10-Day Trek | 12 Days Total From $11010 per adult

The Best Chance of Summit Success

The Grand Traverse is Kilimanjaro’s most luxurious and least-traveled route, offering exceptional acclimatization time and stunning views into Kenya. Following the scenic Northern Circuit, this exclusive itinerary includes intimate group sizes, the chance to sleep at Crater Camp, and upgraded amenities throughout. If you want the highest chance of summit success and are seeking comfort, adventure, and solitude, this is the trek for you.

 Itinerary at a Glance

Arrival Day – Arrive in Tanzania

Upon arrival, a staff member will greet you and escort you to your beautiful lodge at the base of Kilimanjaro. 🏨 Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200′)

Acclimatization Day – Explore Ndarakwai Ranch

Enjoy a relaxing day with scenic walks and wildlife viewing to ease into Tanzania’s rhythm and prepare your body for the climb. 🏨 Overnight: Ndarakwai Ranch (4,200′)

Trek Day 1 – Begin Trek to Shira 1 Camp

Drive through lush rainforest to the trailhead. Look out for colobus monkeys swinging overhead as you start your adventure. 🏕️ Camp: Shira 1 Camp (11,844′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 2–3

Trek Day 2 – Shira 1 to Moir Camp

Hike across misty highlands into Kilimanjaro’s moorland zone, full of strange, alien-like flora. 🏕️ Camp: Moir Camp (13,780′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 5–6

Trek Day 3 – Moir to Pofu Camp

Ascend further as the landscape becomes more lunar. Keep an eye out for the Shark’s Tooth rock formation. 🏕️ Camp: Pofu Camp (13,205′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 5–7

Trek Day 4 – Pofu to Rongai Caves 2 Camp

Cross remote alpine terrain, enjoying vast views into northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. 🏕️ Camp: Rongai Caves 2 Camp (11,319′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 5–7

Trek Day 5 – Rongai 2 Caves to Kikelewa Caves

Enter the alpine desert zone. The scenery becomes surreal, with volcanic towers and rocky outcrops. 🏕️ Camp: Kikelewa Caves Camp (11,811′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 3–5

Trek Day 6 – Kikelewa to Mawenzi Tarn

Ascend to a serene alpine lake beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi. 🏕️ Camp: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (14,157′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 4–6

Trek Day 7 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Cross the stark, otherworldly Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s two main peaks. 🏕️ Camp: Kibo Hut Camp (15,486′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 5–6

Trek Day 8 – Kibo Hut to Summit | Crater Camp

Rise early for your daytime summit push to Uhuru Peak (19,341′), arriving when few others are around. Then descend into the Crater Camp, nestled beside the Furtwangler Glacier. 🏕️ Camp: Crater Camp (18,802′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 7–10 to summit | 1–2 to Crater Camp

Trek Day 9 – Crater to Mweka Camp

Choose to summit again at sunrise or explore the Ash Pit before a steep descent to your final mountain camp. 🏕️ Camp: Mweka Camp (10,171′) 🕒 Trekking Hours: 4–7

Trek Day 10 – Mweka Gate & Departure

Enjoy a farewell lunch at the park gate with your group and guides. Transfer to a day room for a shower and some rest before your flight home. 🏨 Day Room: Planet Lodge 🕒 Trekking Hours: 3–4

🎒 Add-On: Personal Porter

Take the weight off—literally. Your personal porter will carry your daypack (10–20 lbs) up and down the mountain, helping you conserve energy and focus on the experience. 💬 Ask us about adding this service when you book.

🌟 Why Choose the Grand Traverse?

  • 🏕️ Sleep at Crater Camp near the glaciers
  • ⛰️ Most acclimatization time of any route
  • 🥇 Highest summit success rate
  • 👣 Small groups on least-traveled trail
  • 🦁 Wildlife experiences pre- and post-trek