Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro 10 Days/9 Nights. Many routes available

Flight to Kilimanjaro – Moshi

Welcome to Kilimanjaro, TANZANIA. Upon arrival at KILIMANJARO International Airport, you’ll meet and greet our friendly Tanzanian representative, who will pick you up and transfer by car/minibus to the city of Moshi on the base of the magnificent Kilimanjaro Mountain. The drive from the airport is in places scenic, if you consider that the highest peak of Africa is on your left side accompanying you for most of the journey to Moshi. Upon arrival in the city, proceed for accommodation and dinner. This evening you will have your first meeting with the mountain chief guide and you will listen to the briefind for this climb. Overnight at MOSHI HOTEL in Moshi. You will only start your climbing the next day.

NOTE 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi is about 1 hour drive.
NOTE 2: If your flight arrives in the morning or noon time (no later than 1pm) we can arrange full day or half day activities in the Moshi area. Possibility for Camel riding, visit and bath at the Chemka Springs, walk tour and visit at Marangu Waterfall, Moshi bicycle tour, Maasai Village Cultural Tour etc. Possibility to go directly to these activities and accommodation and dinner in the evening.
NOTE 3: If your flight arrives in the morning or noon time (no later than 1pm) and you do not take any activities, you have the choice to rest in your hotel before your next day climbing or to walk and do shopping in Moshi City.

Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp

Elevation (ft): 7,800 ft to 9,498 ft/2377 m to 2895 m
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Then you begin your adventure departing from Moshi towards Londorossi Gate. This is about 3 hours transfer. But, once at the gate you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Dinner and overnight at Big Tree Camp.

Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp 1

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft/2895 m to 3505 m
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

After breakfast, we continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and also into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross also several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. But here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Dinner and overnight camp at Shira Camp 1.

Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft/3505 m to 3810 m
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

Start your day with the usual breakfast at your camp. After that, we explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira Hut Camp or Shira Camp 2. For example, the heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. Dinner and overnight at Shira Camp 2.

Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut Camp

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft/3810 m to 4630 m to 4139 m
Distance: 14 km/8 miles
Hiking Time: 5 – 7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut Camp, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Dinner and overnight at Moir Hut Camp.

Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft/4139 m to 4023 m
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start your day early with breakfast. We then trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Dinner and overnight at Buffalo Camp.

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft/4023 m to 3871 m
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled, but we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. Further we trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave Campsite for dinner and overnight stay.

Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft/3871 m to 4755 m
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner and prepare for the summit day.

School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak and then to Mweka Gate

School Hut to Uhuru Peak (top of Africa)
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft/4755 m to 5895 m
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak (Kilimanjaro Peak) to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft/5895 m to 3068 m
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit after spending some time to enjoy your achievement, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft/3068 m to 1640 m
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After taking breakfast at your camp, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.