OVERVIEW

The Northern Circuit is the longest, most gradual, and most scenic Kilimanjaro route. It encircles almost the entire peak, offering fantastic acclimatization and remote wilderness before joining the summit approach from the east.

DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

-After registration at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, you’ll drive through lush farmland and enter the montane rainforest. Look for blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and exotic birdlife as you trek under a thick canopy dripping with moss and vines. The path is often muddy but wonderfully atmospheric. You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in time to settle in, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night surrounded by forest sounds.

-Elevation: 7,742 ft / 2,360 m → 9,498 ft / 2,895 m

-Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles

-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

-Habitat: Montane Forest

-Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

-Leave the rainforest behind as you climb steeply onto the Shira Plateau, crossing ridges and valleys carpeted in heather. The views open up spectacularly, with Kibo’s snowy peak visible ahead and the Shira Ridge to the west. Giant lobelias dot the landscape. By the time you reach Shira 1 Camp, you’ll be high on the broad plateau with wide horizons and the chance for a truly spectacular sunset.

-Elevation: 9,498 ft / 2,895 m → 11,500 ft / 3,505 m

-Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles

-Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

-Habitat: Moorland

-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

-Today is a gentle crossing of the Shira Plateau. The trail offers sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s southern ice fields and strange volcanic formations. You’ll pass ancient lava flows and beautiful high-altitude flowers. This gradual, easy day is perfect for acclimatization. Shira 2 Camp offers excellent sunset views with Kibo in dramatic relief against the sky.

-Elevation: 11,500 ft / 3,505 m → 12,500 ft / 3,810 m

-Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles

-Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

-Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Heath

-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Leave the busier southern trail and turn north toward the remote Moir Hut. Ascend steadily through high desert terrain, with stunning views back across the Shira Plateau and up to Kibo’s glaciers. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and otherworldly. Moir Hut sits in a secluded valley beneath Lent Hills, offering optional acclimatization hikes in the afternoon for those with energy.

-Elevation: 12,500 ft / 3,810 m → 13,800 ft / 4,206 m

-Distance: ~9 km / 5.6 miles

-Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

-Habitat: Alpine Desert

-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: Moir Hut.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Start the day with an optional scramble up Lent Hills for panoramic views. Then trek across the northern slopes, a remote and less-traveled region of Kilimanjaro with dramatic vistas over the Kenyan plains. The trail rises and falls over ridges and valleys with sparse vegetation and endless skies. Buffalo Camp is a quiet, remote site with beautiful sunsets and brilliant stars.

-Elevation: 13,800 ft / 4,206 m → 13,580 ft / 4,140 m

-Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 miles

-Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

-Habitat: Alpine Desert / Heath

-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: Buffalo Camp.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Continue across Kilimanjaro’s vast northern flanks, with steady ascents and descents that help with acclimatization. The trail is quiet and wild, with sweeping views of the vast wilderness below and the looming cone of Mawenzi rising to the southeast. Arrive at Third Cave Camp in time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the big climb to high camp tomorrow.

-Elevation: 13,580 ft / 4,140 m → 12,700 ft / 3,870 m

-Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles

-Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

-Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert

-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: Third Cave Camp.

Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Climb steadily toward the eastern base of Kibo. The air is thin, and the terrain is starkly beautiful with endless scree fields and volcanic rock. School Hut is your final high camp before the summit bid, offering excellent views of Mawenzi and the Saddle. The afternoon is for rest and early dinner. Your guides will brief you in detail for the summit push that begins before midnight.

-Elevation: 12,700 ft / 3,870 m → 15,600 ft / 4,750 m

-Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 miles

-Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

-Habitat: Alpine Desert

-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: School Hut.

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Start around midnight on switchbacks of scree and volcanic ash. This demanding section takes you slowly to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim for an unforgettable sunrise. From here, circle the crater to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with panoramic views over glaciers and the plains below. After photos and celebrations, descend carefully to School Hut or Kibo Hut for rest (some itineraries pause briefly here), then continue your long descent to Mweka Camp. The thickening air and green surroundings will be a huge relief after your summit triumph.

-Elevation: 15,600 ft / 4,750 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 10,065 ft / 3,070 m

-Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 miles

-Hiking Time: 12–16 hours

-Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

-Accommodation: Mweka Camp.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

A final celebratory morning on Kilimanjaro. Descend through lush rainforest with singing birds and towering ancient trees. Watch for monkeys in the canopy as you make your way to Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your well-earned summit certificates, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha for hot showers, cold drinks, and the satisfaction of conquering Africa’s tallest mountain on its longest and most scenic route.

-Elevation: 10,065 ft / 3,070 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m

-Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles

-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

-Habitat: Montane Forest

-Meals: Breakfast

WHAT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE

-Bed and Breakfast, all transfer and all stated in the itinerary including entrance fees.

-The right is reserved to substitute hotels when necessary, for those described in this package.