Kenya, Tanzania · Trekking

11-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek with Maasai Culture

11 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace
kilimanjaro Great nothern traverse

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Northern Circuit
  • 02 Explore Maasai culture and traditions at Africa Amini Maasai Lodge
  • 03 Trek through diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak and receive an official summit certificate

Embark on a breathtaking 11-day Kilimanjaro adventure along the remote Northern Circuit, one of the quietest and most scenic routes on the mountain. Trek through lush rainforests, open moorlands, and dramatic alpine landscapes, with excellent acclimatization for a successful summit. Explore vibrant Maasai culture at Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, enjoy panoramic vistas over Kenya's Amboseli plains, and conquer Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement with a summit certificate on this life-changing journey that combines nature, culture, and adventure.

Embark on a breathtaking 11-day Kilimanjaro adventure along the remote Northern Circuit, one of the quietest and most scenic routes on the mountain.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli National Park, Arusha National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Maasai Welcome

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet the team.
  • Transfer to Africa Amini Maasai Lodge for a warm Maasai welcome.
  • Dinner and settle in at the eco-lodge.

Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Africa Amini Maasai Lodge.

2
Day 02

Walking Safari in Arusha National Park

  • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet the team.
  • Transfer to Africa Amini Maasai Lodge for a warm Maasai welcome.
  • Dinner and settle in at the eco-lodge.

Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: Africa Amini Maasai Lodge.

3
Day 03

Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Drive to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) and register for the trek.
  • Hike through lush rainforest, spotting tropical birds and monkeys.
  • Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m).

Hiking: 3-4 hrs | Elevation Gain: 720 m | Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp.

4
Day 04

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

  • Climb out of the rainforest into heather and moorland.
  • Enjoy your first views of the Shira Plateau.
  • Arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m).

Hiking: 5-6 hrs | Elevation Gain: 790 m | Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp.

5
Day 05

Shira 1 to Moir Hut

  • Cross the Shira Plateau.
  • Hike steadily to Moir Hut (4,200 m), located at the base of Lent Hills.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Gain: 590 m | Accommodation: Moir Hut.

6
Day 06

Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

  • Enter the Northern Circuit and trek across rugged terrain.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and Kenya's Amboseli plains.
  • Arrive at Pofu Camp (4,020 m).

Hiking: 6-7 hrs | Elevation Change: -180 m | Accommodation: Pofu Camp.

7
Day 07

Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp

  • Traverse the northern slopes with few climbers in sight.

Overnight at Third Cave Camp (3,870 m) amidst open, wild landscapes.

Hiking: 5-6 hrs | Elevation Change: -150 m | Accommodation: Third Cave Camp.

8
Day 08

Third Cave to School Hut

  • Climb steadily to School Hut (4,800 m), the base for the summit attempt.
  • Rest and prepare for the pre-dawn push to Uhuru Peak.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs | Elevation Gain: 930 m | Accommodation: School Hut.

9
Day 09

Summit Day to Uhuru Peak and Barafu Camp

  • Begin the pre-dawn climb to Gilman's Point (5,681 m).
  • Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
  • Celebrate your achievement and descend to Barafu Camp (4,640 m).

Hiking: 10-14 hrs | Elevation Gain: 1,095 m | Elevation Loss: 1,255 m | Accommodation: Barafu Camp.

10
Day 10

Barafu Camp to Mweka Hut

  • Descend through alpine desert and moorland.
  • Arrive at Mweka Hut (3,100 m) in the forest zone.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs | Elevation Loss: 1,540 m | Accommodation: Mweka Hut.

11
Day 11

Mweka Gate to Arusha

  • Complete the trek at Mweka Gate (1,640 m) and receive your summit certificate.
  • Transfer to Four Points by Sheraton - Arusha Hotel for a celebratory dinner and rest.

Hiking: 3-4 hrs | Elevation Loss: 1,460 m | Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 11 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport transfers in Arusha
  • Accommodation as per itinerary: Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, Kilimanjaro camps, and Four Points by Sheraton - Arusha
  • All meals during the trek and at lodges
  • Guided walking safari in Arusha National Park
  • Experienced Kilimanjaro guides, porters, and support staff
  • Trekking permits, park fees, and rescue fees
  • Summit certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak
  • Sleeping mats in tents provided during the trek
  • Cultural experiences with the Maasai community

What's Not Included

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation coverage
  • Visa fees for Tanzania
  • Personal expenses, souvenirs, and tips for guides and porters
  • Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 11 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

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