8 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing via Northern Circuit

Upon arrival (if you've opted for airport transfers), we’ll meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
In the evening, a pre-trek briefing will be held at your hotel to go over trek details and review your gear. Rental equipment can be arranged as needed. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the trek begins.
Meals are not included on this day.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Londorossi Gate, which is about a 3-hour drive from Moshi. From here, we will continue by 4WD to Lemosho Glades and begin the hike along the forest trails. The walk will take us to Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, which sits at an elevation of 2,650 meters. The distance covered on this day is 6 kilometers, and the trek will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. The habitat on this section is montane forest, offering a lush and scenic start to your journey. Lunch and dinner will be served at the campsite.

After breakfast, we will continue our ascent as the trail gradually steepens, transitioning into the giant heather moorland zone. We will cross several streams before ascending the Shira Ridge and gently descending toward Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau at 3,500 meters. The distance covered today will be 8 kilometers, taking about 4 to 5 hours. The habitat along the route changes to moorland, with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided at Shira 1 Camp.

On this day, we will begin with a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp, located in the moorland meadows by a stream. From there, we will continue eastward, passing through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ before entering the high alpine desert zone. As we join the Northern Circuit route, we will head down toward Moir Camp, situated at 4,200 meters. The distance covered on this day is 14 kilometers, and the hike will take between 6 to 8 hours. The habitat transitions to a more arid, alpine environment as we make our way to Moir Camp, where we will spend the night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the camp.

Today’s hike involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We can also take an optional hike to Little Lent Hill, which stands at 4,375 meters, before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here, we will follow a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo. The day will culminate in our arrival at Buffalo Camp, which is situated at 4,020 meters. The total distance covered will be 12 kilometers, and the hike will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. The habitat is high alpine, and the landscapes continue to be rugged and impressive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided at Buffalo Camp.

We begin the day with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge before descending to Porfu Camp, where we will have lunch. From there, we will continue eastward, following the northern slopes around Kibo before reaching the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The distance for the day is 8 kilometers, and the trek will take about 5 to 7 hours. By now, you should be feeling well acclimatized, and the trek will be a bit shorter than previous days. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the Third Cave.

Today’s hike will take us up and over the Saddle, the plateau between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. From the Saddle, we will continue our ascent to School Hut, which is situated at an elevation of 4,800 meters. The total distance covered will be 15 kilometers, and the hike will take about 4 to 5 hours. The habitat is alpine desert, with the terrain becoming more barren as we approach School Hut. Once there, we will have an early dinner and rest, preparing for the midnight summit attempt. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided at School Hut.

Your summit day begins in the early hours of the morning, with hot tea and biscuits served at 11:30 PM. We will begin the ascent from School Hut, heading up the steep slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. The first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where we will take a short break. The climb becomes steeper as we approach Gilman’s Point at 5,681 meters. After reaching Gilman’s Point, we will continue westward around the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the continent at 5,895 meters. The total distance for the day will be 6 kilometers up and 11 kilometers down, and the trekking time will be between 10 to 14 hours. After a brief stay at the summit for photos and views of the surrounding glaciers, we will descend along the crater rim to Stella Point at 5,739 meters, before heading down the scree slopes to Barafu Camp. From Barafu Camp, we will continue down to Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters for the night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served during the day.

On the final day, we will descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we will receive your summit certificates. The total distance for the day is 10 kilometers, and the descent will take about 3 to 4 hours. The habitat changes to forest, and the trail can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. After reaching the gate, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi. Breakfast will be served on this day.