Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit: 8-Day Climb with 2 Hotel Nights

After breakfast you drive from Arusha to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro National Park. Once registration and the permit formalities are done, you start walking through the rainforest. The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain, and your guide will point out the mountain's plants and wildlife as you begin to gain height. You camp at Mti Mkubwa for the night. From 2,389 m to 2,785 m.

You walk through the last of the rainforest and into the low alpine zone, where the country opens out and the trail climbs steadily towards the Shira Plateau. It is a relatively gradual day, a good chance to find your rhythm, drink well and enjoy the widening views. You reach Shira Camp 1 for dinner and the night. Camp at 3,504 m, about 7.9 km, 5–6 hours.

Today you head east across the Shira Plateau towards Lava Tower, passing through the high-altitude landscape around the Garden of the Senecios. After reaching Lava Tower, at about 4,600 m the highest point so far, the trail descends to Moir Hut to camp. Climbing higher during the day and sleeping lower is one of the most important principles of acclimatisation. Moir Hut about 4,161 m, about 9.8 km, 5–7 hours.

You climb out of the Moir Valley and continue around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Depending on conditions and the itinerary, you may take a short detour towards Little Lent Hill before rejoining the Northern Circuit. The trail then contours on to Buffalo Camp, where the views stretch north across the plains of northern Tanzania and into Kenya. Buffalo Camp about 4,033 m, about 9.2 km, 5–7 hours.

You continue across the northern slopes, climbing over Buffalo Ridge before descending towards Pofu Camp for lunch. In the afternoon the trail heads east to Rongai Third Cave. This is a shorter day, which gives you more time to rest and prepare for the higher stages of the climb. The northern side is quiet, and you may have long stretches of trail to yourselves. Third Cave about 3,936 m, about 6.8 km, 5–7 hours.

Today's walk climbs steadily towards the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The ground becomes stony high alpine desert, and the air is thin, so take it slowly. You arrive at School Hut in the afternoon, eat an early dinner and get your equipment ready for the midnight summit attempt. Try to sleep a few hours before the wake-up call. School Hut about 4,700–4,800 m, about 4.8 km, 4–5 hours.

Around midnight, after a light snack and a hot drink, you begin the steep climb up Kibo in the dark. You reach Gilman's Point on the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After photographs at the top you start the long descent to Millennium Camp for your last night on the mountain. About 1,178 m of ascent and more than 2,000 m of descent, around 14–16 hours in total.

After breakfast you walk the final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. At the gate your guide completes the park procedures and you receive your summit certificate before meeting our vehicle for the drive back to Arusha. After checking into your hotel, there is time for a hot shower, a rest and a celebration of your climb. About 12 km, 3–4 hours.

Enjoy a slow breakfast at the hotel before we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. If you have time before your flight, ask us about adding a few days of safari in the northern parks or a day trip near Arusha; we can plan the connection for you. Your Northern Circuit trip ends at the airport.