9-Day Northern Circuit Route - Climbing Kilimanjaro

As you walk out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to enchating hotel in Arusha Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition on Kilimanjaro.

On the first day, after breakfast and a briefing from your guide at you’ll be transferred to Lemosho Park Gate ( 2,100m), a 1.5-hour drive. At Londorossi Gate, you’ll complete the registration before starting your trek along scenic forest trails to Mti Mkubwa Campsite (2750m), a 3-hour hike. Upon arrival, the porters will set up the tents and our chef will prepare lunch. After enjoying your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing about the next day’s trek. Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft Distance: 6km/4mi Hiking Time: 2-3 hours Habitat: Montane Forest

On the second day, you’ll start early with breakfast before embarking on a short hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp, which typically takes up to 5 hours. As you trek, you’ll be treated to views of the west face of Kibo Volcano, often referred to as Kilimanjaro. The trail traverses lower moonland, showcasing large shrubs and vibrant wildflowers. Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp, our porters will set up your tents while our chef prepares lunch. After your meal, you’ll have time to relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will provide a briefing on the plans for the following day’s trek. Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day. Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft Distance: 8km/5mi Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Moorland

This day is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process. Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft Distance: 14km/8mi Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: Moorland

Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft Distance: 12km/7mi Walking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: High Alpine

We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon. Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft Distance: 8km/5mi Climbing Time: 5-7 hours Habitat: High Alpine

Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut. After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed. Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft Distance: 15km/8mi Climbing Time: 4-5 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break

Descend from Millennium Camp (3,110 m) to Mweka Gate (1,830 m) in approximately 2 to 3 hours. Once at the gate, you’ll receive your climbing certificate to commemorate your achievement. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation in Arusha for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel, reflecting on your incredible journey and the accomplishment of your climb. If you have booked a safari, our safari coordinator will meet with you in the afternoon to provide a pre-briefing and discuss your upcoming adventure. For more details about the safari options, please visit our Safari page. Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your adventure, you may choose to add a day trip to your itinerary, exploring nearby attractions or immersing yourself in local culture. For more details, we invite you to visit our Day Trip page. Alternatively, you can continue your journey with a visit to the stunning island of Zanzibar. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or delving into the island’s rich culture, Zanzibar offers something for everyone. Explore our Zanzibar page to discover the perfect package for your next excursion. If you’re interested in adding a safari experience, please visit our Safari page for more information on our exciting safari options.