10 Days Northern Circuit Route

Day 1: Londorosi Gate (2,250m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)

• Hiking Distance: 7 km (3–4 hours)
• Habitat: Rainforest

After a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorosi Gate, you’ll complete registration and drive to the Lemosho trailhead. The trek starts with a gentle walk through the dense rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife.

You’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”), where you’ll enjoy dinner and settle in for your first night on the mountain.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)

• Hiking Distance: 8 km (5–6 hours)
• Habitat: Moorland

Today, you’ll leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, following trails with stunning views of Shira Ridge. As you ascend, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the landscape opens up.

You’ll reach Shira 1 Camp by early afternoon, where you’ll relax and enjoy the incredible sunset over the plateau.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)

• Hiking Distance: 7 km (3–4 hours)
• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek is a shorter acclimatization hike across the Shira Plateau, a vast volcanic expanse with panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru.

You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you’ll rest and prepare for higher altitudes.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,900m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (6–8 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

This day follows the “climb high, sleep low” strategy. You’ll trek up to Lava Tower (4,630m), where you’ll have lunch and experience high altitude before descending to Moir Hut (4,200m).

Moir Hut is a remote and less-traveled campsite, providing a quiet and scenic overnight stop.

Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

• Hiking Distance: 12 km (5–7 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today, you’ll leave the southern routes behind and follow the Northern Circuit trail, which offers unparalleled views of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park and the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

You’ll reach Buffalo Camp, where you’ll enjoy another peaceful night away from the crowds.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)

• Hiking Distance: 8 km (5–6 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trail continues eastward, passing through remote landscapes with rocky terrain and rolling hills. You’ll get breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s jagged secondary summit.

You’ll camp at Third Cave Camp, where you’ll prepare for the high-altitude days ahead.

Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) to School Hut (4,800m)

• Hiking Distance: 5 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trek to School Hut is short but steep, taking you to the final base camp before the summit attempt. You’ll reach camp early, allowing you to rest and prepare for the midnight ascent.

After an early dinner, you’ll sleep as much as possible before the summit push.

Day 8: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Crater Camp (5,730m)

• Hiking Distance: 6 km (7–9 hours)
• Habitat: Arctic

🌙 Midnight Summit Attempt!

At midnight, you’ll start the toughest part of the trek, ascending steep switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m). After a short break, you’ll push forward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa! 🎉

Instead of descending immediately, you’ll trek down to Crater Camp (5,730m), the highest campsite on Kilimanjaro, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by glaciers.

Day 9: Crater Camp (5,730m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Hiking Distance: 14 km (6–8 hours)
• Habitat: Arctic (summit), Moorland (descent)

You’ll wake up to breathtaking sunrise views over Kilimanjaro’s glaciers before beginning your long descent through Barafu Camp and down to Mweka Camp.

After an exhausting but rewarding day, you’ll enjoy a warm meal and celebrate your achievement with the team.

Day 10: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m)

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (3–4 hours)
• Habitat: Rainforest

The final day is a relaxing descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate.

A private transfer will take you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime achievement! 🎉