From Arusha in Tanzania: 9 Days Group Luxury Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

Lemosho Gate (2,360 meters) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Before reaching Lemosho Gate, you'll journey through diverse farmland that transitions into wide, open plains. Close to the trailhead, a picturesque forest clearing offers an ideal lunch spot. After registering at the gate, the trek begins along a narrow trail that weaves through a rich forest home to wildlife such as buffalo. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), situated at an altitude of 7,800 feet.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Full Board at Shira One Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Follow the trail as it emerges from the forest into a savannah dotted with tall grasses, heather, and lichen-covered volcanic boulders. As you ascend through rolling, colorful hills and cross several streams, you'll arrive at Shira Ridge before making a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp. The sweeping panoramic view of Kibo across the plateau is simply unforgettable.

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)

Distance: 7km / 4 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On the third day, the journey continues across the expansive Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where you'll spend the night and may encounter climbers who took the Machame Route. A short acclimatization hike from Shira Camp 2 is highly recommended to enjoy stunning views of the valley below and the Western Breach above. The plateau is open and exposed, so nighttime temperatures can be very cold, often dropping below freezing.
Note: From this point, the trail heads east along the Shira Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) before descending on the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Distance: 14km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On Day Four, the adventure continues eastward with a longer trek through the breathtaking ‘Garden of the Senecios,’ eventually reaching the high alpine desert. The morning features a gradual ascent to Lava Tower and the striking Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters, where you’ll pause for lunch. In the afternoon, the trail descends along the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day plays a key role in acclimatization, with a high-altitude climb followed by an overnight stay at a lower elevation.

Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Distance: 12km / 7 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day five, the trek advances with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. For those seeking extra adventure, a brief optional hike leads to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the main Northern Circuit trail. The route then winds gently across Kibo’s northern slopes, offering breathtaking views of the expansive plains toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) for lunch and a well-earned rest after the challenging hike.

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3,800 meters)

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day six, the trek starts with a climb up Buffalo Ridge before descending to Pofu Camp for lunch. The journey then continues east along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, following the Northern Circuit route to reach Rongai Third Cave Camp at 3,800 meters. This day’s hike is shorter than the day before, and by this stage, most trekkers are well acclimatized. You’ll arrive at Third Cave Camp by mid-afternoon.

Third Cave Camp (3,800 meters) to School Huts (4,800 meters)

Distance: 15km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day seven, you’ll make a steady ascent across the Saddle—a wide ridge that connects Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts. The trail then turns southwest, leading to School Huts at an elevation of 4,800 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and are advised to get some rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt. Before sleeping, ensure all your essential items—warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera—are ready.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)

Distance: 6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6-mile descent

Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4–6-hour descent

Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Around 11:30 PM, you'll be gently woken with hot tea and biscuits to begin the challenging night climb up Kibo's slopes. Your first stop will be a short break at Hans Meyer Cave. From there, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend toward Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), usually reached about 5–6 hours after leaving School Huts. Enjoy the incredible pre-dawn views and glimpses of Mawenzi Peak, but remember—Uhuru Peak is still two hours away, so save your energy for the final stretch. As you follow the crater rim westward, the trail flattens, leading you to the summit just as the sun rises. Take in the stunning views and capture a few memorable photos before starting your descent. You'll head down past Stella Point (5,739 meters) and continue through loose scree to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) for a short rest, then move on to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your last night on the mountain. This is the most demanding day of the trek—expect 14–16 hours on your feet—so pacing, hydration, and stamina are key.

Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)

Distance: 10km / 6.5 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On the last day, you’ll descend briefly through the vibrant montane rainforest, beginning at Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) and finishing at Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). Once there, you’ll check out with park officials and be awarded your official certificate—green for reaching Gilman’s Point or gold for reaching Uhuru Peak. It’s customary to tip your guide and porters before you’re transferred back to your luxury hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is reserved for relaxation after the trek, followed by your transfer back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).