8 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

Your adventure begins at Londorossi Gate, where you'll register and start your hike through the lush rainforest. The first day's destination is Mti Mkubwa, where you'll set up camp and enjoy your first night on the mountain.

Second day of our 9 days Northern Circuit Route, 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 .

Today we have the chance to view the Northern ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. The terrain during our steady climb will change from the moorland of the Shira Plateau to the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills with great panoramic views. Look out for the giant Senecio’s before the high alpine desert zone. Our camp is close to Moir Hut (4175m). After a short rest you can go on a recommended afternoon acclimatization walk towards the top of the ridgeline. The ridgeline is in the lower part of the Lent Hills (4300m) – about 2 km away and 130 meters higher than the camp. Dinner will be served on your return to camp.

Today we trek North to Moir Valley – tackle the hardest part of the day at the beginning as you climb a bleak and imposing slope to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375m. Strike eastwards around the Northern Circuit Trail, continuing up and down the undulating valleys on the northern face of Kibo, before finishing your trek day at Pofu Camp. Afternoon Acclimatization Hike recommended.

The day starts with a climb up heading east through the remote valleys and around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and vegetation gets increasingly sparse, but by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude and enjoying the fact there are no steep passages to tackle today. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

We begin today with a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Although you should be acclimatizing by now, make sure to drink lots of water and stick to your guide’s slow pace. You could feel the weight of altitude today as you climb steadily higher up Kilimanjaro. Take a few breaks to rest when possible and enjoy stunning views across the saddle to Mawenzi. In preparation for you summit attempt, you will be served an early dinner after arriving at School Hut, before going to bed for an attempt at some shut-eye and rest. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks and headlamp before going to bed, as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt.

Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. Your guide will wake you around midnight for a hot beverage and snacks before you begin your final ascent which will be long, slow and strenuous ascent. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you should reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will pass Stella Point (5730m) to reach the highest summit on Kilimanjaro – Uhuru Peak at 5895m. Witness the awe-inspiring views from the highest point on the African continent, take your pictures to document your achievements and revel in an unforgettable experience. Your descent to School Hut, will be fast and dusty, but a warm meal and short rest awaits you, before proceeding downwards 3-4 hours to Horombo Hut.

After breakfast the final day of your adventure begins, with a gentle trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! Our vehicles and driver will meet us at the gate to take you to your accommodation in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower, a cold swim (and a cold beer or two!) before a big evening celebration. Overnight in Moshi

After a good night’s rest at your hotel, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 10.00hrs.(If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and we will inform you of the cost for a ‘day room’ which allows you to stay until 18:00hrs, and then make the booking on your behalf.) As the transfer services have been already included in this package, you will be collected from your hotel and dropped off at the airport.