9 Days Popular Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit Route

On the first day, you'll start at Londorossi Gate, which is about 7,742 feet high. It's like the entrance to your adventure. You'll walk through forests with lots of trees and plants. It's like a jungle! There are colorful birds singing around you. As you keep walking, you'll go higher up the mountain. Your camp for the night is called Mti Mkubwa, which means "Big Tree" in Swahili. It's at 9,498 feet high. At the camp, you'll set up your sleeping area and get ready to rest. This day gives you a taste of what Kilimanjaro is like. You'll see different kinds of places, like forests and higher areas. And when you settle in at the camp, you'll already feel like you're on an amazing journey.

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

On the second day, you'll leave Mti Mkubwa and continue your climb. You'll go from a place with big trees to a different camp called Shira 1. The camp is at around 11,500 feet high. The journey will take you through open spaces where you'll see a big plateau called Shira. It's like a huge flat area on the mountain. You'll walk on rocky paths and go up as you get closer to Shira 1 Camp. When you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, you'll set up your sleeping spot again. The view around the camp is amazing, and you'll be able to see far across the land. This day is all about changing scenery and getting used to going higher up.

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

Day 3 of your climbing takes you from Shira 1 Camp to another camp called Shira 2. As you wake up and pack your things, you'll leave the first camp behind and keep going up the mountain. The journey will continue through rocky paths and wide spaces. You'll notice that the landscape is changing as you go higher. You're moving into an area where there are fewer trees and more rocks. Shira 2 Camp is your destination for the day, and it's situated at around 12,600 feet above sea level. When you get there, you'll set up your sleeping area again. From this camp, you'll get even more impressive views of the mountain and the surrounding area.

Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp

Accommodation: Shira 2 Campsite

  public camp site

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

Today is a special day dedicated to resting and getting used to the higher altitude. It's important to let your body adjust to the changing conditions as you go higher up the mountain. This process is called acclimatization. You'll spend the day at Shira 2 Camp, which is around 12,600 feet high. Instead of climbing, you'll take it easy and enjoy the surroundings. You might go for short walks to higher points and then come back to the camp to relax. Acclimatization is crucial for a successful climb. It helps your body adapt to the lower levels of oxygen at higher altitudes. By taking this day to rest and acclimate, you'll be better prepared for the challenges of the next few days when you continue your journey upward.

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

On Day 5, you'll leave Shira 2 Camp and head towards Moir Hut. From there, you'll continue your journey to Buffalo Camp. This day's climb will take you through diverse landscapes as you gain altitude. Leaving Shira 2 Camp, you'll move towards Moir Hut. The path will lead you through rocky terrain and the unique scenery of the alpine desert. As you ascend, you'll enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area. From Moir Hut, you'll proceed to Buffalo Camp, which is located at around 13,200 feet. The campsite offers a comfortable place to rest and take in the beauty of the high-altitude landscape. Day 5 showcases the changing face of Kilimanjaro's environment. You'll experience rocky terrains, and the air will feel crisper as you climb higher. It's another step forward on your journey towards the summit.

Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp

Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite

  public camp site

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

Today's adventure takes you from Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp. As you continue your ascent, you'll journey through more of Kilimanjaro's unique landscapes. Leaving Buffalo Camp, you'll traverse the barren but captivating alpine desert. The path might seem rocky and unfamiliar, but it's a part of the mountain's charm. Along the way, you'll come across interesting rock formations and alpine plants that have adapted to the challenging conditions. By the time you reach Third Cave Camp, situated at approximately 12,500 feet, you'll have experienced the higher altitudes and gained a deeper understanding of the mountain's environment. This camp offers a place to rest and reflect on your journey so far.

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

Day 7 of your climbing is a significant step towards your summit attempt. You'll leave Third Cave Camp and make your way to School Hut, a camp located at a higher elevation. As you leave Third Cave Camp, the path will lead you through the mountain's unique landscapes. You'll notice that the vegetation becomes sparser as you gain altitude. The air might feel thinner, but your body will be getting more accustomed to the higher elevation. Arriving at School Hut, which is situated at around 15,580 feet, you're nearing the high camp for your summit climb. This is where you'll rest, hydrate, and prepare for the challenging summit attempt that awaits you in the coming day.

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

The day you've been working towards has arrived – the summit attempt. This is a challenging and rewarding day, where your determination and preparation will be put to the test. You'll start your ascent in the very early hours from School Hut, equipped with warm clothing and determination. The path will be steep and demanding, but as you climb, the darkness will gradually give way to the first light of dawn. The breathtaking sunrise over the vast African plains will be a memory to cherish forever. Your journey will lead you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, standing proudly at 19,341 feet. The sense of achievement as you stand on the summit, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape, is truly indescribable. After celebrating your summit success, you'll begin your descent towards Mweka Camp, located at around 10,065 feet. The descent is challenging, and you'll be tired, but the sense of accomplishment will keep you going.

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

Your final day on Mount Kilimanjaro has arrived. Day 9 marks the completion of your incredible journey. As you wake up at Mweka Camp, you'll be filled with a mix of emotions, reflecting on the amazing adventure you've had. The descent continues through the lush rainforests that you climbed through at the beginning of your journey. The air will feel warmer and more humid as you descend. You'll pass through different ecosystems, leaving behind the high altitudes and gradually returning to lower elevations. The journey leads you to Mweka Gate, where you'll officially finish your climb. At the gate, you'll receive certificates to commemorate your achievement. It's a moment of pride and accomplishment as you look back on the challenges you've overcome.