Northern Circuit 9 days Trekking

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town. In the evening, your head guide will meet you for a full pre-climb briefing, going over the trekking plan, safety protocols, and a detailed equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared for the days ahead. This first night gives you a chance to relax, adjust, and mentally prepare for the climb.

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate, located on the western slopes of the mountain. After completing park formalities, you’ll be driven to the trailhead and start your trek through the lush rainforest. This part of the mountain is alive with towering trees, hanging vines, and the sounds of exotic birds. With some luck, you may encounter black-and-white Colobus monkeys or even larger wildlife like elephants and buffalos crossing the path. The atmosphere is fresh and humid, and the shaded forest trail gradually ascends to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, where dinner and a warm night under the forest canopy await.

• Distance: 7 km
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Today, you’ll continue climbing out of the dense forest, and within an hour the vegetation will thin out as you enter the moorland zone. The air becomes drier, the trees smaller, and wide-open views begin to emerge. Crossing onto the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful high-altitude landscapes in Africa, you’ll see expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the valleys below. The day ends at Shira 1 Camp, a peaceful campsite with sweeping skies perfect for stargazing.

• Distance: 8 km
• Time: ~5 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland

This day is relatively easy, giving your body more time to acclimatize. The trek continues across the Shira Plateau, which is volcanic in origin and dotted with hardy alpine plants such as giant lobelias and senecios. The views of Kibo’s snowy summit are increasingly dramatic as you progress. After a gentle climb, you’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp, perched at 3,900m, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing evening.

• Distance: 10 km
• Time: ~3 hours
• Habitat: Low Alpine Zone

This is a shorter day, designed primarily for altitude acclimatization. The trail heads toward Lava Tower before diverting to the quiet and less-traveled Moir Hut Camp. This remote camp is nestled at the base of a dramatic ridge, offering incredible views and fewer crowds. If energy allows, you can take an optional acclimatization hike higher up the ridge, then return to Moir Hut for the night.

• Distance: 4 km
• Time: ~2 hours
• Habitat: Low Alpine Zone

Leaving Moir Valley, you’ll climb steadily with the option to summit Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for additional acclimatization. The trail then traverses the northern slopes of Kibo, away from the busier southern routes. This section of the Northern Circuit feels wild and untouched, with expansive views stretching across the Kenyan–Tanzanian borderlands. By early afternoon you’ll reach Pofu (Buffalo) Camp, where the sense of isolation makes for a truly special overnight stop.

• Distance: 10 km
• Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: High Alpine Zone

The trail continues with a gentle ascent over Buffalo Ridge, before curving eastwards to join the less-traveled Rongai route. You’ll notice the mountain environment becoming harsher and more barren as the vegetation thins. By now, your body should be adjusting well to the altitude, making this relatively short trekking day comfortable. You’ll arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,800m) in the afternoon, with time to rest and prepare for the final push toward high camp.

• Distance: 7 km
• Time: ~4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Zone

This is a crucial acclimatization day as you trek across the vast Saddle, a windswept plain between the rugged Mawenzi Peak and the mighty Kibo cone. The desolate landscape is breathtaking in its stark beauty, with very little vegetation but incredible views all around. The trek gradually climbs to School Hut Camp (4,800m), your base camp before summit night. An early dinner will be served, and you’ll head to bed to rest before your summit attempt.

• Distance: 7 km
• Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Summit day begins before dawn. After a quick breakfast, you’ll start your climb under the stars. The trail ascends steeply, reaching Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m) before zigzagging up toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m). Here, the horizon glows as the sun rises over Africa, one of the most unforgettable sights of the entire trek. From Gilman’s Point, push along the crater rim past Stella Point (5,739m) to the highest point on the continent — Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa.

After photos and celebration, you’ll begin the long descent, stopping briefly at Barafu Camp (4,680m) before continuing down to the more comfortable altitude of Millennium Camp (3,950m) for your final night on the mountain.

• Distance: 16 km
• Time: 12–14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic Zone & all preceding zones

Your final descent takes you back through the lush rainforest, where you may once again hear birdsong and spot playful monkeys in the canopy. Arriving at Mweka Gate, you’ll officially sign out of Kilimanjaro National Park and receive your summit certificate: green for Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak. From here, a vehicle will transfer you back to Arusha, where a hot shower, cold drink, and soft bed await.

• Distance: 14 km
• Time: ~5 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest