9-Day Northern Circuit Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania!

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly team will meet and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Moshi. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi offers a stunning introduction to your adventure. After checking in, relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings as we conduct a detailed trek briefing and gear check. This is your chance to ask questions and prepare for the journey ahead.

• Accommodation: Moshi Hotel (bed & breakfast)
• Activities: Trek briefing, gear check

Starting Altitude: Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft)
Ending Altitude: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,252ft)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration. From here, continue to the trailhead where your trek begins. Hike through lush rainforest, spotting monkeys and exotic birds along the way, until you arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,252ft)
Ending Altitude: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,843ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

The trail ascends steeply, leaving the rainforest and entering the moorland zone. As you trek across the Shira Plateau, enjoy expansive views of Mount Meru and the surrounding savannah. You’ll reach Shira 1 Camp in the afternoon, where you’ll spend the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m/11,843ft)
Ending Altitude: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,631ft)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Today is a relatively short trek across the Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak, the Western Breach, and Mount Meru in the distance. The gradual ascent is perfect for acclimatization.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,631ft)
Highest Altitude: Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft)
Ending Altitude: Moir Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Climb steadily to Lava Tower, a key acclimatization point at 4,630m (15,190ft). After a lunch break, descend slightly to Moir Camp, nestled in a quiet, remote area at the base of a volcanic ridge. The camp offers stunning views and optional acclimatization hikes nearby.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Moir Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Moir Camp (4,200m/13,780ft)
Ending Altitude: Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,188ft)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

From Moir Camp, the trail heads north along Kilimanjaro’s rarely visited northern slopes. You’ll pass through a stark yet beautiful alpine desert landscape, with sweeping views of Kenya’s savannahs below. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Buffalo Camp (4,020m/13,188ft)
Ending Altitude: Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,697ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert

Continue trekking across the northern slopes, passing through sparse vegetation and open landscapes. The trail is relatively gentle, providing a relaxing day as you head to Third Cave Camp, a quiet and remote campsite.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,697ft)
School Hut Altitude: (4,800m/15,748ft)
Summit Altitude: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft)
Ending Altitude: Mweka Camp (3,067m/10,062ft)
Distance: 21 km (13 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-16 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Summit day begins with a pre-dawn trek to the crater rim at Gilman’s Point. From here, traverse the ridge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for the night.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Mweka Camp (3,067m/10,062ft)
Ending Altitude: Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Descend through lush rainforests to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned rest and celebration.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Moshi Hotel