11-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Northern Circuit Route

DAY 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight

DAY 2: Northern Circuit (1/8) | Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 m/6,561 ft) - Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)

Your adventure starts at your hotel, where your driver picks you up and drives you to Londorossi Gate (on the west side). You then go to Lemosho trailhead for lunch and begin the climb. This easy walk through dense rainforest lasts 3 to 4 hours and offers the chance to spot various animals, including buffalo and monkeys. After a narrow path and a few steep sections, you reach Big Tree Camp, where you spend the night. National Park. The road leads through a beautiful tropical rainforest. You arrive at the drop-off point at 3,500 meters where you can enjoy an amazing view of the Shira plateau for the first time. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and acclimatize to the high altitude while you prepare for an exciting adventure.

DAY 3: Northern Circuit (2/8) | Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) - Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)

This morning you leave the forest to enter an environment of meadow heather and volcanic rock. You ascend and descend through the lush hills below the Shira Plateau, the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic peaks. Upon reaching the edge of the plateau, the long 5-6 hour hike ends, and the trail becomes easier. You then arrive at Shira Camp, where you spend the night enjoying an incredible view of the Kibo summit.

DAY 4: Northern Circuit (3/8) | Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft)

Today’s hike lasts 7-8 hours and takes you from Heather into the alpine desert. You pass the Shira Plateau, one of the highest in the world, on the way to the Lava Tower, with an optional visit to the Shira Cathedral. From the Lava Tower, the path continues northwest toward Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro. Afterwards, you follow a steep trail to Moir Hut Camp, a remote spot with stunning views over the Shira Plateau.

DAY 5: Northern Circuit (4/8) | Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190) - Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft)

As you continue the route on the Northern Circuit, you get over a steep ridge along the main path. Today's hike lasts about 8 to 9 hours, taking you through heathland and alpine desert to Buffalo Camp. In the morning, you have the option to make a quick detour to Little Lent Hill.

DAY 6: Northern Circuit (5/8) | Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft) - Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft)

On the fifth day on the mountain, you continue across diverse landscapes, including heathland, valleys, and alpine environments. The Northern Circuit route heads eastward and is less frequented, allowing for a peaceful experience of the scenery, wilderness, and stunning mountains. This trek takes approximately 5 to 7 hours.

DAY 7: Northern Circuit (6/8) | Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft) - School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft)

Today involves a 4-5 hour climb to reach the "Saddle", a stunning lunar landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. From there, you continue to School Hut Camp, arriving in the early afternoon. You have the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the final ascent the following day.

DAY 8: Northern Circuit (7/8) | School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

Around midnight, the summit push begins in the cold. Prepare for the steep path to Gilman’s Point, the rim of the main crater. After ascending for a few hours with short breaks, you reach Gilman’s Point to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Continue for 2-3 hours to Uhuru Peak, where you celebrate your success with incredible views. You then descend to Millenium Camp via Kibo Huts Camp, where you have dinner and spend your last night on the mountain.

DAY 9: Northern Circuit (8/8) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

Finally, you appreciate the drop in altitude. After breakfast, you walk to the national park's exit. Following the descent, the group gathers to congratulate each other. Your driver takes you back to the hotel, where you enjoy a shower, a delicious dinner, and a well-deserved rest.

DAY 10-11: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!