Mount Kilimanjaro
9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Northern Circuit Route
- Overview
- Itinerary
Day 1: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 7 km
- Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
- Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)
Your trek begins at Lemosho Gate where you’ll complete registration and begin your journey through the lush rainforest. This first section of the trail is rich with wildlife keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and exotic birds. After a gentle ascent, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, nestled in a shaded forest clearing. Rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s hike.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8 km
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)
Today’s trail leads you out of the forest and into the heather and moorland zone. The path is steeper but rewards you with dramatic views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. You’ll reach Shira 1 Camp by early afternoon, where you can rest, take photos, and enjoy the vast openness of the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 7 km
- Vegetation Zone: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
The hike to Shira 2 is relatively short and offers a chance to further acclimatize. You’ll cross the plateau with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. The camp sits at the base of a giant lava flow and provides an excellent view of the summit. In the afternoon, enjoy an acclimatization hike or relax and take in the landscape.
Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Distance: 10 km
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Moir Hut (4,200 m)
Leaving Shira 2, the trail climbs steadily as you traverse alpine desert. You’ll detour northward off the main trail to reach the remote and peaceful Moir Hut. This quiet campsite is excellent for acclimatization and offers an optional afternoon hike to the Lent Hills for more elevation gain and views.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Distance: 12 km
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
Today, you begin the Northern Circuit proper, heading around the mountain’s northern face. You’ll ascend a ridge and then descend into the valley leading to Buffalo Camp. This quieter part of the trail gives you solitude and uninterrupted mountain vistas—an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Distance: 8 km
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Third Cave Camp (3,870 m)
You continue east across the alpine desert zone, with relatively gentle terrain that helps your body acclimatize. The trail passes through rolling hills and isolated landscapes before arriving at Third Cave Camp, where you’ll rest in preparation for the summit push in two days.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Distance: 5 km
- Vegetation Zone: Arctic Desert
- Overnight: School Hut (4,800 m)
This short but steady climb leads you to School Hut, your base for the summit attempt. You’ll arrive early to rest and prepare your gear. After an early dinner, you’ll go to bed in preparation for the midnight summit trek to Uhuru Peak.
Day 8: Summit to Uhuru Peak then Down to Mweka Camp
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours | Distance: 6 km ascent, 12 km descent
- Vegetation Zone: Arctic to Moorland
- Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Around midnight, you’ll begin your final push to the summit. The trail to Gilman’s Point is steep and mentally demanding. From there, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the roof of Africa! Celebrate your achievement before beginning the descent to Barafu and then down to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Distance: 10 km
- Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
- Overnight: Return to Arusha (Hotel/Lodge)
The final stretch of your Kilimanjaro trek descends through the lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate. After receiving your summit certificate, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Reflect on your incredible journey and celebrate your success with a warm shower, hearty meal, and comfortable bed.
- Included in this Tour
- Transportation from/to your Hotel
- Park Entry Fee
- Professional Guide
- Airport Transfers
- Full Board Accommodations
- Government Applied VAT
- Not Included in this Tour
- Tipping & Gratitude
- Arrival & Transit Visas
- Medical & Travel Insurance
- Drinks at the Hotel
- Drones Usage
- International Flight
ENQUIRY FORM
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