Northern Circuit 9 Days itinerary

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,600m / 11,811 ft)
Trekking: 4–5 hours | 8 km | +850m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trail gets steeper as you climb out of the forest and into the heath and moorland zone. The trees thin out, giving way to expansive views as you ascend the Shira Ridge. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp, located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,850m / 12,631 ft)
Trekking: 4–5 hours | 8 km | +350m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s hike is more relaxed, allowing time to acclimatize and enjoy the stunning views across the Shira Plateau. You’ll traverse the open meadows and moorlands, with the option for short acclimatization walks around the area after arriving at Shira 2 Camp.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,200m / 13,790 ft)
Trekking: 5–7 hours | 14 km | +350m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes you through the Garden of the Senecios, one of Kilimanjaro’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll stop for lunch at the Lava Tower (4,640m), a striking volcanic formation you can scramble up for a panoramic view.
In the afternoon, descend into the Moir Valley, where you’ll camp in a quiet and less-traveled area.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,020m / 13,180 ft)
Trekking: 5–6 hours | 12 km | –180m elevation change
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll climb out of the Moir Valley on a moderately steep trail. Optionally, you can hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for a rewarding view before rejoining the Northern Circuit Trail.
Continue along gentle ridges and valleys around the northern slopes of Kibo to reach the serene Buffalo Camp, used exclusively by Northern Circuit trekkers.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,875m / 12,713 ft)
Trekking: 5–7 hours | 8 km | –220m elevation change
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s hike takes you up Buffalo Ridge and on to Pofu Camp for lunch. In the afternoon, the trail continues around the remote northern slopes until you reach Third Cave Camp (Rongai). By now, you should be well-acclimatized and ready for the high-altitude push ahead.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,800m / 15,748 ft)
Trekking: 4–5 hours | 15 km | +1,000m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek crosses the vast saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks. The trail becomes steeper as you approach School Hut Camp, your final stop before summit night. Arrive early, enjoy dinner, and rest well for the midnight summit attempt.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,950m / 12,960 ft)
Trekking: 10–15 hours | 17 km | +1,095m ascent / –1,945m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your summit adventure begins around midnight. In the cold and dark, start your steep climb to Gilman’s Point (5,681m). Here you’ll join climbers from other routes and continue along the crater rim as the sun rises over Mawenzi Peak — a truly unforgettable sight.
Push on to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa!

After celebrating your incredible achievement, begin your descent to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest after an epic day.

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Trekking: 3–4 hours | 10 km | –2,270m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest zone toward Mweka Gate. The warmer air and thicker oxygen will feel refreshing after your summit success.
At the gate, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a hot shower and a comfortable night’s rest.