9-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Northern Circuit with Summit Sunrise

1

Day 01

Moshi to Londorossi Gate and Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Wake up early and invigorated for the upcoming journey to the foot of the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro route.
• After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, you'll leave Moshi for the Londorossi Park Gate in the west. The 3-hour drive takes you off the beaten path for a remarkable cultural experience, passing through the fascinating townscapes of Boma N'gombe among the native people of Sanya Juu.
• After arriving at your destination, you'll register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities while our team assembles all your gear and supplies. Meet and get to know the rest of your support team, including our friendly chefs.
• Our guides will then drive you further up the mountain to the starting point of your trek. On the first leg of your journey, you'll move through untamed wilderness brimming with ancient and exotic botanical species. Black and White Colobus Monkey peer down from the lush rainforest canopy while you may catch a glimpse of larger mammals like elephant or buffalo. Your final destination for the day is Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m), where you'll rest and recuperate.

2

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1

• Wake up on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to begin the longest and most spectacular day of trekking so far. You'll pass through the last sections of rainforest before entering the majestic barren landscape of the Low Alpine moorland zone.
• Marvel at rare flora species, including enormous violet lobelias and wild vegetation. Venture across the massive Shira Plateau, the collapsed vestiges of an ancient volcanic crater. You'll then cross over the Shira Ridge toward the slopes of Shira Camp 1 (3,600 m), where you'll set up for the night.

3

Day 03

Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2

• After devouring a hot, steaming breakfast, you'll continue your scenic trek across the exposed moorland zone. Few visitors frequent this section of Kilimanjaro, so you'll get to fully experience its untouched beauty.
• Emerging from the Shira Plateau, you'll be greeted by a truly stunning view of the peak of Kilimanjaro before reaching Shira Camp 2 (3,810 m).
• The rest of the day involves free time to explore the spectacular surroundings, including the landmark Shira Cathedral, a grand buttress of rock surrounded by pinnacle and spire formations. Your guide will also lead brief excursions to aid each person's acclimatization process.

4

Day 04

Shira Camp 2 to Moir Hut Camp

• On the fifth day of the Northern Circuit Route, Kilimanjaro takes you east into the High Alpine desert zone. Here, the Lemosho Route connects with the popular Machame Route before you leave for a more secluded trail.
• You'll get to marvel at curious desert plant species and view the iconic Shark's Tooth volcanic rock formation on the way to Lava Tower. This part of your journey involves gradual exposure to much higher altitudes, consolidating your acclimatization process.
• At the end of the day, you'll head toward Moir Camp (4,200 m), situated behind the magnificent Lent Hills. There, you'll put your feet up and enjoy a steaming hot meal.

5

Day 05

Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp

• Wake up to the refreshing mountain air on the high-altitude slopes of Kilimanjaro. You'll have breakfast, gather your gear, and climb out of the Moir Valley.
• A short detour takes you to the summit of Lent Hills to admire the views before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. Journey along rolling terrain that rises and falls, taking you around the northern slopes of Kibo before reaching Buffalo Camp. Set up for the night at a stunning campsite with the spacious Kenyan plains stretching out below you.

6

Day 06

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

• Your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit adventure continues with a revitalizing morning climb to the top of Buffalo Ridge. After stopping for lunch, you'll continue eastward through High and Low Alpine scenery, passing increasingly sparse and rare vegetation.
• The day's journey ends after circumventing the northern slopes to reach Rongai Third Cave Camp. By this stage of the trek, you'll be fully acclimatized to the high altitude.

7

Day 07

Third Cave to School Hut

• This is the final leg of the trip before your last ascent to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. The highlight of the day is the trek up and over The Saddle, a lunar landscape that lies between the Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.
• You'll then head southwest to School Hut (4,800 m) to rest in preparation for the end of your amazing journey. Your guides will thoroughly check all your gear and supplies in preparation for an early morning start.

8

Day 08

School Hut to Mweka Camp via the Summit

• Your last morning on the Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit gets off to an early start. You and your guides will travel through the darkness toward Kilimanjaro's main crater rim at Gilman's Point. There, you'll rest before the final push, passing spectacular ice cliffs and glaciers.
• You'll arrive at the Mount Kilimanjaro summit just in time to catch the sunrise, one of nature's most spectacular backdrops. Share the sense of exhilaration and accomplishment with your guides and support team. Soak in the beauty of the view before retracing your steps down the crater rim.
• Then, you'll descend on the Mweka Route toward the last stop on your journey - Mweka Camp.

9

Day 09

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Moshi

• The last hike is a short one and will lead you to Mweka Gate. Our team will proudly issue you with a Gold Summit Certificate and celebrate.
• Our drivers will be in the nearby village to transport you to the hotel for a hot shower, a soft mattress, and a set of clean clothes.
• Our driver will transfer you to the airport, where you will connect with your flight back home. If you've chosen to continue on a safari, that's a different adventure, and we'll take care of that for you.