Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area. In the evening, your lead mountain guide will conduct a comprehensive pre-climb briefing, review the itinerary, and inspect your trekking equipment to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permit formalities before proceeding to the trailhead. The trek begins through the dense rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s western slope, home to a variety of bird species and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Elevation: 2,100m – 2,780m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Today’s trail gradually leaves the rainforest and enters the heath and moorland zone. As the vegetation changes, spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak begin to emerge.

Elevation: 2,780m – 3,500m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours

Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

A shorter trekking day allows for proper acclimatization while crossing the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. The afternoon provides an opportunity to rest or take an acclimatization walk under the guidance of your mountain team.

Elevation: 3,500m – 3,850m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Hut Camp

The trail ascends steadily into the alpine desert zone. This less-traveled section of the mountain offers stunning landscapes and excellent opportunities for acclimatization.

Elevation: 3,850m – 4,200m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours

Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Moir Hut Camp – Buffalo Camp

Trek across the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro with sweeping views across the Kenyan plains. This stage highlights the unique wilderness character that makes the Northern Circuit one of the mountain’s most sought-after routes.

Elevation: 4,200m – 4,020m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 Hours

Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Continue traversing Kilimanjaro’s northern flank beneath the towering summit cone. The gradual ascent profile supports excellent acclimatization while offering uninterrupted mountain scenery.

Elevation: 4,020m – 3,870m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours

Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Third Cave Camp – School Hut Camp

Today’s hike leads to School Hut, the final camp before summit day. Upon arrival, enjoy an early dinner and rest as your guides provide a detailed briefing for the summit ascent.

Elevation: 3,870m – 4,800m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 Hours

Accommodation: School Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Your summit attempt begins shortly after midnight. Under the glow of headlamps and a star-filled sky, ascend steadily toward Gilman’s Point and Stella Point before reaching the ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.

Standing at 5,895 meters above sea level, you will witness a breathtaking sunrise over Africa from the highest point on the continent. After celebrating your achievement and capturing memorable photographs, begin the descent to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Elevation: 4,800m – 5,895m – 3,100m
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 Hours

Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Departure

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Afterward, transfer to Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.

Elevation: 3,100m – 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours

Meals: Breakfast & Lunc

Why Trek Kilimanjaro with Us?

Our Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Trek is designed to provide the highest levels of safety, comfort, and summit success. Supported by experienced mountain guides, professional porters, quality equipment, and carefully planned acclimatization schedules, we deliver an exceptional trekking experience from arrival to summit.

Whether your goal is to challenge yourself, celebrate a milestone, or fulfill a lifelong dream, the Northern Circuit Route offers the most rewarding journey to the Roof of Africa.

Ready to Summit Kilimanjaro?

Contact us today to customize your departure date and begin planning your unforgettable adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.