Is the Grand Traverse harder than other routes?

It is not harder; in fact, the longer acclimatization makes summit success very high. The daysare moderate and spread out.

How crowded is this route compared to Machame or Marangu?

Extremely quiet—often you meet no other groups for days. It’s one of the most peaceful routeson Kilimanjaro.

Is the Grand Traverse good for altitude acclimatization?

Yes. It is one of the best routes for acclimatization because of gradual elevation gain and wellplanned daily distances.

Do I need any technical climbing experience?

No. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak, and this route requires no ropes or special equipment—justgood fitness.

What is the best time to climb?

The best seasons are: January – early March June – October

Where does the route end?

The descent is via Mweka Gate, the main exit for the southern slopes.

8 Days – Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Route

A spectacular, less-crowded crossing of Kilimanjaro’s northern wilderness

Includes/Excludes

Includes

Two nights’ accommodation (before & after the climb)
Professional mountain guides, porters & cook
All park fees & rescue fees
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining setup)
Drinking water during the trek
Airport transfers (JRO–Arusha–JRO)

Excludes

International flights
Tanzania entry visa
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, etc.)
Tips for guides & porters (recommended $250–300 per climber)
Travel & medical insurance
Optional single-room supplement

Arrival City
Arusha
Departure City
Arusha
Guide
Professional Guide
Payment Method
VISA, MasterCard
Tour Availability
Avalibale
Maximum Altitude
Max Altitude: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
Walking Hours
4–7 hrs per day (summit day 10–12 hrs)

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

The Grand Traverse Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the mountain’s most unique and
least-crowded itineraries. Unlike the popular southern approaches, the Grand Traverse takes you
across the remote northern slopes, giving you untouched landscapes, panoramic views, and a
true wilderness feeling.
This route connects the Lemosho Forest to the Shira Plateau, then makes a wide northern arc
through the Moir Valley, Pofu, and Rongai side, before joining the summit path at School Hut.
It is ideal for climbers seeking:

Total isolation away from crowds
Exceptional acclimatization with gradual elevation gain
Diverse scenery (rainforest, high desert, glaciers, alpine valleys)
A more natural and peaceful Kilimanjaro experience

Why the Grand Traverse Is Unique (Less Crowded)

Uses the remote northern circuit where very few climbers go
Avoids all busy routes like Machame, Marangu, Lemosho (main variation)
Offers a complete circumnavigation of the summit cone
Provides the best acclimatization profile on the mountain
Exceptional wilderness feeling, endless views, and wildlife possibilities

Day 01 :

Lemosho Gate → Forest Camp

Elevation: 7,380 ft / 2,250 m (Gate) → 9,800 ft / 2,987 m (Camp)
Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Begin through the lush montane rainforest, where you may see black-and-white colobus
monkeys and rich vegetation. The trail is steady and gradually climbs to Forest Camp

Day 02 :

Forest Camp → Shira One Camp

Elevation: 9,800 ft / 2,987 m → 11,500 ft / 3,505 m
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
As you leave the forest, the trail opens into the Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest and
oldest volcanic plateaus. Stunning mountain views begin to appear.

Day 03 :

Shira One Camp → Moir Hut Camp

Elevation: 11,500 ft / 3,505 m → 13,700 ft / 4,175 m
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
A beautiful day crossing the wide Shira Plateau. Moir Hut sits in a remote valley beneath steep
slopes—perfect for acclimatization hikes.

Day 04 :

Moir Hut → Pofu Camp

Elevation: 13,700 ft / 4,175 m → 13,200 ft / 4,023 m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
You climb out of Moir Valley and begin the Grand Traverse across Kilimanjaro’s quiet
northern face. Expansive views of Kenya and the plains below.

Day 05 :

Pofu Camp → Third Cave Camp

Elevation: 13,200 ft / 4,023 m → 12,800 ft / 3,901 m
Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Gentle ups and downs along a quiet ridge. The path is tranquil and very lightly used. Third Cave
is a peaceful, scenic camp.

Day 06 :

Third Cave Camp → School Hut Camp

Elevation: 12,800 ft / 3,901 m → 15,500 ft / 4,724 m
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
A slow ascent to the final high camp. Early dinner and rest before the big summit night.

Day 07 :

School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Millennium Camp

Elevation:

Start: 15,500 ft / 4,724 m
Summit: 19,341 ft / 5,895 m
End: 12,500 ft / 3,810 m
Distance:
To summit: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Down to camp: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Total: 16 km / 9.9 miles
Hiking time: 10–14 hours
Begin the trek around midnight via Gilman’s Point and Stella Point, reaching Uhuru Peak, the
highest point in Africa. After photos and celebrations, descend to Millennium Camp for much
needed rest.

Day 08 :

Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate

Elevation: 12,500 ft / 3,810 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
A gentle descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit
certificates and transfer back to Arusha/Moshi.

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8 Days – Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Route

Duration

Tour Type

8 Days – Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Route

Includes/Excludes

Includes

Excludes

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Why the Grand Traverse Is Unique (Less Crowded)

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

Includes/Excludes

Includes

Excludes

FAQ

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