Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to the hotel

You will be warmly welcome at the airport by our driver who will take you to the hotel in Moshi. After reaching the hotel your Kilimanjaro orientation will be done by your guide. Our expert team will discuss with you all the important details of your route and give you final tips for a successful hike. Your hiking equipment will then be thoroughly checked and you may be able to borrow missing equipment. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2350m) to MtiMkubwa (2750m)

Hiking time: 3 hours, Distance: 7 km,Height gain: 450m

You start early in the day! After breakfast, head to the Londorossi Gate with your mountain team. The three hour drive is a remarkable cultural experience, traversing the fascinating cities of BomaN’gombe and SanyaJuu. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro National Park, the authorities will register you for your trek as our team prepares everything for your ascent. Take the time and get to know all the members of your crew, including your porters and the cook. After registration, continue up the hill to the starting point of your hike. On the first leg of your Kilimanjaro ascent, you’ll wander through untamed wilderness, past ancient and exotic plant species. Black and white colobus monkeys bounce through the lush rainforest, while you may catch a glimpse of larger mammals such as elephants or buffaloes. Your destination for the day is MtiMkubwa Camp (2750 m), where you can relax for the rest of the day.

Day 3: MtiMkubwa (2,750m) to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)

Walking time: 6-7 hours, Distance: 10 km, Height gain: 800m

The day starts on the lower slopes of Kilimanjaro and you have the longest and most spectacular day ahead of you. You will pass through the last sections of the rainforest before the majestic barren landscape of the Moorland Zone pops up in front of you. Marvel at rare plant species, including the giant purple lobelia and the wild vegetation. Wander through the massive Shira Plateau, the remains of an ancient volcanic crater. You will then cross the Shira Ridge on the slopes of Shira Camp 1 (3,600m) where your crew will pitch up for you.

Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,550m) to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)

Walking time: 3-4 hours, Distance: 8 km, Height gain: 290m

After a warm breakfast, you will continue your scenic hike through the moorland. Few visitors have frequented this section of Kilimanjaro, allowing you to fully experience its pristine beauty. Along the Shira Plateau, you will be greeted by a truly breathtaking view of the top of Kilimanjaro, before you reach Shira Camp 2 (3810 m). The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the spectacular area, including the iconic Shira Cathedral, a towering volcanic stone formation. Your guide will take you on a short hike to help you get used to the altitude.

Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3840 m) to the Moir Hut Camp (4,200 m)

Walking time: 5-7 hours, Distance: 14 km, Height gain: 610m

On your fifth day the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route takes you to the High Alps Desert on the east side. Here you join with two of the famous routes such as the Lemosho and the Machame before a lonesome walk. You would have an opportunity to marvel at various desert plant species and the iconic shark-tooth volcanic rock formation on the way to the Lava Tower. The hike to the Lava Tower involves smooth acclimatization to the altitude. The end of the day is in sight as soon as you discover the Moir Camp (4,200 m) behind the magnificent Lent Hills. There you can put your feet up and enjoy a hot meal.

Day 6: Moir Hut Camp (4,200 m) to the Buffalo Camp (4020 m)

Walking time: 5 – 7 hours, Distance: 12 km, Height loss: 180m

The refreshing mountain air has a revitalizing effect and gives energy for the further ascent. After breakfast, continue your trek from the Moir Valley. Take a short diversion to the top of Lent Hill to admire the view before continuing on the Northern Circuit Trail. You would walk along hilly terrain until you reach the Buffalo Camp. Relax for the night on a breathtaking campsite watching the gigantic views of views of the Kenyan plains.

Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4020 m) to Third Cave (3870 m)

Walking time: 5 – 7 hours, Distance: 8 km, Height loss: 150m

Your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit adventure continues with a restful morning up to the top of the Buffalo Ridge, after lunch you will continue to pace eastwards through the Alpine landscape, the vegetation will become increasingly sparse Rongai Third Cave Camp. At this time of your Kilimanjaro climb, you are fully acclimatized.

Day 8: Third Cave Camp (3870 m) to School Hut (4,800 m)

Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours, Distance: 6 km, Height gain: 930m

This is the last leg of the hike before the final climb to the top of Kilimanjaro. The highlight of the day will be the hike up and over “The Sattle,” a lunar landscape that lies between the Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. You will then travel southwest to School Hut (4,800 m). Your guides will give you a final briefing on the early morning summit hike.

Day 9: School Hut (4,800 m) to Mweka Camp (3060 m)

Hiking time: 11 – 15 hours, Distance: 19 km, Height gain: 1095m,Heightloss: 2835m

Your last morning on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is an early start to the day. You and your mountain guide wander through the darkness of the night towards the main crater rim, to Gilman’s Point. Here you can enjoy a warm cup of tea before relaxing and enjoy the view of the surrounding glaciers. You reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in time to catch the sunrise, one of the most spectacular natural scenery. A feeling of exhilaration will inspire you, you have made it to the highest point of Africa, the Uhuru Peak. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the view before you begin your descent along the crater rim. The Mweka Camp is your last stop of the journey. Fall into a triumphant sleep and admire one last time the starry night sky.

Day 10: Mweka Camp (3060 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m) to Moshi

Walking time: 3 – 4 hours, Distance: 10 km, Height loss: 1420m

The last hike is short and takes you to the Mweka Gate. Our vehicle will take you back to the hotel, where you will find a hot shower, soft mattress and a range of clean clothes, as well as the ceremonial handover of your certificate.

Day 11: Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport

Our driver will take you to the airport from where you will take your return flight home. If you have decided on a safari, then start your second adventure, which we also like to take care of.

Number of Days: 9 Days | 8 Night

Location: Kilimanjaro Mountain