Northern Circuit Route 8 Days

For a final briefing, your guide and the climbing support staff will pick you up at your hotel in the morning. After that, it will take you three to four hours by car to reach Londorossi Gate, the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park (2,250 m /7,380 f).

Following a brief registration process with the search and rescue agency and the acquisition of climbing permits, your group will travel in cars to the drop-off location (3,610 m / 11,841 f). This is where you will first get to witness breathtaking vistas of the Shira Plateau.

There is not much physical difficulty on the way from your drop-off location to your first high-altitude camp (Shira 1). However, there is a slight elevation rise. You will be able to start the acclimatization process appropriately because of this. When you arrive at the camp, the climbing crew will have taken care of everything, including setting up chairs, pitching tents, providing drinks, and preparing a complete supper, so you can have a restful evening.

PLEASE NOTE: Since this will be your first day at this altitude, it is highly advised that you follow these guidelines going forward:

Consume more than 4 litres of bottled water each day—little by little, often;
Use a high-altitude assistance medication as a prophylactic strategy to help reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. Before starting their ascent, many mountain climbers take these medications in the morning to lessen the pain caused by altitude sickness. Your trip schedule and other detailed information will be sent by our management. We advise discussing any possible allergies or health issues with your doctor before the trip.

You can feel uncomfortable at night as a result of acclimating to the high altitude since your body absorbs less oxygen at night due to a change in breathing patterns. Considering altitude, you can therefore begin to feel ill and have a headache. Pay care to your health and notify your guide if you experience any altitude sickness symptoms.

Trekking time: 1 hour
DistanceDistance: 4 km

You will gain another small elevation on this day as you go from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp, which is 240 meters/787 feet. The trek's mild physical demands will give you plenty of time and energy to take in Kilimanjaro's breathtaking vistas, the exquisite indigenous flora unique to the summit, and, in the right conditions, views of Mount Meru, the continent's fifth-highest peak.

REMEMBER: You will have a 2-hour break after lunch. After that, you're welcome to trek for acclimatization toward Lava Tower, which will provide you with an additional 260 meters (853 feet) of height gain and aid in your adjustment to the elevation change.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in ElevationChange in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m /12,631 f)
Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m /13,484 f)
Hiking distance hiking distance: 2 km
Hiking time hiking time: 1-2 hours
Trekking time trekking time: 3-4 hours
DistanceDistance: 7 km

Following breakfast, your party will trek to Lava Tower (4,600 m/15,088 f) from Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m/12,628 f).

Climbers find this path challenging, and many report feeling physically more challenged today than they have in the past. Consequently, your group will have a midday meal at Lava Tower.

Your party will ascend a little higher and then descend to Moir Hut Camp following lunch and relaxation.

Trekking time: 5-7 hours
DistanceDistance: 14 km

This is going to be a rather straightforward, yet lengthy walk. After a brief but steep ascent out of Moir Valley, where you spent the night camping, you will spend the remainder of the day hiking along Kilimanjaro's northern side. There won't be any significant height rises during the day; instead, there will be treks both up and down hills.

Admire breathtaking vistas of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys as this road veers toward the Kenyan border.

Trekking time: 5-7 hours
DistanceDistance: 12 km

After completing your ascent of Kilimanjaro's northern slope, you will camp for the night at Third Cave Camp, where the path reunites with the traditional Rongai route. The trekking on this day is shorter than the previous day, and by then your body should have adjusted to the altitude of 3,800 m /12,464 f, which will improve your overall health.

Trekking time: 4-6 hours
DistanceDistance: 8 km

You will be hiking to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m /15,744 f) on this particular day. While the actual trekking is not very difficult, it is important to bear in mind that you should pace yourself appropriately to preserve your strength for the last push to the summit of Kilimanjaro. We advise you to sleep in when you get to the camp, stay away from physically demanding activities, and drink lots of water. Tonight, you will awaken in the dark and do the last ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,336 f), marking the pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro journey.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
DistanceDistance: 5 km

We will allocate one guide for every two climbers on summit night because your safety is our top priority. A guide must monitor a climber's health while they ascend Uhuru Peak, which is 5,895 meters (19,336 feet). At approximately midnight, the ascent begins at School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m/15,744 f). Although the ascent is technically simple, the high altitude will make it feel more difficult.

After reaching the peak, you may take a stroll to the closest glaciers. After that, everyone heads to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and relaxation period. The night will be spent in Millenium Camp (3,950 m /12,956 f), where you will resume your descent.

NOTE: Please remember that 90% of accidents happen when descending. Take care while you walk to prevent falls, injuries, and toe injuries.

Trekking time: 10-13 hours
DistanceDistance: 16 km

In the middle of a tropical rainforest is Millennium Camp. A good night's sleep is facilitated by the lower altitude and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the top. After a hearty breakfast, make your last ascent to Mweka Gate, the park's exit (1,640 m /5,379 f). This is the last location you will visit before being brought to our office to pick up your summit certificates. It's also a great chance to snap a last team photo and give your support team a review of the journey. Finally, you'll be driven to your hotel so you can get some much-needed rest.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
DistanceDistance: 12 km

After some rest at the hotel, head to the airport.

REMEMBER: 11:00 AM is the check-out time for hotels. You can choose to remain longer at the hotel for an additional cost if you have an evening flight and must check out later than expected.