Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing, a gear check, and an introduction to your upcoming Kilimanjaro adventure.

After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll depart for Londorosi Gate, where you’ll complete all necessary registration and entry formalities. From there, you’ll continue driving to the Lemosho trailhead, the starting point of your trek.

Upon arrival, your adventure officially begins as you hike through the lush, untouched montane forest. Along the way, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and enjoy the serene natural surroundings. The trail gradually ascends until you reach your first campsite — Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp — where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.

Elevation: 1,830m / 6,000ft → 2,650m / 8,700ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll depart for Londorosi Gate, where you’ll complete all necessary registration and entry formalities. From there, you’ll continue driving to the Lemosho trailhead, the starting point of your trek.

Upon arrival, your adventure officially begins as you hike through the lush, untouched montane forest. Along the way, you may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and enjoy the serene natural surroundings. The trail gradually ascends until you reach your first campsite — Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp — where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.

Elevation: 1,830m / 6,000ft → 2,650m / 8,700ft
Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Today’s trek takes you across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The hike is a gentle walk eastward through moorland meadows, where you’ll enjoy stunning views and encounter unique Senecio trees and colorful wildflowers characteristic of the heath zone.

You’ll gradually gain altitude as you make your way toward Shira 2 Camp, before branching off from the main trail to reach Moir Hut, a secluded campsite nestled at the base of Lent Hills. This is an excellent area for acclimatization, and optional short hikes on the Lent Hills offer beautiful panoramic views of the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 11,500 ft → 13,800 ft
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Heath

You’ll begin the day with a steady climb out of Moir Valley, followed by a short hike to the summit of Lent Hills—a perfect acclimatization opportunity with rewarding panoramic views. After descending from Lent Hills, you’ll rejoin the main trail that traverses a rocky field and gently rises and falls before reaching Buffalo Camp.

This section of the route showcases sweeping views of the open plains stretching north toward the Kenya–Tanzania border, offering a breathtaking perspective of Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes.

Elevation: 13,580 ft → 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

As we ascend Buffalo Ridge, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and open, offering a true sense of wilderness. This section of the trail is seldom traveled, providing a peaceful and untouched mountain atmosphere far from the busier routes.

The trek continues through remote valleys along Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, eventually leading us to Third Cave Camp, a serene resting point surrounded by the mountain’s quiet beauty.

Elevation: 13,200 ft → 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Heath

We begin the day with a steady climb up and over the Saddle, a broad alpine desert that stretches between Kibo and Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s two volcanic peaks. The scenery here is stark and dramatic, offering breathtaking views in every direction.

We then continue toward School Hut Camp, our base for the summit attempt. Upon arrival, we set up camp, enjoy dinner, and rest in preparation for the challenging climb to the summit the following day.

Elevation: 12,700 ft → 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

At dawn, we begin our final ascent to the summit — the most demanding and rewarding part of the journey.

The climb is slow and steady, with short but frequent breaks as we gain altitude. Upon reaching Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft) on the crater rim, the summit of Kilimanjaro is within reach.

Pushing onward, we finally arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From this breathtaking vantage, you’ll stand above the clouds before beginning your descent back to Barafu Camp, where you’ll celebrate your success and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

We descend directly to Mweka Camp, located in the lush upper rainforest. The trail is steep and rocky, making it tough on the knees, so trekking poles are highly recommended. As we reach camp, we enjoy our final dinner on the mountain, reflecting on the incredible journey to the summit.

Elevation: 15,331 ft → 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rainforest

On the final day, you will descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your well-earned summit certificates. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended. From Mweka Gate, a vehicle will pick you up at Mweka Village and transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha.

Elevation: 10,065 ft → 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rainforest