Overview

The Grand Traverse is described by Jaribu as 'absolutely the most scenic path available' on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that fully circles the summit cone, combining the Lemosho western approach with the Northern Circuit's remote traverse and a crater overnight at 5,726 metres.

The route crosses Shira Plateau's ancient volcanic caldera, passes Lent Hills at 4,694 metres, descends to cave camps near the Kenyan border where buffalo visit for salt, and follows flower-lined trails past Mawenzi's craggy spires before the summit. On Day 8, the trail passes plane wreckage. On Day 9, climbers summit and sleep in the crater. On Day 10, they hike through the Reusch Ash Pit, a dormant volcano at the top of Africa, before the final descent.

Quick Facts

Difficulty
Expert
Mountain days
12
Total trip
14 days including travel
Altitude range
1,981m to 5,895m (crater overnight at 5,726m)
Key experience
Crater overnight, full summit circumnavigation
Accommodation
Camping
Meals
All included

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive in Tanzania

    Transfer to your Arusha hotel, 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

  2. 2

    Londrossi Gate to Shira 1 Camp

    1 to 2 hours hiking· Approx. 3,500m· Moorland

    4WD transfer to Londrossi Gate, then a short hike onto the Shira Plateau. Blue monkeys possible on the lower slopes.

  3. 3

    Shira 1 to Moir Hut

    5 to 6 hours· Up to 4,175m· Moorland

    Trek across the Shira caldera past the Shark's Tooth landmark to Moir Hut.

  4. 4

    Moir Camp to Pofu Camp

    5 to 7 hours· 4,175m to Lent Hills (4,694m), then to Pofu· Alpine desert

    Ascend Lent Hills (4,694m) for panoramic views across the plateau, then descend to Pofu Camp on the remote northern slopes.

  5. 5

    Pofu Camp to Rongai 2 Caves Camp

    5 to 7 hours· Alpine desert

    Descent over volcanic terrain. Camp near a cave entrance marked by a buffalo skull. Animals visit the caves for salt.

  6. 6

    Rongai 2 to Kikelelwa Camp

    3 to 4 hours· Moorland

    Flower-lined path with red gladiolus and Carduus keniensis. Giant senecios along the trail.

  7. 7

    Kikelelwa to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

    3 to 4 hours· Approx. 4,328m· Semi-desert

    Camp beneath Mawenzi's towering craggy spires at the tarn.

  8. 8

    Mawenzi Tarn to School Hut

    5 to 6 hours· 4,748m· Alpine desert

    Cross the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The trail passes plane wreckage. Rest at School Hut and prepare summit equipment.

  9. 9

    Summit: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp

    7 to 10 hours· 4,748m to 5,895m, descent to 5,726m· Arctic summit

    Depart around 6am. Summit Uhuru Peak. Descend approximately 1 hour into the crater to Crater Camp at 5,726m, the highest overnight camp on Kilimanjaro.

  10. 10

    Crater Camp to Millennium Camp

    7 to 8 hours· 5,726m to 3,819m· Arctic summit to moorland

    Hike through the Reusch Ash Pit, a dormant volcano crater at the top of Africa. Descend via Barafu Camp for lunch, then continue to Millennium Camp.

  11. 11

    Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

    5 to 6 hours· 13.5 km· 3,819m to 1,640m· Montane rainforest

    Final descent through lush rainforest. Summit certificates at Mweka Gate. Tipping ceremony: the crew sings a traditional song of congratulation. Transfer to your Arusha hotel.

  12. 12

    Depart Tanzania

    Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.

Gallery

Route Map

The Grand Traverse Circuit map

Pricing

Prices in USD per person. 12 Days on the mountain.

Group sizeMid-RangeVIP
Solo$7,000$8,400
2 people$5,000$7,900
3 people$4,500$7,400
4 people$4,450$7,200
5 people$4,400$7,000
6 people$4,350$6,800
7 people$4,300$6,600
8 people$4,250$6,400
9 people$4,200$6,200
10+ people$4,200$6,000

*Prices subject to availability and seasonal park fees. Contact us for a confirmed quote.

What is Included in Every Climb

Mid-Range

  • Airport transfers to and from Arusha hotel
  • 2 nights hotel in Arusha (B&B): Ameg Lodge or Salinero Hotels
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Senior guide and assistant guide
  • Certified Wilderness First Responder guide
  • Porterage for main bag (max 15kg day pack carried by you)
  • Emergency oxygen and Gamow bag
  • Pulse oximeter and expedition medical kit
  • Vital signs monitoring at every camp
  • 2-way radio and mobile phone
  • 3-person expedition tent (2 clients per tent)
  • Mountaineering mattress
  • Portable private flush toilet tent
  • AMREF Flying Doctors medical evacuation cover
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees (entrance, camping, rescue)
  • Wine and champagne at summit
  • Hot washing water (morning and evening)
  • Summit certificate signed by Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Fair wages for all porters, guides, and cooks

VIP

Everything in Mid-Range, plus:

  • Premium Arusha hotel (River Trees Country Inn or Arumeru River Lodge)
  • Walk-in sleeping tent with full-size bed, pillow, blankets, thermal liner
  • Personal porter carries your day pack on the mountain
  • Hot shower tent at camp
  • Wine, champagne, whisky, soft drinks, and beer at camp
  • Snacks throughout the day
  • Satellite phone
  • Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope
  • Medevac stretcher
What is not included: International flights, Tanzania visa, travel insurance, personal trekking gear, tips for crew, laundry.

Route FAQ

Experienced trekkers and returning Kilimanjaro climbers who want the fullest possible experience on the mountain. The 14-day total trip commitment rules it out for most first-time visitors, but for the right climber it is unmatched.
TripAdvisor

38 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

Joseph and his team answered all our questions very quickly, which greatly facilitated planning. Our guides Stephen and Manase kept us safe and made the long hikes pass faster. The cook prepared hot and delicious meals that gave us the energy we needed for each day. Reaching Uhuru Peak together was definitely worth it. They fulfilled our dream of Kilimanjaro.

Anna M.
Montreal, Canada
March 2025 · Lemosho 8 Days

Our group of 15 Americans had such an amazing experience. Joseph was very helpful and easy to communicate with. Every question was answered quickly. Our head guide Manase was incredible throughout the entire trek. He kept motivating us, checked on everyone constantly, and made us feel safe the whole time. Reaching the summit together was emotional and one of the proudest moments for our group. You could tell the company really cares about their guests.

Alex N.
United States
February 2026 · Lemosho 8 Days

We had an amazing trip with Jaribu Africa! We climbed Kilimanjaro for 8 days using the Lemosho route. Our guides, Manase and Ayumwe, were fantastic. They knew everything about the mountain and helped us reach the top. The food was great, even though we are vegetarian. The people who carried our things were also very kind.

Shelby Lowery
Seattle, Washington
March 2025 · Lemosho 8 Days

My wife and I and our two boys (18 years old) along with our friends climbed Kilimanjaro along the north route. The guides and porters were fantastic and the longer route was fun because we had more days to acclimatize to the altitude. We all successfully summitted and we attribute our success to the company Jaribu (experts) and the extra days at camp 14,000 ft. The equipment provided was high quality, spacious and comfortable. The kitchen tent was a great place to hang out and visit with friends and eat the excellent meals. I can highly recommend Jaribu and the lead guide Joseph.

Josef C
February 2025 · Northern Circuit 8 Days

We had two families on an eight day climb of Kilimanjaro. Joseph is very attentive and detail oriented in organizing our trips. We were a big group, which Jaribu team effortlessly moved from camp to camp. Meals were fresh and delicious due to Jeff's superb skills. Manase, our head guide, was professional, helpful, and very friendly. He made us feel welcome and supported. This was our third trip with Jaribu adventures, but will definitely not be the last.

Renee E
January 2025 · Marangu 6 Days

As I reflect on our 8-day adventure with Jaribu Africa Adventures, I'm still pinching myself to believe we actually summitted Mount Kilimanjaro — all of us, on the Roof of Africa! My 14 friends and I went on an unforgettable journey, and I'm thrilled to share our remarkable experience.

Ben Keryt
United Kingdom
June 2024 · Lemosho 8 Days

We booked this trip direct with Jaribu after a friend's recommendation. Everything went smoothly from airport pick up, hotels to trek. Two of us suffered with mild altitude sickness but the advice and support of the guides kept us safe at all times and ensured that we summitted. Mathew and Ayumi the guides were so patient and helpful. The porters were polite and friendly and Jeff, the cook, produced food which would have been top class even under normal conditions. It was amazing to reach the summit at sunrise. I would totally recommend Jaribu.

horseyj
Winchburgh, United Kingdom
July 2023 · Lemosho 7 Days

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