Hiking Kilimanjaro hiker requires hospitalization, they receive regular tasty food and drink deliveries from restaurant in Moshi. A personal company manager is always available to assist with anything they may need. The ward has reliable free Wi-Fi connectivity.
Hiking Kilimanjaro trips are fully inclusive of all park fees that every Kilimanjaro hiker is liable to pay. This includes camping and conservation fees, rescue fee, crew fee, forest fee (on certain routes), and other payments. These payments make up about half of the total price and are one of the reasons why Mt Kilimanjaro hiking tours are more expensive compared to the other popular destinations.
As a law-abiding and transparent company, Hiking Kilimanjaro pays all taxes in Tanzania such as VAT (18%), corporate income taxes (30%) and labor-related levies and duties, licensing fees and social security deductions for our employees, all of whom are officially employed by Hiking Kilimanjaro. We are proud to be one of the few travel companies in Tanzania doing that.
The taxes we pay are later spent for the betterment of the lives of the local communities here.
When you book with Hiking Kilimanjaro, your tour will be in the good hands of 200 dedicated professionals who are committed to ensuring that your tour is an amazing experience. Our team includes experts in reservation, transfer planning, expeditions, customer experience, logistics, and other areas, each responsible for their specific role in the process. We also have large hotel, store-keeping, transfer and other teams, whose contribution is essential and always available. They work together seamlessly to ensure that every aspect of your tour is carefully planned and executed to the highest standard.
The travel consultants team is available to assist you 24/7. You can easily reach out to your manager through various channels such as messengers, email, phone, or any other convenient method. We are always here to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have, and our support team works across different time zones.
Hiking Kilimanjaro is the first adventure operator in Tanzania to develop its own travel planning software. With our new system, you no longer need to provide long lists of information via email. Instead, you can simply fill out the Personal Trip Board in the HK Family travel portal.
This user-friendly platform allows you to provide us with details about the gear you'd like to hire for your climb (if any), arrival and departure information, dietary plan, insurance and passport information for the necessary permits and for the summit certificate. You can also use the form to inform us about any allergies or important medical information that we should be aware of before you start your climb.
The security of your personal information is of utmost importance to our team. Our system is fully secure and uses SSL encryption provided by Cloudflare Inc, a leading provider of cloud security services worldwide. This means that all data transmitted through our system is fully encrypted and secure. Rest assured that only authorized personnel at Hiking Kilimanjaro will have access to your data.
Unlike other companies where a sales manager acts as an intermediary between you and the local operations team in Tanzania, our system transmits your information directly to the dashboard of the person in charge. This direct communication line vastly minimizes the chance of human error.
For example, let's say you've indicated your arrival time in our system. In the past, your manager would have had to manually add it to our calendar, and our transfer manager would have had to assign a driver. With so many people arriving in Tanzania, there was always a risk of human error.
But with the new communication system, your arrival time information is instantly transmitted to the dashboard of our transfer manager. The system automatically assigns an available driver to your trip, and activates GPS tracking to monitor their progress. If the driver misses any check-points on the way, the system will alert the transfer manager to take corrective action and ensure that you're picked up on time.
We use similar streamlined communication flows for all our travel operations. For instance, your medical information is sent directly to our in-house doctor on the expeditions team, and your dietary requirements are shared with our camp kitchen team. With this system, you can be confident that every detail of your trip is taken care of and that there's zero risk of losing any critical information along the way.
What's more, our user-friendly system is designed to make travel planning fun and engaging. In addition to the intuitive interface, we've added a special feature that turns filling in the required information into a game. As you provide the necessary details for the organization of your trip, you'll receive pop-ups with interesting information about African animals. This way, you can learn more about the wildlife you'll be seeing during your adventure while completing the travel-related paperwork.
At Hiking Kilimanjaro, we believe that travel planning should be easy, enjoyable, and informative. Our innovative system is just one of the many ways we strive to provide exceptional service to our clients.
We understand that some things that you bring with you to Tanzania won't be necessary for your Kilimanjaro climb, such as suitcases, clothes for safari or other parts of your trip, laptops, gadgets, and documents. We recommend that you take only what's truly essential for your expedition to the mountain, and leave fragile or easily stainable items at our storage facilities or a safe room.
The use of a storage room and a safe room is completely free of charge.
To give you peace of mind while you enjoy the wonders of Kilimanjaro, we have built a secure storage facility where you can safely leave all your suitcases and handbags. The facility is dry, well-ventilated, and only accessible to Hiking Kilimanjaro staff.
For items that require special handling, such as cash, jewelry, passports, gadgets, and other valuables, Hiking Kilimanjaro offers space in our safe room. This room is under 24/7 video surveillance and protected by armed guards. It features a fire-proof door with a 120-minute fire resistance rating, 10-inch brick walls, and a highly sensitive alarm system
You won't need any cash on Kilimanjaro as there are no shops, vending machines, or other places where one can spend money. The Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Development Plan strictly prohibits the construction of any commercial facilities on the park's premises.
The small souvenir shop at Mweka Gate, which is the exit point for most of the trails, is the only place to buy souvenirs in the vicinity of Kilimanjaro. Local artisans sell their wares there, and it may be interesting for some of the hikers. However, we recommend bringing no more than $100 as the larger and more interesting souvenir shops are located in Arusha. If you're planning to spend more, we suggest visiting those shops instead, as they offer a better selection and prices.
If you want to deposit your valuables in our care, you will need to itemize them and fill in a special form. If you leave cash with us, we will use a cash counter machine to help you count the money. You’ll get a receipt, listing the cash left in our care. You will sign it, and we will have it sealed together in your presence.
To ensure transparency, we record the process with a high-resolution camera, and all records are deleted 30 days after you leave Tanzania.
At Hiking Kilimanjaro, we take pride in offering environmentally friendly treks. Our goal is to leave Kilimanjaro cleaner after every expedition. To achieve this goal, we assign a special team to ensure that our climbing crew and customers leave no waste on the mountain. This team also collects any waste left by litterbugs from other groups on the trek, so we can keep Kilimanjaro looking as pristine as it did during the times of Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, who are credited with being the first Europeans to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
We are committed to minimizing the use of plastic in our expeditions whenever possible. For instance, the packaging for the lunchboxes on the first day of your trip (hot lunch is provided on all other days) is compostable. We source our packaging from Vegware, a leading UK-based provider of food packaging with a strong environmental focus.
When you choose Hiking Kilimanjaro for your trip, you're making a meaningful contribution to the development of local communities in Kilimanjaro. We're committed to sustainability, and as part of our pledge, we allocate a part of our profits to various social responsibility initiatives.
At Hiking Kilimanjaro, we support only meaningful and impactful projects that bring real change to local communities. Each application we receive from local NGOs or eco-activists is carefully scrutinized by our board before we allocate funding.
By participating in our climbs, you're directly supporting positive change in the communities around Mount Kilimanjaro. You may read more about the social responsibility efforts you are going to support on this page of our website.
- CLIMBING COST EXCLUDES
Our Kilimanjaro packages don’t include international flights. You’ll be responsible for covering those costs separately. Feel free to contact your manager to get recommendations about the airlines operating flights to Tanzania.
Tipping your climbing crew is a well-established practice in mountain hiking all over the world. Though never mandatory at Hiking Kilimanjaro, our clients are encouraged to tip their mountain crews if their performance is up to your expectations. A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant.
You may read more about tipping in our article here.
Most nationals are required to pay USD 50 for a one-time, single-entry 90-day visa. USA nationals, however, are required to pay $100 for a multi-entry visa. Contact our travel advisors to learn more about Tanzania visa rules and requirements.
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need personal gear such as hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking pants, thermals, and trekking poles. See the full list here.
As of today, Hiking Kilimanjaro gear rental shop is the only gear rental shop on Kilimanjaro where climbers can rent everything they need for their adventure. All of our gear comes from top brands such as The North Face, Black Diamond, RedFox, Columbia, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and others.
If you intend to rent gear from us, you can provide us with a list of everything you will need to hire in your Hiking Kilimanjaro Family portal account, and we will have everything prepared for you before you arrive in Tanzania.
Our group expeditions include shared accommodation, which means you'll be sharing a hotel room and a tent with either your travel companion or a same-sex member of your travel group. If you prefer a private room and/or tent, please let us know. Single supplements are available for an additional charge. Single supplement is not available on the Marangu route where you stay overnight in huts that can accommodate up to 20 hikers.
Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. For our Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures, all participants are required to have travel insurance that covers trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation. Since the requirements and costs of insurance vary across different countries, please contact your insurance provider to make sure that those requirements are covered, and find out about the exact costs.
Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. You can contact our travel consultants to learn more about this option. Portable toilet is not available on the Marangu route due to the Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
Included accommodation in the hotel is on a bed & breakfast basis. It means that you will need to pay for the lunch and dinner either at our hotel restaurant or if you decide to dine out - at any other place in Moshi or Arusha.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT Route FAQ
Lemosho 7 days vs Lemosho 8 days
You might wonder which Lemosho itinerary is more suitable for your expedition: the 7-day or 8-day variation. The 7-day itinerary begins at 3,414 m (11,200 ft), jump-starting your acclimatization. This way, you can benefit from more days on the altitude, yet this rapid altitude gain might be uncomfortable for some hikers. In addition, the first two days of this itinerary are fairly easy hikes with not much altitude gain.
In contrast, the 8-day route starts at 2,100 m (6,889 ft) and features a more challenging first day. However, starting lower, you’ll get to experience a more gradual acclimatization and enjoy hiking through a rainforest. Overall, both routes are highly recommended for climbers of all levels. They offer great acclimatization profiles, summit success rates of well over 90%, and rank among the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho 8 days vs Northern Circuit
The Lemosho 8 route offers stunning scenery and similarly to Northern Circuit 8, a favorable acclimatization profile. In contrast, the Northern Circuit provides views of Kilimanjaro from all four sides but is generally considered less scenic. This is mainly because the northern slopes receive less rainfall and therefore have less abundant and diverse vegetation. Another factor to consider is that the Northern Circuit is significantly less crowded, whereas Lemosho currently ranks among the top three busiest routes on Kilimanjaro.
Given its length, the Northern Circuit is better suited for hikers with greater endurance who don’t mind longer daily treks. Additionally, if you really prefer to bypass the Barranco Wall, the Northern Circuit offers that. Both routes are accessible without requiring technical skills or extensive training and offer excellent acclimatization. The summit success rate is higher on Lemosho mainly due to the fact that a small percentage of hikers get tired during the longer trail of the Northern Circuit.
How many miles in the Lemosho Route
The 8-day Lemosho route itinerary spans approximately 70 km (43 miles), while the 6 and 7-day variations cover around 56 km (35 miles). This puts Lemosho somewhere in the middle, if we look at the length of other Kilimanjaro routes.