9 Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Tour Northern Circuit

DAY 1: LONDOROSSI GATE TO BIG TREE CAMP

Trekking begins at Londorossi Gate through dense montane rainforest. Guests will be greeted by lush vegetation, giant ferns, and the sound of tropical birds as they ascend gradually. The climate is cool and humid, perfect for acclimatization. Lunch is served en route as a picnic, while dinner is prepared at Big Tree Camp and breakfast will be at the starting gate the next morning. Accommodation is in tented camp in the rainforest clearing, offering a serene environment surrounded by towering trees.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Altitude: 1,950 m – 2,600 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at lodge/gate, packed lunch on trail, dinner at camp

DAY 2: BIG TREE CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP

The trek continues onto the Shira Plateau, moving above the rainforest into moorland. Guests will notice a drier, open landscape with heather, giant lobelias, and expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s southern icefields. The climate changes to cooler and less humid conditions. Lunch is served as a boxed meal on the trail, with dinner at Shira 1 Camp. Accommodation is in tented camp on Shira Plateau, allowing panoramic views of the vast highlands.

Distance: 7 km (4.5 miles)
Habitat: Alpine moorland
Altitude: 2,600 m – 3,500 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Big Tree Camp, lunch en route, dinner at Shira 1 Camp

DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP

This day features a gentle trek across the Shira Plateau toward Shira 2 Camp, where trekkers witness unique volcanic landscapes and rock formations. The air is thin and cold, with temperatures dropping significantly in the late afternoon. Lunch is served on the trail, and dinner at camp completes the day. Guests sleep in tents at Shira 2, with unobstructed views of Kilimanjaro’s Kibo summit.

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine desert / high plateau
Altitude: 3,500 m – 3,850 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Shira 1, lunch on trail, dinner at Shira 2 Camp

DAY 4: SHIRA 2 CAMP TO MOIR CAMP

Trekking shifts toward the Moir Valley, descending slightly and then ascending gently. Guests experience sparse vegetation, rocky terrain, and increasing wind exposure as they approach the ridge. The climate is dry and cool, with strong sun exposure during midday. Lunch is a boxed meal en route, while dinner is served at Moir Camp. Accommodation is tented camp on Moir Ridge, offering spectacular views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo glacier.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Alpine desert / rocky moorland
Altitude: 3,850 m – 4,200 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Shira 2, lunch on trail, dinner at Moir Camp

DAY 5: MOIR CAMP TO POFU CAMP

Today’s trek continues ascending toward Pofu Camp, passing exposed ridges and dramatic valleys. Guests will notice further temperature drops and a windier, harsher environment. The landscape transitions into sparse alpine desert with occasional moss and lichens. Lunch is served as a packed meal along the trail, and dinner at Pofu Camp is hearty to aid acclimatization. Tents at Pofu Camp are positioned for safety and scenic views of Kibo.

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine desert
Altitude: 4,200 m – 4,400 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Moir, lunch on trail, dinner at Pofu Camp

DAY 6: POFU CAMP TO THIRD CAVE CAMP

The trek today leads to Third Cave Camp, traversing lunar-like landscapes with loose volcanic rocks and occasional icy patches. Guests will experience colder temperatures, thin air, and dry wind exposure, signaling preparation for the final high-altitude ascent. Meals include breakfast at Pofu, lunch en route, and dinner at Third Cave Camp. Accommodation is high-altitude tents with views of the upper glaciers and Kibo summit.

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine desert / rocky terrain
Altitude: 4,400 m – 4,800 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Pofu, lunch on trail, dinner at Third Cave Camp

DAY 7: THIRD CAVE CAMP TO SCHOOL HUT CAMP

Trekking toward School Hut Camp introduces guests to the extreme alpine desert zone with high altitude and cold, thin air. The terrain is rocky with sparse vegetation, and guests may experience altitude-related fatigue. Lunch is served en route, and dinner at School Hut Camp provides warmth and hydration. Guests sleep in tents at School Hut, strategically located for early summit departure.

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine desert / rocky high altitude
Altitude: 4,800 m – 5,000 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Third Cave, lunch on trail, dinner at School Hut Camp

DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP

Summit day begins with a midnight departure from School Hut, trekking in cold, icy conditions to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Guests experience extreme alpine desert, low oxygen, and breathtaking sunrise views over Mawenzi and the surrounding plains. The ascent takes 6–8 hours, followed by a descent via Barafu and Mweka Camps. Meals include a light pre-summit breakfast, snacks on the summit, lunch during descent, and dinner at Mweka Camp. Accommodation is tented camp in the montane forest zone at Mweka, where temperatures are milder and vegetation returns.

Distance: 10 km ascent + 8 km descent (6 + 5 miles)
Habitat: Alpine desert to montane forest
Altitude: 5,000 m – 5,895 m (summit) – 3,100 m (Mweka)
Meal Plan: Light breakfast pre-summit, summit snack, lunch descent, dinner at Mweka

DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE AND TRANSFER TO MOSHI

The final day is a descent of 10 km (6 miles) through lush montane forest to Mweka Gate, where guests exit the park. The climate is mild and humid, a welcome contrast to the summit’s cold. Breakfast is served at Mweka Camp. 

After receiving your certificates and celebrating the achievement of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit, you will be transferred to a hotel in Moshi for rest and relaxation, preparing for your next steps whether that is continuing with another safari or returning home. 

This is an opportunity to enjoy the rewards of your efforts, rejuvenate both body and mind, and mark the official conclusion of the Northern Circuit trek.

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Montane rainforest
Altitude: 3,100 m – 1,650 m
Meal Plan: Breakfast at camp, lunch en route, dinner at hotel