9 Days Grand Traverse Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Q: How difficult is the Grand Traverse Route?

It’s considered a moderate to challenging trek. While no technical climbing skills are required, good fitness and mental endurance are essential due to long hiking days and high altitude.

Q: What is the highest altitude reached on this route?

The maximum altitude is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Q: How many hours do we walk each day?

On average, you’ll walk 5–7 hours per day, with the summit night being the longest—approximately 10–14 hours of hiking including ascent and descent.

At Kilibound Adventures, we offer one of the most scenic and rewarding routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our 9-day Grand Traverse Route provides the best chance for acclimatization and summit success — while immersing you in stunning landscapes and true wilderness adventure.

Grand Traverse RoutePricing

The price per person depends on your group size — the more people in your group, the lower the price per climber:

Solo climber: $4,396 per person

2 climbers: $3,890 per person

3 climbers: $3,667 per person

4 or more climbers: $3,556 per person

Climb with Kilibound Adventures — where every step brings you closer to the Roof of Africa!

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
Accomodation
Comfortable mountain tents + pre/post hotel stays in Arusha
Best Season
June – October & December – March
Guide
Professional Guide
Maximum Altitude
Max Altitude: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
Payment Method
VISA, MasterCard
Tour Availability
Avalibale
Walking Hours
4–7 hrs per day (summit day 10–12 hrs)
Minimum Age
12

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

The Grand Traverse Route offers one of the most scenic and successful ascents of Mount Kilimanjaro. With Kilibound Adventures, this extended route takes you across stunning landscapes — from lush rainforests to alpine deserts — along the mountain’s remote northern slopes, away from the crowds.
Accommodation is in high-quality mountain tents, professionally set up by our porters, with all logistics and meals handled by our experienced team.

Trip Highlights

Traverse Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes — peaceful and less crowded.
Excellent acclimatization and high summit success rate.
Experience diverse ecosystems from rainforest to arctic summit.
Stunning 360° views from the Northern Circuit and Uhuru Peak.
Professional mountain crew, quality tents, and delicious hot meals daily.
Optional cultural encounters with local Chagga communities.

Day 01 :

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895m):

Your adventure begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate. After registration, trek through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, spotting colobus monkeys and tropical birds along the way.
Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs | Habitat: Rainforest

Day 02 :

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m):

Climb steadily through the forest into the heather zone, reaching the expansive Shira Plateau. Enjoy views of Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance.
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs | Habitat: Moorland

Day 03 :

Shira 1 to Moir Camp (4,200m):

Continue across the Shira Plateau into alpine terrain. The gradual ascent provides excellent acclimatization and superb views of the western slopes.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hrs | Habitat: Moorland

Day 04 :

Moir Camp to Pofu Camp (4,200m):

Trek northward through the alpine desert, following a less-traveled path along Kilimanjaro’s northern flank. Enjoy spectacular isolation and sweeping views.
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 6–7 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05 :

Pofu Camp to Third Cave (3,930m):

Descend gently and traverse the high moorlands toward Third Cave. The route offers tranquility and panoramic views of the plains below.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs | Habitat: Moorland

Day 06 :

Third Cave to Kibo Hut (4,700m):

Continue upward toward the eastern base of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Kibo Hut, your final camp before summit day. Rest and hydrate well in preparation for the climb.
Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 07 :

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Barafu Camp (4,573m):

Start the summit push at around midnight, ascending slowly in the cold and dark to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your success before descending to Barafu Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 17.8 km total | Hiking Time: 9–12 hrs | Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert

Day 08 :

Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp (3,100m):

Descend through the moorland into the lush rainforest, enjoying the last views of the mountain before your final night on Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs | Habitat: Forest

Day 09 :

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,980m):

A pleasant walk through the rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Return to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs | Habitat: Forest

Departure :

Departure:

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your airport transfer or choose to extend your adventure with a safari or Zanzibar beach holiday with Kilibound Adventures.

FAQ

Expand all

What makes the Grand Traverse Route special?

The Grand Traverse Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and least crowded trails, offering stunning panoramic views across the northern slopes. It provides a gradual acclimatization profile, increasing summit success rates.

How difficult is the Grand Traverse Route?

It’s considered a moderate to challenging trek. While no technical climbing skills are required, good fitness and mental endurance are essential due to long hiking days and high altitude.

What is the highest altitude reached on this route?

The maximum altitude is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

How many hours do we walk each day?

On average, you’ll walk 5–7 hours per day, with the summit night being the longest—approximately 10–14 hours of hiking including ascent and descent.

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t have to be an athlete, but you should have good physical fitness and be comfortable hiking for several hours daily. Regular cardio and endurance training are recommended.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Our professional guides are trained in altitude management. You’ll be monitored daily, and if symptoms persist, a controlled descent will be arranged for your safety.

What is the success rate for this route?

With its gradual ascent and multiple acclimatization days, the Grand Traverse Route has a very high success rate—over 95% with experienced operators like Kilibound Adventures.

+1 904-808-0426

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Saint Augustine,Florida USA

9 Days Grand Traverse Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

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9 Days Grand Traverse Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Grand Traverse RoutePricing

Includes/Excludes

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Trip info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

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Includes

Excludes

FAQ

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