Skip to content

NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE.

10 Days / 9 Nights

Mount Kilimanjaro is an iconic landmark in Tanzania and Africa’s highest mountain, rising approximately 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. It’s known as a “freestanding” mountain due to its isolated prominence, unlike most mountains, which are part of larger ranges. Here’s an overview of the mountain and what makes it unique:

Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) Tanzania.
  • Elevation: 9,498 ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hoursDistance: 7 km | 4 miles Habitat: Rain Forest.
  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met outside customs area by a driver guide holding a sign board written clearly your booking name and drive to Arusha for overnight at ARUSHA SERENA LODGE.
  • Elevation: 9,498 ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 7 km | 4 miles Habitat: Rain Forest.
  • We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. Dinner and overnight at MTI MKUBWA (BIGTREE CAMP).
DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp
  • Elevation: 11,500 ft Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Distance: 8 km | 5 miles Habitat: Heather or moorland.
  • We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. Dinner and overnight at SHIRA 1 Camp
  • Elevation: 12,500 ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10 km | 4 miles Habitat:
  • HeatherWe explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. Dinner and overnight at SHIRA 2 CAMP.
  • Elevation: 13,580 ft Hiking Time: 7 hours Distance: 7 km | 4 miles Habitat:
  • Alpine Desert We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast to Lava Tower for lunch – a 300ft tall volcanic rock formation at the elevation of 15,190ft. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent
    Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth. Dinner and overnight at MOIR HUT
  • Elevation: 13,200 ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hours Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat:
  • Alpine DesertWe trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent
    Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Dinner and overnight at BUFALO CAMP.
  • Elevation: 12,700 ft Hiking Time: 5-7 hoursDistance: 8 km | 5 milesHabitat: Heather
  • As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
    Dinner and Overnight at THIRD CAVE.
DAY 8: School Hut
  • Elevation: 15,600 ft Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Hiking Time: 13 hours Habitat: Arctic to Rain forest Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
  • From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

  • Elevation: 5,380 ft Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Distance: 10 km | 6 miles Habitat: 

  • Rain Forest. On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Arusha and overnight at ARUSHA SERENA LODGE.

Booking Tips

  • Advance Planning: Book your safari and accommodations well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
  • Customizing Itineraries: Work with Aardvark Safari specialists to tailor your itinerary to your specific interests and preferences.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive insurance covering luxury travel and special activities.

Tailor make your Tour