Northern Circuit Route

Our friendly transfer driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro airport. After loading the luggage into the vehicle you will make your way to the lodge and explore the small town of Arusha. Our team will meet you later the day to have a preliminary talk in preparation for the days of safari.

After breakfast Arusha/ Moshi, we will drive to Lemosho Gate. Here you will be registered by the national park authorities and your trek through a dense rainforest begins. Today will be the shortest walk of the trek, about 2½ hours, giving you a small taste of what lies ahead in the coming days. The walk takes you through dense and unspoiled rainforest, which is very different from the scenery you will have in the next couple of days.

Your destination for the day is the beautiful Big Tree Camp at2780 m (Swahili Mti Mkubwa). (3-4 hrs Walking)

Elevation: 2100m/6890ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 685m

We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in! We camp in the center of the plateau at Shira One. 4-6hrs Walking)

Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m

Today we explore the grassy moorland and volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral (12,800 ft), a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness here, especially when the afternoon mists roll in.

From our camp near Shira Hut (12,600 ft), we take in the unforgettable views of Mt. Meru as she floats among the clouds. (3-4hrs Walking)

Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft Altitude gained: 391m

In the morning we follow the main trail up to Lava Tower (15,150 ft), and for those feeling strong, there is a possibility to climb up to the ruined hut at Arrow Glacier (15,700 ft). We then continue from Lava Tower to reach our campsite at Moir Hut.(6-7hrs Walking)

For those wanting some extra exercise and acclimatization, there are a number of short hikes that can be taken in the nearby Lent Hills.

Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 91m

We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (15,400 ft). After admiring the views we return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Here the trail passes through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Buffalo Camp.

At the camp, there is a huge feeling of space as the Kenyan plains stretch out far below to the north. (5-7hrs Walking)

Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft Altitude loss: 122m

You’ll begin your day by heading up Buffalo Ridge. This is truly wild country, as you’ll feel like the only people on the mountain as you trek through this sparse terrain. Trekking through remote valleys and windswept terrain, you’ll overnight on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles, Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

There is a steady ascent to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon.

The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day. (4-6hrs Walking)

Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft Altitude gained: 781m

We start the final and most demanding part of the climb by headlamp around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft). We rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three- our round trip to Uhuru Peak (19,345 ft), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. We leave the summit heading northwest, down steep switchbacks for a short distance to Crater Camp (18,900 ft), where the rest of the crew will join us to set up camp. There is an option to hike Reusch Crater and the Ash Pit (19,140), or stay in the area and explore Furtwangler Glacier. Sleeping at this high altitude can be dangerous. Serious AMS can develop if adequate altitude acclimatization has not been achieved so the guides will monitor you very closely later descend to Mweka Camp. [10-13 hours walking]

Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 1178m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost:2789m

A sustained descent on a well-constructed path takes us through a lovely tropical forest alive with birdsong and boasting lush undergrowth with considerable botanical interest. Our route winds down to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Mweka (5,400 ft); and on through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village, where we are transferred to your lodge in Arusha. (3-4hrs Walking)

Dinner and overnight at Arusha or Moshi: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft Altitude lost: 1473m

Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight unless you have the option to relax at Zanzibar beach, or any other option we will discuss.