9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a warm Tanzanian welcome at KIA/JRO. Our driver transfers you to your Moshi hotel. After settling in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing and gear check to ensure everything is in place for your Northern Circuit climb. Missing equipment can be rented. The evening is yours to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy views of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain your challenge begins tomorrow.

Your journey into Kilimanjaro National Park begins with registration at Londorossi Gate before driving to the trailhead at 2,360m. After lunch, you start the day’s gentle ascent through thick rainforest, surrounded by towering trees, tropical birdlife, and the chance to spot buffalo or elephant. The short hike eases you into the rhythm of the climb as you move deeper into lush vegetation. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where dinner awaits under a star-filled African sky, setting the emotional tone for your mountain adventure. Trekking Duration: 3–4 hours Total Distance: 6 km Overnight Camp: Mti Mkubwa Camp – 2,820m Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: Montane Rainforest

You begin the morning trekking through the last stretch of rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone. The trail gently climbs toward the vast Shira Plateau, offering sweeping views as vegetation shifts from forest to open landscapes. With cool breezes and increasing altitude, the day provides a beautiful introduction to high-altitude hiking. You’ll reach Shira Camp 1 by early afternoon, allowing time to rest, hydrate, and take in one of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic plateaus. Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours Total Distance: 8 km Overnight Camp: Shira Camp 1 – 3,610m Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek crosses the expansive Shira Plateau toward Shira Camp 2, where you stop for lunch. The scenery transforms dramatically as you enter the “Garden of the Senecios” a surreal landscape filled with giant groundsels and volcanic formations. Afterward, you continue into the high alpine desert and turn onto the Northern Circuit, eventually descending gently into the secluded Lava Tower. The views, silence, and remoteness begin to capture Kilimanjaro’s true wilderness, helping your body acclimatize before the higher demands ahead. Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours Total Distance: 8 km Overnight Camp: Shira Camp – 3,610m Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: Moorland

This crucial acclimatization day starts with a steady ascent toward Lava Tower (4,600m). The dramatic volcanic formations around Shark’s Tooth highlight Kilimanjaro’s raw volcanic history. You enjoy lunch at high altitude, allowing your body to adjust before descending to Moir Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” day significantly improves your summit success chances. The landscape becomes harsher, colder, and more rugged yet incredibly beautiful. You’ll end the day feeling stronger, more acclimatized, and mentally prepared for the journey ahead. Trekking Duration: 6–7 hours Total Distance: 6–7 hours Overnight Camp: Moir Camp – 4,200m Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: Alpine Desert

You begin with a steep ascent out of Moir Valley, with optional detour to climb Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for panoramic views. The Northern Circuit trail continues along Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes, offering vast open plains stretching toward Kenya. Gentle ascents and descents characterize the path, rewarding you with breathtaking scenery throughout. Arriving at Buffalo Camp after midday, you’ll enjoy lunch and well-earned rest, appreciating how far you’ve come across this untamed landscape. Trekking Duration: 5–7 hours Total Distance: 9km Overnight Camp: Buffalo Camp – 4,020m Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: Alpine Desert

The morning begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge before descending into a Camp for lunch. The trail continues east across Kilimanjaro’s remote northern flank, offering peaceful, uncrowded trekking. By now, most climbers feel well-adjusted to altitude, making the journey smoother. You arrive at the Third Cave in the afternoon, surrounded by volcanic panoramas and the impressive sight of Mawenzi Peak in the distance. Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours Total Distance: 8km Overnight Camp: Rongai Third Cave – 3,800m Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: High Moorland

A steady ascent takes you across the lunar-like Saddle, a vast high-altitude desert stretching between Mawenzi and Kibo. The scenery is surreal, silent, and emotionally powerful as you approach the final camp before the summit push. You reach School Hut by early evening, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare your summit gear. Rest is essential tonight as your ascent to Uhuru Peak begins just before midnight. Expect a mix of anticipation, excitement, and determination. Trekking Duration: 4–5 hours Total Distance: 8km Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: High Moorland

Your summit push begins around midnight, ascending past Hans Meyer Cave to Gilman’s Point. Witness a spectacular sunrise as you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Barafu for rest, then continue to Millennium Camp for your final night. Trekking Duration: 14–16 hours Total Distance: 14 km Overnight Camp: Millennium Camp – 3,950m Meal Plan: Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included) Habitat: Moorland

Your final descent takes you through lush montane forest, alive with birdsong and soft, earthy trails. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you will receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate, an enduring reminder of your achievement. Your driver will then transfer you back to Moshi for lunch, a refreshing shower, and relaxation. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be driven to the airport for your onward journey. With renewed spirit and unforgettable memories, you bid farewell to Kilimanjaro, the mountain that has transformed you.