8 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Trekking via Northern Circuit Route

The trek starts today as we head to Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) to register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. From there, a short drive will take us to the trailhead starting point. The first leg of the Northern Circuit Route leads us through the mesmerizing rainforest. Keep your eyes open, as you might spot some incredible wildlife like elephants and buffaloes on the path. We'll trek for about 3-4 hours, covering approximately 5.5km (3 miles) and eventually reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters). Dinner will be served upon arrival at the camp.

Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp

Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Today, we'll venture deeper into the rainforest for about an hour before entering the low alpine moorland zone that leads up to the Shira Plateau. The trek is gentle and takes us to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 meters), covering around 8km (5 miles) in approximately 5-6 hours. The scenery will change as we move through different zones, and you'll be amazed by the diverse landscapes.

Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Our journey continues as we cross the Shira Plateau from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, where we'll have lunch. From there, we'll head east and pass through the surreal "Garden of the Senecios" before entering the high alpine desert zone. This leg of the trek spans about 14km (8 miles) and can take 6-8 hours. Our destination is Moir Hut Camp at 4,200 meters, where we'll rest for the night.

Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp

Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Prepare yourself for a long trek as we journey east through the captivating "Garden of the Senecios" and the high alpine desert zone. The morning will lead us to Lava Tower, an iconic rock formation known as Shark's Tooth, located at 4,600 meters. After lunch at Lava Tower, we'll join the northern circuit and descend to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). Today's trek allows us to experience higher altitudes while resting at lower altitudes, aiding in acclimatization.

Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

We'll begin day five with a moderately steep trek out of Moir Valley. For those feeling adventurous, a detour to trek the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters is possible before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route then follows a series of inclines and declines, offering breathtaking vistas across the plains north of Kilimanjaro, stretching towards the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Our destination is Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters, where we'll arrive in the afternoon.

Destination: Pofu Camp To Third Cave Camp

Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

On day six, we'll start with a trek up the Buffalo ridge, then down into Pofu Camp, where we'll have lunch. The trek continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. Feeling well acclimatized by now, we'll arrive at the Third Cave in the mid-afternoon, getting ready for the summit attempt.

Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp

Accommodation: School Hut Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Today is the big day! We'll begin early in the morning, ascending steadily over the Saddle, between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. As we continue southwest, we'll reach School Hut Camp at 4,800 meters. After an early dinner, it's time for the most challenging part - the summit attempt. We'll set off before midnight, guided only by the glow of our headlamps. The trek will be tough, but the rewards will be worth it. Witness the breathtaking sunrise as you stand on the "Roof of Africa," Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. After capturing the magical moment, we'll retrace our steps and head down to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then continue to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). From there, we'll proceed to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for a well-deserved rest.

Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Millenium (High) camp

Accommodation: Millenium Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

As we approach the end of our trek, we'll make our way through the dense montane rainforest from Millenium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). Signing out with the authorities at the gate, you'll receive your well-deserved official certificate, commemorating your achievement. At this point, it's customary to tip your guide and porter as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work. Finally, we'll drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can celebrate your incredible accomplishment.