Itinerary
Overview
The Long Way to the Top
Join us on the longest and most scenic route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit. This 10-day itinerary takes you on a journey through the lesser-traveled northern route, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscape. With a gradual ascent and more time for acclimatization, this route is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed pace and a higher success rate.
Highlights & Activities
What's on offer during this trek?
- Summit the highest peak in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world
- Explore the lesser-traveled Northern Circuit route, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding landscape
- Experience the unique vegetation and landscapes of the rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones
- Witness the sunrise from the summit and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape
- Enjoy the scenic views of the Kibo peak, the Shira Plateau, and the surrounding valleys and mountains
- Learn about the local Chagga culture and history
- Hiking and trekking through the various ecosystems of the mountain
- Acclimatization and altitude training
- Wildlife spotting, including monkeys, birds, and other mountain animals
- Photography and videography of the stunning landscapes and scenery
- Camping and sleeping under the stars
- Summit attempt and sunrise viewing
- Descending the mountain and celebrating your achievement
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi and Transfer to Lemosho Gate
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Spend the day relaxing at the hotel, exploring the town, and preparing for the climb. In the afternoon, transfer to Lemosho Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) for registration and preparation, where you'll meet your guides and porters. Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, with the majestic mountain towering above.
Day 2: Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,020ft)
Begin the climb through the lush rainforest, passing through the village of Lemosho, where you'll get a glimpse into the lives of the local Chagga people. The trail winds its way through the forest, with the sounds of birds and monkeys filling the air. As you ascend, the forest gives way to heather and moorland, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you'll spend the night under the stars.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m/11,483ft)
Continue ascending through the moorland zone, with breathtaking views of the Kibo peak. The trail takes you through a scenic valley, with a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you'll spend the night and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding landscape.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,900m/12,795ft)
Take a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail takes you through a scenic valley, with a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you'll spend the night and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding landscape.
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut (4,200m/13,780ft)
Continue ascending through the alpine desert zone, with unique vegetation and stunning views. The trail takes you through a scenic valley, with a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. Arrive at Moir Hut, where you'll spend the night and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding landscape.
Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,000m/13,124ft)
Take a gentle hike through the alpine desert zone, with unique vegetation and stunning views. The trail takes you through a scenic valley, with a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. Arrive at Buffalo Camp, where you'll spend the night and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding landscape.
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Rongai 3 Camp (4,300m/14,108ft)
Continue ascending through the alpine desert zone, with unique vegetation and stunning views. The trail takes you through a scenic valley, with a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. Arrive at Rongai 3 Camp, where you'll spend the night and prepare for the summit attempt.
Day 8: Rongai 3 Camp to School Hut (4,700m/15,420ft)
Take a gentle hike through the alpine desert zone, with unique vegetation and stunning views. The trail takes you through a scenic valley, with a stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. Arrive at School Hut, where you'll spend the night and prepare for the summit attempt.
Day 9: Summit Day!
Begin the final ascent to the summit (5,895m/19,341ft) at midnight, under the stars. Watch the sunrise from the summit and take in the breathtaking views. Descend to the Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,420ft), where you'll rest and enjoy a hot meal.
Day 10: Kibo Hut to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
Descend from Kibo Hut to Mweka Gate, where you'll celebrate your achievement and receive your certificate of completion. Transfer back to Moshi town, where you'll spend the night and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
What's Included?
- 10-day climb with experienced guides and porters
- Transportation from Moshi to Lemosho Gate and back to Moshi
- Accommodation in Moshi and on the mountain
- Meals and snacks on the mountain
- Park fees and permits
- Camping equipment and supplies
What's Excluded?
- Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Visa fees
Rates
Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently