9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route with Crater Overnight

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi Town

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, including safety tips, route overview, and a gear check to ensure everything is in order. Any essential equipment may be rented today. This day is designed to help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for your adventure.

• Meals: Not included
• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

Day 2: Moshi – Londorossi Gate (2,100m) – Trail Start (2,360m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

Drive approximately 2 hours from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. After park registration, enjoy lunch at the trailhead before beginning your trek. The trail passes through dense rainforest and cultivated farmlands, with the chance to spot colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and occasionally elephants or buffalo. As you approach Mti Mkubwa Camp, the forest opens into mossy glades. The camp is equipped with tents and a mess tent, and you’ll enjoy your first dinner under the stars.

• Distance: ~5.5 km / 3 miles
• Trekking time: 3–4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) – Shira Camp 1 (3,610m)

Begin trekking into the low alpine zone, where the dense forest gives way to open moorland. Admire giant lobelias, senecios, and unique alpine flora. Views begin to open of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The moderate climb allows for a smooth acclimatization process. Overnight at Shira Camp 1, set amidst the highland plateau, providing spectacular sunset views.

• Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles
• Trekking time: 4–5 hours
• Zone: Low Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,610m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,850m)

Cross the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas. Marvel at the Western Breach and jagged cliffs of Mawenzi Peak. Optional short hikes around the plateau allow for acclimatization and photography. Nights are cold, often below 0°C, so layers and thermal wear are essential.

• Distance: ~7 km / 4 miles
• Trekking time: 3–4 hours
• Zone: Low Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,850m) – Moir Camp (4,200m) via Lava Tower (4,600m)

Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m), passing through the Garden of Senecios and the high alpine desert. Lunch at Lava Tower offers incredible views of the Kilimanjaro glaciers. Descend to Moir Camp (4,200m) for overnight. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy enhances acclimatization and reduces altitude sickness risk.

• Distance: ~14 km / 8 miles
• Trekking time: 5–7 hours
• Zone: Low Alpine Zone / High Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Moir Camp (4,200m) – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Today’s trek takes you along the northern slopes of Kibo, skirting Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for an optional short climb. Enjoy panoramic views of the Kenyan and Tanzanian plains below. Arrival at Buffalo Camp provides a rest day and acclimatization before the high-altitude trek to the crater.

• Distance: ~12 km / 7 miles
• Trekking time: 5–7 hours
• Zone: High Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) – Rongai Third Cave (3,800m)

Descend gently into the low alpine zone, passing Porfu Camp where lunch is served. Trek continues around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro to Rongai Third Cave Camp. The shorter day allows for extra rest and acclimatization, preparing you for the demanding summit night.

• Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
• Trekking time: 5–7 hours
• Zone: High Alpine / Low Alpine Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 8: Third Cave Camp (3,800m) – Crater Camp (5,700m)

Trek across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Pass through glacial moraine areas, rocky paths, and alpine desert. Arrive at the crater rim and set up camp. Enjoy sunset over Mawenzi and Kibo, and marvel at glacial formations. Overnight at Crater Camp (5,700m)—the highest overnight experience on Kilimanjaro.

• Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 miles
• Trekking time: 6–8 hours
• Zone: High Alpine / Glacial Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: Crater Camp (5,700m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Millennium Camp (3,950m)

Wake pre-dawn to trek to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Witness the dramatic crater, glaciers, and 360-degree views. After photographs, descend via Stella Point and Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp for overnight. Total trekking time is long and physically demanding, but the summit experience is unforgettable.

• Distance: ~4–5 km ascent, 10 km descent
• Trekking time: 4–5 hours ascent, 4–6 hours descent
• Zone: Glacial / High Alpine / Preceding Zones
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,950m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m)

Final descent through dense montane rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Sign out with park authorities and receive your official certificate (green for Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak). Celebrate the completion of your epic journey before transfer back to Moshi.

• Distance: ~10 km / 6.5 miles
• Trekking time: 3–4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest Zone
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 11: Departure and Optional Excursions

On your final day, we ensure your adventure concludes smoothly and memorably. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport. For guests with extra time before departure, optional activities can be arranged, including cultural experiences, wildlife visits, scenic nature excursions, or relaxing opportunities. Extended stays can include safaris or beach holidays to continue your Tanzanian adventure.

• Meals: Not included