Overview
This 9-day Mountain Kilimanjaro north circuit Safari takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain: 5,895m.
9 days Mount Kilimanjaro North circuit highlights
- Reach the highest point in Africa
- Trek through breathtaking woods, moorland, and high-alpine deserts.
- Admire the old Equatorial glaciers and snowfall.
- View the breathtaking Shira Plateau.
- Mountain shelters for sleeping
- Observe the dawn from Uhuru Peak.
Detailed Itinerary of 9 days north route Kilimanjaro hiking
Day 1: Hike from Londrosi Gate (2350m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,780m)
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transported to Londrosi Gate, which is about 3 hours away from Moshi. Following registration, you will be driven a further 12 kilometers up the mountain to the starting trail point. You will begin the trek by moving through untamed wilderness overflowing with ancient and exotic botanical species, witnessing black and white Colobus Monkeys peering down from the lush rainforest canopy and catching glimpses of larger mammals such as elephants and buffalo. You will arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp in 4 to 5 hours after hiking a distance of 7 kilometers, where you will have supper and rest.
Meal Plan: All meals included
Day 2: Hike from Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1 (3,550m)
Wake up on Mount Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes for an early breakfast before embarking on a second day of trekking lasting 6 to 7 hours and 10 kilometers, traveling through the last sections of the rainforest before going into the majestic barren landscape of the Lower Alpine desert zone. Be amazed by uncommon flora species such as immense violet lobelias and untamed vegetation. Explore the vast Shira Plateau, the collapsed remnants of an old volcanic crater. You’ll then traverse the Shira Ridge heading towards Shira Camp 1 slopes, where you’ll rest for a night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 (3,840m)
Following an early breakfast, continue traversing the Shira plateau and gradually ascending through the lower alpine moorland, which is notable for its beautiful wild alpine flowers and the unique giant lobelia and giant groundsel plants. You will arrive at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch after traveling 8 kilometers in 2 to 3 hours. After lunch, take a two-hour break before attempting to acclimate to the lower oxygen levels by hiking to Lava Tower Camp, which includes a 370m height gain. Return to Shira 2 Camp for supper and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: All meals included
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut Camp (4,200 m)
After breakfast, climb gently through the rocky terrain from Shira 2 Camp to the Lava Tower (4630m). Before departing for a more secluded path, the Lemosho Route connects with the popular Machame Route. On the journey to Lava Tower, you’ll see unusual desert plant species and the iconic Shark’s Tooth volcanic rock formation. The hike lasts 6 to 7 hours and 14 kilometers and includes gradual exposure to much higher altitudes, consolidating your acclimatization process. At the conclusion of the day, you will descend to Moir Camp (4,200 m), located behind the magnificent Lent Hills, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 5: Hike from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Wake up to the pure mountain air on Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude slopes. After the morning meal, one will climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to the summit of Lent Hills to soak up the panorama prior to rejoining the Northern Circuit path. Trek through a rolling landscape that inclines and declines, bringing you around the northern slopes of Kibo before arriving at Buffalo Camp after a 12-kilometer hike that takes 6 to 7 hours. Set up camp for the night in a beautiful campsite overlooking the vast Kenyan grasslands.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp (3,870m)
Your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route continues with an 8km long trek lasting for 5 to 6 hours with a rejuvenating morning ascending up to the summit of ‘Buffalo Ridge’. Following a lunch break, proceed east through High and Low Alpine scenery, crossing progressively sparse and unique vegetation. You’ve completed circumnavigating the northern slopes to reach Rongai Third Cave Camp. You will be completely acclimatized to the high altitude by this point in the trek. Have dinner and rest at this camp.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 7: Third Cave camp to School Hut (4,800 m)
After breakfast on day seven, ascend steadily for 4 to 5 hours and a distance of 6km to the Saddle, a lunar environment within the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue upwards until you reach the School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon. The rest of the afternoon involves resting and getting ready for summit day, which starts early the next morning.
Meal Plan: All meals are included
Day 8: Hike from School Huts to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and descend to Mweka Camp (3,110m)
Just before midnight, you are going to venture into the darkness and begin your final ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. Continue northwest through the thick stone scree, passing through numerous switchbacks between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This is likely the most difficult portion of the route, requiring significant mental and physical exertion. After a brief rest at Stella Point, you will continue hiking for an additional hour along the crater rim until you reach your final destination. Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, is also known as the Roof of Africa.
The state of the weather at the highest point will influence the amount of time you can stay, however, it is essential to begin descending early to ensure you get sufficient rest back at Barafu Camp. After taking photos, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch, and then continue down to Mweka hut camping, which is nestled in the jungle. Hiking poles are suggested for this trail due to its rocky terrain. At Mweka camp, you will eat dinner and stay for the night.
Meal plan: All meals are included
Day 9: Descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
After your final mountain breakfast,’ make the trek through the lush Afromontane woodland to the park’s exit at Mweka Gate. Following your descent, you will be congratulated on completing the trek, and you will be given the opportunity to share your thoughts on the Kilimanjaro climb in the guestbook. Finally, you will be presented with a memorial certificate. Then your driver will return you to Arusha to a hotel of your choosing for soft beds, warm showers, and a restful night’s sleep.
Meal plan: All meals are included
- Ground Transportation
- waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents and uality,:
- Professional/experienced mountain guides:
- All Park fees Airport transfers Rescue fees
- All meals while on the MountainHiking
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries, and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical Kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Portable toilet
bookings book@naturenestsafari.com, rent@carrental4x4.com +256777131912 naturenestsafaris@gmail.com carrental4x4.com