11 Days Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. The rest of your day will be free; you might want to explore the small and pretty town of Moshi, or you can just relax by the pool

You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate to kick off Day of your 9-day adventure on Kilimanjaro – approximately 2-hour drive through farmland and plantations.

At the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, you will register for your Kilimanjaro climb. Your guide will handle the formalities. A short 15km drive takes you to the drop off point and the trail head to start your Kilimanjaro Climb.

Climb steadily through the rain forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp (2780m). The trail is short and moderately steep. Porters will assist throughout the trek carrying all of your luggage, except your day pack and the mountain crew, will have already set up your tents before you arrive.
Distance covered: 7km/ 4.3mi
Approx. Time taken: 4 hours
Altitude Gain: 395m

The destination today is the Shira l Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. Start the day on trail out of the rainforest, soon entering moorland terrain where Lobelia plants and Erica trees punctuate the landscape.
Trek across this plateau of grassy moorland and heather, before climbing the northern slopes of Shira Ridge to arrive at Shira 1 Camp. Relax, put your feet up, enjoy your meal and sleep well, after gaining a fair amount of altitude today.
Distance covered: 8.5kn 5.3mi
Approx. Time taken: 6-7 hrs
Altitude Gain: 720m

Today you will get the chance to view the Northern lce fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo.
Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
Distance covered: 8km/ 5mi
Approx. Time taken: 5 hours
Altitude Gain: 400m

Today we have the chance to view the Northern ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo.

The terrain during our steady climb will change from the moorland of the Shira Plateau to the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills with great panoramic views. Look out for the giant Senecio before the high alpine desert zone. Our camp is at Moir Hut (4175m).

After a short rest you can go on a recommended afternoon acclimatization walk towards the top of the ridgeline. The ridgeline is in the lower part of the Lent Hills (4300m) – about 2 km away and 130 meters higher than the camp. Dinner will be served on your return to camp.
Distance covered: 10km/ 6 mi
Approx. Time taken: 5 7 hours
Altitude Gain: 275m

Today we trek North to Moir Valley – tackle the hardest part of the day at the beginning as you climb bleak and imposing slope to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375m.

Strike eastwards around the Northern Circuit Trail, continuing up and down the undulating valleys the northern face of Kibo, before finishing your trek day at Pofu Camp. Afternoon Acclimatization Hike recommended.
Distance covered: 9.2km/5.8 mi
Approx. Time taken: 5-7 hrs.
Altitude Loss: 145m

The day starts with a climb up heading east through the remote valleys and around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters.

The trek is shorter than the day before and vegetation gets increasingly sparse, but by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude and enjoying the fact there are no steep passages to tackle today.
You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Distance covered: 8km/ 5mi
Approx. Time taken: 5-7 hours
Altitude Loss: 130m

We begin today with a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak.

Although you should be acclimatizing by now, make sure to drink lots of water and stick to your guide’s slow pace. You could feel the weight of altitude today as you climb steadily higher up Kilimanjaro.

Take a few breaks to rest when possible and enjoy stunning views across the saddle to Mawenzi. In preparation for you summit attempt, you will be served an early dinner after arriving at School Hut, before going to bed for an attempt at some shut-eye and rest.

Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks and headlamp before going to bed, as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt.
Distance covered: 4.8 km/3 mi
Approx. Time taken: 4-5 hours
Altitude Gain: 850m

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage.

Your guide will wake you around midnight for a hot beverage and snacks before you begin your final ascent which will be long, slow and strenuous ascent. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards.

At sunrise, you should reach Gillman’s Point (568Im) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 -2 hours, you will pass Stella Point (5730m) to reach the highest summit on Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak at 5895m.

Witness the awe-inspiring views from the highest point on the African continent, take your pictures to document your achievements and revel in an unforgettable experience.

Your descent to Barafu Camp, will be fast and dusty, but a warm meal and short rest awaits you, before proceeding downwards 3-4 hours to Millennium Camp.
Distance covered: 5.9km/3.7mi ascent & 8.4km 5.2-mile descent
Approx. Time taken: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6-hour descent
Altitude Gain: Ascent 1,145m
Altitude Loss: Descent 2,105m

After breakfast the final day of your adventure begins, with a gentle trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride!
Our vehicles and driver will meet us at the gate to take you to your accommodation in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower, a cold swim (and cold beer or two!) before a big evening celebration. Overnight in Moshi.
Distance covered: 12.1km |7.5mi
Approx. Time taken: 4-5 hours
Altitude Loss: 2,160m

The day is left free to rest and relax after a long, challenging week of trekking.
You can choose to extend for Zanzibar Beach Experiences or Wildlife Safari in Near National Park Like Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, or if your schedule is not allowing you for safari Extension, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport to fly home.