9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Northern Circuit

Trekking Distance: ~ 5.5 km
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest

Drive from Arusha / Moshi to Londorossi Gate, register with the Kilimanjaro National Park, and then drive for 15km to the starting point of your hike. Trek a fairly steep trail that will take you through a natural forest before reaching Big Tree Camp(2780 m). For the first two days, an armed guard will accompany you cause the trail goes through areas with wild animals.

Dinner and overnight stay at Big Tree Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: ~ 8 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine

Trek through the edges of the rainforests before reaching Shira Camp 1(3500m).

Dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp 1.

Distance: ~ 6 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: Low Alpine

After breakfast, enjoy an easy trek with the goal of acclimatization; trek to Shira Cathedral-a massive rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. From Shira Cathedral, climb to Shira Camp 2 (3840m) and enjoy an early lunch.

Climbers doing this route in 8 days will proceed to Moir Hut(4200m).

Dinner and overnight stay at Shira Camp 2.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: ~ 14 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low Alpine / High Alpine

After breakfast, trek towards the Lava Tower(4630m). Upon arrival at the Lava Tower, enjoy a picnic lunch, then descend to Moir Camp(4200m). The ascent to Lava Tower, followed by the descent to Moir Camp, helps hikers acclimatize to altitude changes.

Dinner and overnight stay at Moir Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: ~ 12 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High Alpine

After breakfast, climb from the Moir Valley, take a detour to the Lent Hills(4375m) before returning to the North Circuit trail, and head eastward to Buffalo Camp(4020m). Enjoy the view of the plains north of Mount Kilimanjaro – you will see as far as Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks in Kenya.

Dinner and overnight stay at Buffalo Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: ~ 8 km
Time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High Alpine & Low Alpine

After breakfast, climb to the top of Buffalo Ridge, then descend to Pofu Camp for lunch. After lunch, the route continues eastward as it circles the northern edges of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Third Cave Camp(3870m) in the afternoon.

Dinner and overnight stay at 3rd Cave Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: ~ 15 km
Time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High Alpine & Glacial Zone

Climb from the third cave camp to the saddle of Mount Kilimanjaro – a barren lunar-like landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.
From the saddle, continue trekking toward the South-West until
you reach the School Hut Camp(4750m) in the afternoon.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing in preparation for the coming summit night. Enjoy an early dinner, then get some rest because you will wake up around midnight to commence the last ascent towards Uhuru Peak.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: ~ 6 km ascent to the summit and 10.5 descent to Millenium Camp
Time: 6-8 hours ascent & 4-6 hours descent
Zone: Glacial Zone, High Alpine & Low Alpine

Wake up around midnight, enjoy a light snack, and then begin your trek to Gilman’s Point(5715m). Your first checkpoint will be Hans Mayer Cave(5200m); from here, push towards Gilman’s Point – where you will arrive at dawn. From Gilman’s point, follow the trail westward along the crater ream until you reach Uhuru Peak (5895m) – the roof of Africa.

From Barafu Camp to the summit of Mt.Kilimanjaro – climb for about 5-7 hours to reach Stella Point(5739m) on the crater rim. If the weather is good, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise before proceeding on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak(5895m)- the highest point in Africa.

Once at the peak, savor the moment, and take as many photos as possible can before descending to Barafu Camp. Upon arrival at Barafu camp, enjoy a warm meal, rest for some time, then descend to Millenium Camp(3850m).

Dinner and overnight stay at Millenium Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Distance: ~ 10 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, descend through the rainforests from Millenium Camp(3850m) to Mweka Gate(1980m). Meet your driver and drive to your hotel in Arusha / Moshi for a day of relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner