9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route

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) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate, located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. The drive from Moshi takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you will complete registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. After a short briefing, enjoy a light lunch before beginning the trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp, crossing farmland and rainforest. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, bushbucks, or even elephants and buffalo. Dinner will be served at camp, where you can enjoy your first night 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)

Trek through dense rainforest, gradually entering heath and moorland zones. You will enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes and the emerging alpine environment. The trail passes through scenic streams, mossy forest, and scattered wildlife sightings. Shira Camp 1 offers your first opportunity to experience high plateau camping. Afternoon at leisure to rest and acclimatize.

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

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

Cross the Shira Plateau, an ancient lava flow area with unique vegetation including giant lobelias and senecios. Enjoy striking views of the Western Breach and Kilimanjaro’s ice fields. The plateau is exposed, so prepare for cold nights with temperatures below zero. Afternoon optional short hike for acclimatization.

• 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)

Ascend eastward across the plateau, trekking through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and entering the high alpine desert zone. Reach Lava Tower (4,600m) and the Shark’s Tooth rock formation for lunch. Descend to Moir Camp (4,200m) for overnight rest. This “climb high, sleep low” day is essential for acclimatization.

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

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

Ascend moderately out of Moir Valley with optional climb to Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for panoramic views. Continue along rolling inclines and declines skirting Kibo’s northern slopes to Buffalo Camp (4,020m). Spectacular northern vistas of Kilimanjaro and distant plains. Afternoon for rest and acclimatization.

• 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) – Third Cave Camp (3,800m)

Descend slightly as you trek along Buffalo Ridge to Porfu Camp for lunch. Continue east to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3,800m). The trek is shorter than previous days, allowing further acclimatization and a more relaxed afternoon in camp.

• 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) – School Hut (4,800m)

Steady incline up and over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. Ascend to School Hut (4,800m). Dinner early, rest well, and prepare all gear for the midnight summit attempt.

• Distance: ~15 km / 8 miles
• Trekking time: 4–5 hours
• Zone: High Alpine / Glacial Zone
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 9: School Hut (4,800m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Millennium Camp (3,950m)

Begin the final ascent around 23:30, pass Hans Meyer Cave, then Gilman’s Point (5,681m), and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise. Descend to Barafu Camp (4,680m) for rest, then continue to Millennium Camp (3,950m) for overnight. Trekking duration is long, so pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maintain energy.

• Distance: ~6 km / 3.5 miles ascent, 10.5 km / 6 miles descent
• Trekking time: 6–8 hours ascent, 4–6 hours descent
• Zone: Glacial Zone and preceding zones
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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

Descend through montane rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Sign out and collect your official summit certificate (green certificate for reaching Gilman’s Point, gold certificate for Uhuru Peak). Celebrate before returning to Moshi for hot shower, meals, and overnight rest.

• Distance: ~10 km / 6.5 miles
• Trekking time: 3–4 hours
• Zone: Rainforest
• 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