From Moshi 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 arriving at Lemosho Gate, you\'ll pass through varied farmland that opens up to expansive plains. Near the trailhead, a scenic forest clearing provides a perfect spot to enjoy lunch. After completing registration at the gate, the hike begins on a narrow path winding through a lush forest inhabited by wildlife like buffalo. The day concludes at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), located at 7,800 feet above sea level.

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 leaves the forest and opens into a savannah sprinkled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic boulders covered in lichen. As you climb through colorful, undulating hills and pass several streams, you’ll reach Shira Ridge, then gently descend to Shira 1 Camp. The breathtaking panoramic view of Kibo stretching across the plateau is truly 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 trek progresses across the vast Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2, where you’ll spend the night and have the chance to meet climbers coming from the Machame Route. It’s strongly advised to take a short acclimatization hike from Shira Camp 2 to admire breathtaking views of the valley below and the Western Breach above. Since the plateau is exposed, expect cold temperatures at night, potentially dropping below freezing.

Note: From here, the route continues east along the Shira Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then descends via 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 journey heads east with an extended trek through the stunning \'Garden of the Senecios\' before arriving at the high alpine desert. The morning involves a steady climb to Lava Tower and the distinctive Shark’s Tooth formation at 4,600 meters, where a lunch break is planned. In the afternoon, you’ll descend along the northern circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day is vital for acclimatization—ascending to higher elevations during the hike but resting at a lower altitude overnight.

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 journey proceeds with a moderately steep ascent from Moir Valley. Adventurous hikers can take a short optional detour to reach the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the main Northern Circuit trail. The path then continues with gentle climbs and descents along Kibo’s northern slopes, showcasing stunning views of the vast plains stretching toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. By early afternoon, you\'ll reach Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) for lunch and a deserved rest after the day’s demanding trek.

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 the sixth day, the trek begins by ascending Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent to Pofu Camp for lunch. Afterward, the Northern Circuit route heads east along Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, reaching Rongai Third Cave Camp at 3,800 meters. This day\'s hike is shorter than the previous one, and by now, you should be well acclimated to the altitude. 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 steadily hike uphill across the Saddle, a broad ridge linking Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts. The trail then veers southwest toward School Huts, situated at 4,800 meters. Once you arrive, you\'ll enjoy an early dinner and be encouraged to rest early to prepare for the midnight summit push. Be sure to gather all your essential gear—warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera—before going to sleep.

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 awakened with hot tea and biscuits to prepare for the demanding climb up Kibo’s slopes in the dark. Your first stop will be a brief rest at Hans Meyer Cave. The path then becomes steeper as you make your way to Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), reached about 5–6 hours after departing from School Huts. Pause to admire the stunning pre-dawn views and Mawenzi Peak, but keep in mind that Uhuru Peak is still about two hours away—so conserve your energy for the final ascent. The trail levels off as you follow the crater rim westward, reaching the summit just around sunrise. Take in the breathtaking panorama and snap plenty of photos, though your time at the top will be brief. Then you’ll descend to Stella Point (5,739 meters) before continuing down the loose scree slopes to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters) for a short rest. Afterward, you’ll proceed to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night. Day eight demands 14–16 hours of trekking, so it’s crucial to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and conserve your strength.

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 final day, you\'ll take a short descent through the lush montane rainforest, starting from Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters and ending at Mweka Gate at 1,640 meters. Upon arrival, you\'ll check out with park officials and receive your official certificate—green for reaching Gilman’s Point or gold for summiting Uhuru Peak. It’s customary to tip your guide and porters before being transferred back to your luxury hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

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