11 Days climbing Kilimanjaro – northern circuit
Safari Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO INT. AIRPORT FOR YOUR CLIMB
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, your dedicated guide from Gorilla Link Tours will warmly greet you. You’ll be driven to your hotel where you can relax and unwind after your journey.
Preparation for your climb: Meet with your guide for a detailed briefing. Receive essential information on what to wear, pack in your backpack, and other crucial tips to ensure your climb is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Day 2 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 1: LEMOSHO TRAILHEAD (2000 M) – BIG TREE CAMP (2800 M)
Your adventure begins as your driver picks you up from your hotel and transports you to Londorossi Gate on the western side. From there, head to the Lemosho trailhead for lunch and start your hike. The initial leg takes you through dense rainforest, offering glimpses of wildlife like buffaloes and monkeys. After navigating narrow paths and some steep sections, you’ll arrive at Big Tree Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 2: BIG TREE CAMP (2800 M) – SHIRA 1 CAMP (3500 M)
Depart from the forest terrain to enter a landscape of heath meadows and volcanic rock. Ascend and descend through lush hills below the Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic peaks. As you reach the plateau’s edge, the trail eases, culminating in a 5-6 hour hike to Shira 1 Camp. Enjoy stunning views of Kibo summit from your campsite.
Day 4 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 3: SHIRA 1 CAMP (3500 M) – LAVA TOWER (4550 M)
Today’s 7-8 hour trek takes you through heather into the alpine desert. Traverse the Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest, with an optional visit to Shira Cathedral en route to Lava Tower. From Lava Tower, the trail heads northwest towards Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s highest peak, before descending to Moir Hut Camp, offering panoramic views over the Shira Plateau.
Day 5 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 4: LAVA TOWER (4550 M) – BUFFALO CAMP (4020 M)
Continue along the Northern Circuit, navigating a steep ridge on the main path. This 8-9 hour hike passes through heathland and alpine desert to reach Buffalo Camp, with an optional morning detour to Little Lent Hill.
Day 6 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 5: BUFFALO/POFU CAMP (4020 M) – THIRD CAVE CAMP (3870 M)
Day 5 traverses diverse landscapes: heathland, valleys, and alpine zones as the Northern Circuit heads eastward. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the less-traveled route, taking 5 to 7 hours to reach Third Cave Camp.
Day 7 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 6: THIRD CAVE CAMP (3870 M) – SCHOOL HUTS (4750 M)
Embark on a 4-5 hour climb to the “Saddle,” a lunar landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Proceed to School Hut camp by early afternoon, where you’ll relax and prepare for the final ascent the following day.
Day 8 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 7: SCHOOL HUTS (4750 M) – UHURU PEAK (5895 M) – MILLENIUM CAMP (3720 M)
Begin your summit push around midnight, ascending through the cold darkness. Prepare for the steep trail to Gilman’s Point, the crater rim, and continue for 2-3 hours to Uhuru Peak. Witness a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak before descending to Millenium Camp via Kibo Huts for a celebratory dinner and your last night on the mountain.
Day 9 NORTHERN CIRCUIT DAY 8: MILLENIUM CAMP (3720 M) TO MWEKA GATE (1830 M) – TO THE HOTEL
Descend from Millenium Camp after breakfast, appreciating the decreasing altitude. Gather with your group at Mweka Gate to celebrate your achievement before returning to the hotel. Enjoy a well-deserved shower, dinner, and restful sleep.
Day 10–11 FLIGHT HOME FROM KILIMANJARO (JRO) AFTER THE CLIMB
Bid farewell to Tanzania as you head to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Spend your final hours in Tanzania reminiscing on your climb before departing. Extend your adventure with additional days of safari or beach relaxation to complement your Kilimanjaro experience.
