The Northern Traverse
Kilimanjaro stands at 19,340 feet. The highest point in Africa and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. The Northern Traverse is Kilimanjaro’s longest route, crossing the remote northern face where few climbers ever venture. Twelve days of gradual ascent through five distinct climate zones, culminating in a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak at dawn.
Highlights
Duration
12 Days, 11 Nights
Parks and Locations
Kilimanjaro National Park
Tanzania
Transportation
Hiking
4 Wheel Drive
Included Activities
Summit Africa’s Highest Peak
Hiking
Camping
Why the Northern Traverse?
The Northern Traverse is the longer route on Kilimanjaro, giving you the best acclimatization profile on the mountain. It travels the least visited side of Kilimanjaro, meaning dramatically quieter camps and more expansive landscapes from start to finish. More time at altitude translates directly into higher summit success rates. Making the Northern Traverse not just the most beautiful way up, but the smartest.
Is This Right for Me?
The Journey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive well-prepared and well-briefed for the journey ahead. The climb begins at Simba Farm on Kilimanjaro’s shoulder, where you’ll stretch, shake out travel fatigue, and begin acclimatizing to altitude. This first night sets the foundation for a successful summit by easing your body into the mountain environment.
Highlights
- Arrival and orientation
- Altitude preparation and gear check
- First night of acclimatization
Your first acclimatization hike follows the climb-high, sleep-low philosophy. Hiking through lush rainforest toward Lemosho, you gain altitude before returning to camp to sleep lower. A proven strategy for reducing altitude risk and increasing summit success.
Highlights
- Rainforest hike above 9,000ft
- High-altitude skills and pacing guide
- Intentional acclimatization strategy
Leaving Simba Farm, you ascend above the tree line to Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach plateau. The landscape opens dramatically as you reach Shira Camp at approximately 11,500 ft, offering sweeping views and a true sense of elevation.
Highlights
- Transition above tree line
- Expansive plateau landscapes
- Significant altitude gain with strong acclimatization support
A mostly level traverse across ancient lava fields leads to Cathedral Point — a striking rock formation with panoramic views. After a slight detour and scramble, continue to Shira II Camp for another measured day of altitude progression.
Highlights
- Cathedral Point scramble
- Dramatic volcanic terrain
- Moderate elevation gain for recovery and balance
Hike north toward Moir Hut at the base of the Lent Hills, named after German geologist Carl Lent. An optional evening hike into the Lent Hills provides additional acclimatization and stunning high-altitude scenery
Highlights
- Remote northern approach
- Optional Lent Hills acclimatization hike
- Quiet camps far from crowds
After a steep climb from Moir Valley, the terrain opens into expansive northern views stretching toward Kenya. Today follows a climb-high, sleep-low approach, with Pofu Camp positioned lower than the previous night to support recovery.
Highlights
- Panoramic northern views
- Strong acclimatization day
- Rare sightings of Eland Antelope
A gentler downhill hike leads to Third Cave Camp, one of the most restful acclimatization stops on the route. With additional recovery time built in, this day prepares your body for the summit push ahead.
Highlights
- Lower sleeping altitude
- Rest and recovery focus
- Optional hot shower setup
Climb toward the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, reaching nearly 15,000 ft before descending slightly to Mawenzi Tarn Camp. This remote alpine basin is one of the most beautiful and peaceful camps on the mountain.
Highlights
- High-altitude acclimatization hike
- Views of Mawenzi Peak
- One of the quietest camps on Kilimanjaro
Your acclimatization efforts pay off as you move to School Hut at 15,479 ft. Rugged and exposed, this historic camp sits directly below the summit route and positions you for a strong summit attempt.
Highlights
- Final acclimatization stage
- Expansive alpine terrain
- Strategic positioning for summit night
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Coffee Lodge photo
Begin the summit push just after midnight, ascending slowly and deliberately. Reach the crater rim at dawn and continue to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. After summit photos and celebration, descend to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest.
Highlights
- Uhuru Peak (19,340ft)
- Sunrise summit views
- Long but rewarding descent
Descend through rainforest to the park exit, where you’ll receive summit certificates before transferring to the lodge for a celebratory shower, meal, and reflection on the journey completed.
Highlights
- Rainforest Descent
- Summit Certification
- Comfortable lodge recovery
Where You’ll Sleep
Accommodations
Simba Farm Training Camp | 2 Night
A private, high-quality training camp used exclusively by Deeper Africa. Simba Farm allows for gradual altitude exposure, preparation, and recovery before committing to higher elevations.
Why we chose it
- Ideal environment for early acclimatization
- Private, quiet setting
- Strong foundation for summit success
Shira I & shira II Camp | 2 Nights
Located above the tree line on Kilimanjaro’s western shoulder, Shira Camps introduce expansive alpine terrain and consistent altitude gain while maintaining manageable hiking days.
Why we chose it
- Wide-open plateau landscapes
- Balanced elevation progression
- Fewer crowds than southern routes
Moir Hut Camp | 1 Night
Set at the base of the Lent Hills, Moir Hut offers exceptional acclimatization opportunities and access to one of the mountain’s quietest regions.
Why we chose it
- Remote northern location
- Optional acclimatization hikes
- Minimal foot traffic
pofu Camp | 1 Night
A seldom-used camp positioned to support climb-high, sleep-low acclimatization. Its isolation enhances both recovery and wilderness immersion.
Why we chose it
- Strategic acclimatization placement
- Expansive views toward Kenya
- Rarely visited by other groups
Third cave Camp | 1 Night
Lower and more protected than surrounding camps, Third Cave provides crucial recovery time before the final ascent.
Why we chose it
- Restorative altitude adjustment
- Sheltered terrain
- Excellent pre-summit recovery
Mawenzi tarn Camp | 1 Night
One of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic camps, set in a dramatic alpine basin beneath Mawenzi Peak.
Why we chose it
- Exceptional scenery
- Strong acclimatization benefits
- Remote, peaceful environment
School hut Camp | 1 Night
A rugged, high-altitude camp positioned for summit success. This is your launch point for Uhuru Peak.
Why we chose it
- Optimal summit positioning
- Proven success rate
- Final acclimatization checkpoint
Life on the Mountain
Camp Photo Gallery
Kilimanjaro Coffee Lodge | 1 Night
A comfortable lodge at the base of the mountain offering showers, a warm meal, and a proper celebration of your achievement.
Why we chose it
- Ideal recovery environment
- Comfort after extended expedition
- Celebratory close to the journey
Best Time to Climb
Best: December – February
- Fewer crowds
- Snow possible
Better: September – October
- Stable
- Dry conditions
Good: June – August
- Cooler but busier
Safety + Support
- Wilderness First Responder–trained guides
- Daily health and oxygen checks
- Emergency oxygen and evacuation protocols
- Small group sizes for close monitoring
What to Pack
- Layered cold-weather system (base, mid, down)
- Mountaineering boots (broken in)
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bag rated for high altitude
- Daypack + duffel
Acclimatization Philosophy
The Northern Traverse is intentionally designed around the climb-high, sleep-low principle. Multiple acclimatization days and strategic elevation gains allow your body to adapt naturally, reducing risk and increasing summit success.
Investment
Pricing + What’s Included
Custom Departures – Choose Your Own Dates
Per person, inclusive of all park fees, rescue fees, and local taxes
Solo Travelers Welcome: No Single Supplement
Included in the Price:
- ✓Expert leadership from veteran lead & assistant guide
- ✓Porters to carry all gear (except personal daypack)
- ✓Roomy 3-person mountain tents (for double or singles)
- ✓All lodging as in the itinerary
- ✓All meals and safe drinking water with private cook
- ✓Dining and warming tent
- ✓Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks + hot drinks
- ✓All group camping and cooking equipment
- ✓All land transportation and airport transfers
- ✓All park and entrance fees
- ✓Private portable showers
- ✓Private portable toilettes
- ✓Advanced first aid and safety gear with emergency oxygen
- ✓Unlimited predeparture coaching and question answering
Excluded from the Price:
- ✗International travel
- ✗Visas + passports
- ✗Travel insurance
- ✗Gratuities
From Our Climbers
What Our Climbers Say
“I have traveled to Africa over the years. My excitement and hopes for Mt. Kilimanjaro were high. Deeper Africa, with its compassionate crew and attention to detail made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe and cared for at every step. At each day’s end, finding our camp set up with pristine tents and delicious food waiting for us is pure magic. I will forever cherish. I can still hear the crew laughing and singing as we started each day after coffee and breakfast.”
– Ann Valentine, summited on July 4, 2023
“A big thank you to Wil Smith of Deeper Africa for preparing me on this unforgettable adventure and to our guide Emanuel for guiding us safely to the top. The climb felt like a metaphor for life. You have support around you, obstacles in your path, but in the end, only you can get yourself to the top.”
– Lucy Minde, summited August 2024
Why Join Us?
Decades of Mountaineering & Safari Know How
We’ve been guiding and climbing in Africa for over twenty years. Our guides and leaders are the best in class with multiple decades of training and experience. Our mountain guides have hundreds of summits on Kilimanjaro. Trained in outdoor leadership and certified as Wilderness Medical Responders, not only do they keep you safe and healthy, but they also create the memorable and transformative experience of a lifetime.
We have personally scouted and selected the best trail for its beauty, quietude, and its safe and sane accessibility to the summit. Our approach is expertly designed so even one living at sea level can acclimatize to the altitude (19,340 ft) for a successful and enjoyable summit.
It’s not our style to follow the crowds. We always look for fresh new ways to make each new climb better than the last. We are a small group-big-experience outfitter.
Ready to Reach the Roof of Africa
Our expert guides have led hundreds of climbers to Uhuru Peak. Your summit awaits.
Questions? Contact us at wil@deeperafrica.com