Northern Circuit Route

Welcome to Tanzania! Our experienced guide will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer you to your comfortable hotel. Take time to relax and recover from your journey.

Pre-climb Preparation: Meet your climbing guide for a comprehensive briefing. Receive expert advice on what to wear, pack, and important tips to make your climb as comfortable and successful as possible. Equipment check and final preparations for your Northern Circuit adventure.

Your adventure starts at your hotel, where your driver picks you up and drives you to Londorossi Gate on the west side. Then go to Lemosho Trailhead for lunch and begin the climb through the pristine rainforest.

Wildlife Encounters: This easy walk through dense rainforest lasts 3-4 hours and offers excellent chances to spot various animals, including buffalo and monkeys. After a narrow path and a few steep sections, reach Big Tree Camp for your first night on the mountain.

This morning you leave the forest to enter an environment of meadow heather and volcanic rock. Ascend and descend through the lush hills below the Shira Plateau, the third of Kilimanjaro's volcanic peaks.

Shira Plateau Experience: Upon reaching the edge of the plateau, the long 5-6 hour hike ends and the trail becomes easier. Arrive at Shira Camp where you spend the night enjoying an incredible view of the Kibo summit and the vast Shira Plateau stretching before you.

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 plateaus in the world, on the way to the dramatic Lava Tower formation.

Optional Exploration: Enjoy an optional visit to the stunning Shira Cathedral rock formation. From the Lava Tower, the path continues northwest toward Kibo, the highest peak. Afterwards, follow a steep trail to Moir Hut Camp, a remote spot with stunning views over the entire Shira Plateau.

As you continue the route on the Northern Circuit, you get over a steep ridge along the main path. Today's hike lasts about 8-9 hours, taking you through dramatic heathland and alpine desert environments to Buffalo Camp.

Northern Exploration: In the morning, you have the option to make a quick detour to Little Lent Hill for spectacular panoramic views. This marks the beginning of your journey around the northern side of Kilimanjaro, offering perspectives few climbers ever see.

On the fifth day on the mountain, 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.

Wilderness Serenity: This trek takes approximately 5-7 hours through stunning wilderness terrain with breathtaking mountain views. Experience the solitude and pristine beauty of Kilimanjaro's northern slopes, far from the crowds of other routes.

Today involves a 4-5 hour climb to reach the "Saddle," a stunning lunar landscape between the dramatic Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. This otherworldly terrain provides incredible photographic opportunities.

Summit Base Camp: From the Saddle, continue to School Hut Camp, arriving in the early afternoon. You have the rest of the day to relax, hydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for tomorrow's final ascent to Uhuru Peak - the ultimate goal of your Northern Circuit adventure!

Summit Day! Around midnight, the summit push begins in the cold, challenging conditions. Prepare for the steep path to Gilman's Point, the rim of the main crater. After ascending for several hours with short breaks, reach Gilman's Point to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.

Uhuru Peak Achievement: Continue for 2-3 hours to Uhuru Peak, where you celebrate your incredible success with magnificent 360-degree views from the Roof of Africa! Then descend to Millennium Camp via Kibo Huts Camp, where you have dinner and spend your last night on the mountain, reflecting on your amazing Northern Circuit journey.

Finally, you appreciate the significant drop in altitude! After breakfast, walk through the lush tropical rainforest to the national park's exit at Mweka Gate. The oxygen-rich air feels incredibly refreshing after your high-altitude adventure.

Celebration & Certificates: Following the descent, the group gathers to congratulate each other on completing the comprehensive Northern Circuit route. Your driver takes you back to the hotel where you enjoy a hot shower, delicious dinner, and well-deserved rest. Receive your official summit certificate!

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.

Extend Your Adventure: Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure for the complete Tanzania experience!