Northern Circuit 8 days hike

Day 0: Arrival

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative from Pundamilia Traverse & Escapade will greet you. After a brief introduction, they will transport you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, you'll have a briefing with the guide, who will ensure you are prepared to start the climb.

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel

Time From JRO to Moshi: 1 hour

Day 1: Hike from Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

In the morning, a guide and a mountain support team will meet you at the hotel to get ready for the journey. You will then drive to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m). After swiftly completing the formalities for climbing permits and weighing the porters' luggage, you will start your hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m).

Raincoats are essential today, especially since you'll be walking through the rainforest. By the time you arrive at the camp, our professional mountain crew will have everything ready, with tents set up and a hot dinner prepared for you.

Elevation Change: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) to Mti mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)

Hiking distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

Hiking duration: 2 to 3 hours

Day 2: Hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Rising early, having breakfast, and gradually trekking upwards to 3,500 meters will allow you, for the first time, to witness the breathtaking views of Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano.

Overall, the journey from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) is relatively straightforward and lasts approximately 4-5 hours. At Shira 1 Camp, you will have lunch before proceeding to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m). Upon arrival at the camp, you can relax in your tent or explore the area while waiting for dinner, after which you can rest for the night.

Elevation Change: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)

Hiking distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

Hiking duration: 4–5 hours

Elevation Change: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) — Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking duration: 3–4 hours

Day 3: Hike from Shira 2 to Moir Hut through the Lava Tower Trek

After breakfast, the group departs from Shira 2 Camp at an altitude of 3,850 m and makes their way to Lava Tower at 4,600 m. This section of the journey includes numerous ascents and descents, which might cause some discomfort. To acclimatize effectively, you will need to spend one hour at a higher altitude, so the lunch break will occur at Lava Tower. In the afternoon, the route ascends slightly before descending to Moir Hut Camp. Descend through the picturesque Moir Valley to arrive at the secluded Moir Hut campsite (4200m), located near the base of the Lent Hills. The landscape will shift to an alpine desert environment.

You'll have the option for a short detour to climb the summit of little Lent Hill (4,375m ft) for panoramic views if you feel energetic enough and also depending with your arrival time at the camp.

Elevation Change: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m) — Lava Tower (4,630 m) — Moir Hut (4,200 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hours

Day 4: Hiking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Today, you'll embark on a trek that is lengthy yet straightforward. After a brief steep ascent from Moir Valley, you'll begin circling the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Similar to the route to Lava Tower, the trail will feature a series of ups and downs without any significant altitude increases. This path runs near the Kenyan border, providing you with stunning views of the Tsavo and Amboseli Valleys. This less-explored side of the mountain offers a feeling of isolation and peace.

Elevation Change: Moir Hut (4,200 m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)

Hiking distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hours

Day 5: Hiking from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

After breakfast, the trail climbs up Buffalo Ridge before descending into Pofu Camp, where you may have lunch. The route continues along the mostly flat northern circuit, offering distinct views of the mountain as you traverse different high-altitude vegetation zones. This trek is shorter than the day before, and by this point, you should be well adjusted to the altitude, as you will sleep at a similar elevation. You will arrive at the Third Cave by mid-afternoon.

Elevation Change: Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) to 3rd Cave Camp (3,800 m)

Hiking distance: 8 km (4.9 miles)

Hiking duration: 5–6 hours

Day 6: Hike from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut

Today, you will trek to the School Hut Base Camp (4,800 m). The trek itself is not very difficult, so be sure to maintain a suitable pace to conserve your energy for the ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit. Upon reaching the camp, a hot lunch will be served. We recommend getting plenty of rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and staying hydrated, as you will continue the trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) that night.

Dinner will be served early to ensure you have enough rest, as the ascent begins around midnight. The guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the summit attempt to ensure you are prepared for the hike.

Elevation Change: 3rd Cave Camp (3,800 m) to School Hut (4,800 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking duration: 4–5 hours

Day 7: Ascend to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

The adventure begins at night from School Hut Base Camp (4,800 m) as you start the climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). While the climb is technically straightforward, the high altitude presents the greatest challenge. Each pair of climbers will have a personal guide to assess their physical and mental condition during the ascent. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you will spend a few minutes there as advised by the guide, after which you will descend to Barafu Camp. After a 1.5-hour rest, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).

Elevation Change: School Hut (4,750 m) — Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — Mweka Camp (3,110 m)

Hiking distance: 19 km (11.8 miles)

Hiking duration: 10–15 hours

Day 8: Descending from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole crew will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions and gratitude's. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation Change: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Hiking duration: 3 to 4.5 hours

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel