8-Days Kilimanjaro Grand Traverse Expedition
Overview: Embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure with our 8-day Grand Traverse Expedition. This challenging trek takes you on a unique route across the northern and western slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering unparalleled views and an immersive experience of Africa’s highest peak. The Grand Traverse combines scenic beauty with rugged terrain, ensuring a thrilling and memorable journey to the summit. With careful acclimatization and experienced guides, this expedition is designed for those seeking a comprehensive Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival, a representative from Safari Seekers Expedition will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. Here, you’ll meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and equipment check. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and overnight at the hotel, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Londorossi Gate and Trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m)
After breakfast, you’ll drive approximately 3 hours to Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After completing the necessary registration, you’ll start your trek through the lush rainforest zone. The hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp takes about 3-4 hours, providing an initial glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecosystem. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 3: Trek to Shira One Camp (3,720m)
Following breakfast, you’ll ascend through the rainforest and transition into the moorland zone. Enjoy a mid-day break at 3,500m for lunch, then continue your trek to Shira One Camp, which takes approximately 4-5 hours. Dinner and overnight at Shira One Camp, with stunning views of the Shira Plateau.
Day 4: Trek to Moir Hut (4,200m)
After breakfast, you’ll trek towards Moir Hut on Kilimanjaro’s northern side. This less-traveled route offers breathtaking views of the northern glaciers and the plains below. The trek takes about 5-6 hours. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Moir Hut, surrounded by dramatic landscapes.
Day 5: Trek to Pofu Camp (4,020m)
Start your day with breakfast before trekking through rocky, volcanic landscapes and into the alpine desert zone. Along the way, marvel at panoramic views of the Kenyan plains to the north and Mount Meru to the east. The trek to Pofu Camp takes about 5-6 hours, with dinner and overnight at the camp.
Day 6: Trek to Third Cave Camp (3,830m)
After breakfast, you’ll descend through a forested zone towards Rongai Third Cave Camp. This trek takes about 5-6 hours. The changing landscapes provide a varied hiking experience as you prepare for the final ascent. Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Camp.Day 7: Trek to Base Camp, Kibo Hut Camp (4,750m)
Following breakfast, you’ll continue ascending through rocky terrain towards Kibo Hut Camp, which takes approximately 4-5 hours. Here, you’ll rest and prepare for the final summit push. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut Camp, your base for the ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 8: Summit Attempt – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
You’ll start your summit attempt at around midnight. After a hot drink and light snack, you’ll begin the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb will take approximately 9-10 hours, depending on conditions and your pace. Enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views from the highest point in Africa before descending back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest. Then continue your descent to Mweka Camp for overnight, a trek of about 4-5 hours through lush rainforest and cloud forest.
FAQ
The grand traverse route is one of the less-traveled routes on Kilimanjaro and offers stunning and varied landscapes, including the rarely visited northern side of the mountain. It is longer than other popular routes and requires trekkers to cross the mountain from one side to the other.
The grand traverse route is approximately 90 km (56 miles) long and takes about 10-12 days to complete. It is one of the longest and most challenging routes, requiring excellent physical fitness and stamina.
The success rate for the grand traverse route varies but is usually lower than other popular routes due to its length and difficulty. However, with proper preparation, the success rate is still achievable.
The grand traverse route offers a varied terrain, from rainforest to alpine desert to arctic-like conditions near the summit. It requires trekkers to cross the mountain from one side to the other, leading to a unique experience of Kilimanjaro while experiencing different ecological zones. The trail is generally well-maintained, but there are some steep and rocky sections.
The grand traverse route requires trekkers to have excellent physical fitness and stamina. As the trail is challenging and long, we highly recommend undertaking a fitness training program before the trek.
Safari Seekers Expedition will provide tents ,Chairs, table, potable outdoor Toilet /shower tent and a mess tents for meals and socializing.
We recommend bringing suitable clothing for the various terrains and temperatures, as well as a sturdy pair of hiking boots, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, and a variety of other essentials like a camera, headlamp, and water bottle. A comprehensive list of gear will be provided by your tour operator.
Note:
The Grand Traverse Expedition is designed for experienced trekkers seeking a comprehensive and adventurous climb of Kilimanjaro. This route offers a unique perspective of the mountain, away from the more traveled paths, with opportunities for stunning views and diverse landscapes. Acclimatization is key to this expedition, and our team of guides, porters, and chefs will support you throughout the journey, ensuring a successful and memorable ascent.
