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The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest route, designed with gradual altitude gain that gives trekkers a strong chance of reaching the summit. It begins on the western slopes along the Lemosho trail, moving through dense rainforest and into high moorland before opening onto the wide expanse of the Shira Plateau. From here, the path continues east towards Moir Camp near the Lava Tower, with days paced to support acclimatization.
After leaving the busier southern approaches, the route arcs around the mountain’s quieter northern side, offering solitude and open views rarely shared with other groups. It later joins the Rongai route at Third Cave before reaching Kibo Hut, the final base camp. The summit push to Uhuru Peak begins at midnight, followed by a two-day descent along the Mweka trail on the southeastern slope.
With us, every trek is tailored to you. Flexible routes, personalized options, and expert mountain guides ensure your climb matches your vision. Together, we create a once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro experience designed just for you.
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During your trek you’ll be guided by a professional and highly experienced local English-speaking mountain guide, supported by a dedicated team of porters and a skilled cook. They will ensure your safety, comfort, and success every step of the way. Your climb includes well-planned routes, nutritious hot meals, and comfortable mountain camps with quality tents and sleeping gear—giving you the best possible chance to reach the summit
Tanzania - Mount Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Gate, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Moir Hut, Pofu Camp, Third Cave, Kibo Hut, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
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On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative will meet you and assist with luggage before the drive to Moshi. At Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, your mountain guide will go through a detailed trek briefing and check your gear to ensure everything is in place.
The hotel itself is one of Moshi’s leading properties, with modern rooms, a rooftop bar overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro, a swimming pool, and a mix of local and international dining options. After the briefing, the remainder of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight, with the hotel providing a comfortable base before the climb begins.
You’ll leave Moshi this morning and drive to Londorossi Gate for registration with Kilimanjaro National Park. After formalities, continue to Lemosho Gate where the trek begins. The trail winds through dense mountain rainforest,
Home to colobus monkeys and colorful birdlife, before gradually rising toward camp. The hike takes around three to four hours, giving plenty of time to adjust to the trail’s pace. Your first night on the mountain is spent at Mti Mkubwa Camp, set among towering trees.
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You leave the forest behind and continue climbing into open moorland, where giant heathers and volcanic rock replace the dense greenery of the lower slopes. The trail gradually opens up with wider views as you make your way toward the Shira Plateau,
One of Kilimanjaro’s ancient lava fields. After about five to six hours on the trail, you arrive at Shira Camp 1, set on a flat expanse that provides a first real sense of the mountain’s scale.
Shira 1 Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, the trail through a wide expanse of the Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp. The hike usually takes four to six hours on steady ground with gradual ascents, giving plenty of time to take in views of the plateau and surrounding peaks.
At this stage of the climb, the air begins to thin, and the contrast in temperature becomes more noticeable, with warm days quickly giving way to nights that often dip below freezing.
Shira 2 Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The route today takes you across the high alpine desert on a two to three-hour trek. The ascent leads to Lava Tower, a striking volcanic plug that rises to 4,630m, with the jagged Shark’s Tooth rock formation nearby.
After spending time here, you descend back to Moir Camp for the night. The hike is not overly long, but the altitude gain makes it a valuable acclimatisation stage, giving the body time to adjust before the higher sections of the climb.
Moir Hut
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The hike today takes around five to six hours, starting with a steady climb as the trail skirts the northern slopes of Kibo. The path leads into the alpine desert, a stark but striking landscape marked by loose rock and sparse vegetation.
The air feels drier here, and the wide views stretch far across the plateau. The route gradually descends to Pofu Camp, where tents are set up for the night. At this point the altitude is slightly lower than yesterday, which makes the overnight stop useful for acclimatization.
Pofu Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The trail today stretches across valleys and open ground, with a steady four to five hours of walking. The path is not especially difficult, but the distance makes it a testing stage. Buffaloes are sometimes seen grazing in the area, adding interest to the hike.
By afternoon you reach Third Cave, a simple camp set in a wide hollow at the base of the mountain. At 3,900 meters, it sits slightly lower than your last overnight stop, an advantage for acclimatisation as you continue to gain altitude over the coming days.
Third Cave
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You leave camp and begin a steady ascent across the Saddle, a broad expanse of alpine desert lying between Kibo and Mawenzi. The ground is stark and exposed, with little vegetation and thin air reminding you of the altitude.
The walk takes about four to five hours, gradually bringing you closer to the base of Kibo. By early afternoon you reach School Hut, a simple staging point for summit attempts. Here you rest, prepare your gear, and conserve energy for the climb ahead.
Kibo Hut
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Summit day begins just after midnight with a slow, steady climb on scree and switchbacks toward Gilman’s Point. The air is thin and progress is gradual, but with persistence you’ll reach Stella Point on the crater rim in time for sunrise. From here, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5895m.
After photos and a short rest, the descent retraces to Kibo Hut for a quick meal before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The long day covers over 12 hours of hiking, and the change in altitude is demanding, but reaching camp brings a real sense of relief with warmer air, lower elevation, and the chance to rest after the toughest stage of the climb.
Your guide wakes you at midnight to start the final push to the summit. The trail climbs steadily northwest through the darkness, taking five to seven hours to reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,685 m.
After a brief rest, the route continues for about an hour along a cold, often snow-dusted path to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Standing here, you are at the highest point in Africa, a hard-earned milestone that marks the end of Kilimanjaro’s toughest section.
After reaching Uhuru Peak, begin the descent to Mweka Camp at 3,110 meters above sea level. The trail takes you through alpine desert and moorland, gradually returning to forested sections. The hike can take 12 to 16 hours, depending on pace and conditions.
At Mweka Camp, you spend your final night on the mountain, giving your body a chance to recover after the climb and prepare for the transfer to lower elevations the following day.
Mweka Camp
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin the final stretch of the trek from Mweka Camp down to Mweka Gate. The path winds through dense forest, descending steadily toward the base. At the gate, your driver will be waiting to greet you, and there is a moment to celebrate with a drink and receive your Kilimanjaro trekking certificate.
From here, you will be transferred by vehicle back to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi. Arriving at the hotel, you can relax after the climb, shower, and enjoy a proper meal. The afternoon may be spent reflecting on the trek, sharing stories with fellow climbers, or browsing local shops. Dinner at the hotel offers an opportunity to mark the conclusion of the adventure and enjoy the town’s atmosphere.
Breakfast, Lunch
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