9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT

Arrival

We recommend booking your flight to arrive at least the morning before your climb starts or two evenings prior. It is difficult to get a trip briefing and proper rest if you arrive the evening before your climb. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is 45 minutes from your lodging. We will pick you up from JRO and take you to your hotel, or you can take a taxi.

At the trip briefing, we will make sure you have the required equipment, perform your initial health check, and that you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.

Kilimanjaro: Day 1

From the hotel, we will drive you to the Londorossi National Park gate to sign you in, and then onto the cultivation zone to the Lemosho trailhead. While the guides and porters weigh the gear you’ll have time to eat lunch and begin your trek to Lemosho Forest Camp (8,700 ft). You’ll camp there for the night. We will perform a daily health check and give a quick briefing of what the next day will entail including how much water to bring.

Kilimanjaro: Day 2

Day two the trek continues through the rainforest until the trail turns and suddenly the jungle trees are gone and you are surrounded by the giant heather shrub of the Moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily up rolling hills with expansive views until you reach the Shira Plateau. You will continue along this relatively flat, rock plain toward your camp at Shira I (11,600 ft).

Kilimanjaro: Day 3

Today is an easier day designed to allow your body to acclimate to the elevation. You’ll start at camp and climb west to the volcanic rock formations of Shira Cathedral (12,800 ft.). You’ll rest a bit here and eat, admiring the stunning views. After lunch, you’ll continue to Shira II camp a bit lower (12,600 ft). This campsite has some of the best views of the summit. The view of Mount Meru floating on the clouds is unforgettable.

Kilimanjaro: Day 4

Today you’ll start the morning by following the Lemosho route up toward Lava Tower (15,150 ft). You’ll break for lunch there and those who are feeling strong may want to climb up to the ruined hut at Arrow Glacier (15,700 ft). From Lava Tower, you’ll descend down to your camp at Moir Hut (13,800 ft).

Kilimanjaro: Day 5

The morning begins by making the climb out of the Moir Valley. It continues by taking a short acclimatization climb to the summit of the Lent Hills (15,400 ft). After spending a moment admiring the views you’ll return to the trail and head east. At this point, you’ll head across a field of slab rock that makes a unique sound as you hike along. The rest of the hike continues over rolling hills until you reach Buffalo Camp (13,600 ft). From camp, the expansive views of Kenya below are simply stunning.

Kilimanjaro: Day 6

From Buffalo Camp, you’ll hike to the top of Buffalo Ridge. Along the way, you’ll continue along over ridges and into gullies. The trail continues heading east through a barren yet beautiful landscape until you reach your next camp—Third Cave Camp (12,800 ft).

Kilimanjaro: Day 7

The hike today begins with a steady climb to the saddle, a landscape between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo that resembles the moon. Once at the saddle the trail ascends steeply to your next camp at School Hut (15,500 ft). You’ll arrive early and spend the remainder of the day resting for summit night.

Kilimanjaro: Day 8

The guide will wake you around midnight and to dress and eat and then you’ll begin your summit attempt around 1 a.m. This is the most challenging part of your journey. You’ll start in the dark, plodding along by headlamp on the neverending switchbacks. The trail will consist of loose volcanic scree and will continue going up until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft). You’ll rest here for a short time admiring the beautiful sunrise over Mawenzi peak.

The final leg of your ascent takes about an hour and a half from here. You’ll pass by spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs en route to the summit—Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet). After resting at the summit, eating, and waiting your turn taking photos on the sign, you’ll backtrack down to Stella Point. From there you’ll make the quick descent to Barafu Camp for a short break. After your break, you’ll finish the day by descending to  Mweka Camp (10,000 ft).

Kilimanjaro: Day 9

After breakfast, you’ll begin the remainder of your descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (5,400 ft.). You’ll be entertained by singing birds and crazy primates swinging through the trees saying goodbye to you as you finish your journey. Once your guide has checked you out, you’ll travel through coffee plantations and fields of bananas and avocado as you head back toward your hotel.

Departure

After breakfast, you’ll either be driven to JRO or picked up for your safari.

Northern Circuit Map

Miles & Elevation

Routes We Offer