Day 01
Arrival in Kilimanjaro and Transfer to Moshi
- Meet and greet at the airport, then transfer to the hotel in Moshi.
- Attend a climbing guide briefing and gear check at the hotel.
Tanzania · Trekking
11-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek with Crater Camp
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Trek through rainforest, heath, alpine desert, and glacial zones on the Northern Circuit
- 02 Cross the expansive Shira Plateau and explore Kilimanjaro's remote northern slopes
- 03 Summit Uhuru Peak via a gradual and well-acclimatised ascent route
- 04 Camp overnight at Crater Camp near the summit rim
Discover Mount Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit, the longest and most acclimatising route with a high summit success rate. Trek from rainforest to alpine desert, cross the vast Shira Plateau, and circle the remote northern slopes before climbing steadily to Uhuru Peak. This route offers excellent acclimatisation, quieter trails, dramatic landscapes, changing habitats, and panoramic views. An overnight stay at Crater Camp adds a rare high-altitude experience before the descent via Mweka Gate.
Discover Mount Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit, the longest and most acclimatising route with a high summit success rate.
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
Yes
Cities
Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Londrosi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel in Moshi.
- Drive 3-4 hours to Londrosi Gate for park entry registration.
- Continue with a 45-minute drive to the trailhead, then trek through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft.
Walking Time: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles.
Habitat: Rainforest.
Day 03
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
- Trek through the final rainforest section before entering the low alpine moorland.
- Continue across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft.
Walking Time: 5-6 hours.
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles.
Habitat: Heath.
Day 04
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
- Hike across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp.
- Enjoy views of the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft.
Walking Time: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 7 km / 4 miles.
Habitat: Heath.
Day 05
Shira 2 Camp via Lava Tower to Moir Hut Camp
- Trek east through the 'Garden of Scenarios' into the high alpine desert.
- Hike to Lava Tower and Shark's Tooth Rock at 4,600 metres for lunch.
- Descend to Moir Hut Camp.
- Shira 2 to Lava Tower:
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft.
Walking Time: 3-4 hours.
Distance: 7 km / 4 miles.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
- Lava Tower to Moir Hut:
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft.
Walking Time: 2-3 hours.
Distance: 7 km / 4 miles.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 06
Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp
- Climb out of Moir Valley, with an optional detour to the summit of Little Lent Hill (4,375M).
- Continue along the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft.
Walking Time: 5-7 hours.
Distance: 12 km / 7 miles.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 07
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Ascend Buffalo Ridge and descend to Pofu Camp for lunch.
- Continue east along the northern slopes to Third Cave.
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft.
Walking Time: 5-7 hours.
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles.
Habitat: Heath.
Day 08
Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp
- Hike steadily up and over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
- Continue to School Hut Camp for an early dinner and a short rest before the summit attempt.
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft.
Walking Time: 4-5 hours.
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 09
School Hut to Uhuru Peak and Crater Camp
- Begin the summit climb on a switchback trail through volcanic scree to Gillman's Point.
- Continue to Uhuru Peak and celebrate your achievement.
- Descend to Crater Camp for an overnight stay.
- School Hut to Uhuru Peak:
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft.
Walking Time: 6-8 hours.
Distance: 7 km / 4 miles.
Habitat: Glacial and preceding.
- Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp:
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft.
Walking Time: 1 hour.
Distance: 1 km / 0.6 mile.
Habitat: Glacial and preceding.
Day 10
Crater Camp to Millennium Camp
- Take an early hike to the Crater Rim for sunrise.
- Descend to Millennium Camp, using trekking poles on the loose gravel.
Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft.
Walking Time: 4-6 hours.
Distance: 12 km / 7 miles.
Habitat: Arctic.
Day 11
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
- Descend 1,300 metres to Mweka Park Gate and collect your summit certificates.
- Transfer to the hotel for a shower and celebration.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft.
Descending Time: 5-6 hours.
Distance: 12 km / 7 miles.
Habitat: Rainforest.
Where this trip takes you
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and Shark's Tooth Rock, Uhuru Peak, Crater Rim
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- All park entry fees, tour charges, and respective taxes as per the itinerary
- Camping equipment, including tents, chairs, and mattresses
- Food with three meals a day and refreshments
- Trained personal cook
- Trained and licensed English-speaking mountain guide
- Mountain porters
- Transportation to and from the mountain
- Airport transfers
- Two nights of bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing
What's Not Included
- Crew tips
- Climbing gear such as sleeping bags, walking poles, rainwear, and warm clothing
- Personal expenses including visa fees, airport taxes, and insurance policies
What to bring
- Sleeping bag
- Day pack
- Duffle bag
- Trekking poles
- Trekking boots
- Water bottle
- Neck scarf
- Warm hat
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
- Warm gloves
- Socks
- Gaiters
- Warm jacket
- Warm trousers
- Down jacket or hardshell jacket
- Rain trousers
- Poncho or rucksack rain cover
- Portable toilet
- Oxygen cylinder
Know before you go
- Good physical condition: The most crucial part for Kilimanjaro climbing beginners is proper preparation. Physical exercise may include jogging, cycling, swimming, using an elliptical machine, and more, as advised by your personal trainer.
- Acclimatization: To minimize the risks of altitude sickness, a route with acclimatization time that allows the body to adjust gradually is the top priority. Slower ascent rates and additional rest days can increase the chances of a successful summit.
- Mental preparation: Climbing Kilimanjaro requires mental strength and perseverance. A positive mindset, determination, and being mentally prepared for the challenges ahead can greatly contribute to summit success.
- Safety first: Listen to the guides, follow their instructions, and prioritize safety at all times. Communicate any health concerns or symptoms of altitude sickness immediately to the guides. Stay hydrated, eat well, and take the necessary breaks to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb.
- Packing checklist: Prepare a comprehensive packing list, including essential items such as proper equipment, gear, energy bars, medication, and other necessities.
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Tanzania
Tour start
Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 11 days finish where they began, in Mt Kilimanjaro.
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Starting from
USD
2,550
/person
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Starting from
Estimated room rates
Single Room
$2,550.00 — $3,600.00
Double Sharing
$2,550.00 — $3,000.00
When
Travellers
Rooms
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Total
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