Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

Moshi - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to Moshi town, often referred to as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. In the evening, meet your guide and review your equipment in preparation for the next day’s trek.

Londorossi Gate (2,100 Meters) - Start Point 2,360 Meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
The Northern Circuit Route starts at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, sharing the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate takes about two hours, and longer from Arusha. Registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities is done at the gate, followed by a drive further up the mountain to the trailhead. Most tour operators provide lunch here before beginning the short first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). You might spot large wildlife such as elephants and buffalo emerging from the rainforest as you trek to your first camp. Dinner will be served upon arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 Meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
On the third day, spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland zone, leading up to the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 Meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
On the third day, spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland zone, leading up to the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

Moir Camp (4,200 Meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour to climb Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). The trek offers stunning views across the plains north of Kilimanjaro, extending to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where lunch will be served, and you can rest after a long day of hiking.

Buffalo Camp (4,020 Meters) to Rongai Cave (3,800 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
Day six begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge and down into Porfu Camp, where lunch is typically served. The route continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the previous day, and by now, you should be well acclimatized to the altitude. Arrive at the Third Cave around mid-afternoon.

Third Cave (3,800 Meters) to School Hut (4,800 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers continue walking southwest to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving, an early dinner will be served, and you should rest as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Ensure all gear is prepared, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera before sleeping.

School Hut (4,800 Meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 Meters) and then onto Millennium Camp (3,950 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
You will be awoken around 11:30 pm with hot tea and biscuits, then begin the steep ascent up Kibo’s slopes under the cover of darkness. The first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave for a short break. The climb steepens towards Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), reached about 5-6 hours after leaving School Hut. Enjoy the approaching dawn and the incredible view across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember there are still 2 hours of trekking to reach Uhuru Peak. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim, arriving at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay will be brief, so capture as many photos as possible of the breathtaking views and surrounding glaciers.

Mount Kilimanjaro - Retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then turn south and descend the scree slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for the final night on the mountain. In total, you will trek for 14-16 hours on day eight, so it’s important to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maintain blood sugar levels. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

Millennium Camp (3,950 Meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 Meters)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate, you will sign out with the authorities, who will provide your official certificate - a green certificate for reaching Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak.

Depart Moshi

Moshi - After breakfast at 06:30 am, you will be transported back to Kilimanjaro Airport.

• First aid kit
• Trip completion certificate
• Porter service on the trek
• All main meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Tent accommodations
• Sleeping bag and duffel bag for personal gear

• Gratuities

Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,893 meters, making it the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain globally. The summit is attainable with perseverance and determination!

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro. This path traverses various ecosystems, offers breathtaking views, and provides ample time for altitude acclimatization.

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Kilimanjaro airport, followed by a transfer to a hotel in Moshi for an overnight stay. You will meet your mountain guide, and we will ensure you have all the essential equipment for the ascent. The following morning, you will be transported to the trailhead to commence your hike.

The trek is structured to help your body adjust to the rising altitude by completing stages that allow for gradual altitude gain each day. Throughout the journey, you will witness stunning vistas and enjoy the vast landscape.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.