9 Days Northern Circuit Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Starting Altitude: Approximately 2,100 metres at Londorossi Gate
Trekking Start: Approximately 2,380 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 2,780 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your Quest Horizon Safaris mountain team and travel toward Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western side.

Complete registration, permit and baggage procedures while the mountain crew organizes equipment and supplies.

Depending on road and weather conditions, continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead.

Begin trekking through dense montane rainforest beneath tall trees covered in moss, vines and ferns.

The forest is home to several bird and animal species. Black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys may occasionally be seen, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

The trail may be muddy or slippery following rainfall.

Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp, during the afternoon.

Your tents will be prepared by the crew, and a hot meal will be served.

Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 2,780 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 3,500 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest, heath and moorland

After breakfast, continue climbing through the upper rainforest.

The vegetation gradually changes as the route enters the heath and moorland zone.

The trail becomes steeper in sections and opens onto ridges with views toward the Shira Plateau.

On a clear day, the first impressive views of Kibo may appear in the distance.

Continue across open terrain toward Shira 1 Camp, positioned on the western side of the plateau.

The increase in elevation is significant, so your guides will maintain a slow and controlled pace.

Arrive at camp during the afternoon and rest while your guides monitor how you are adapting.

Dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 3,500 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 3,850 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek crosses the broad and scenic Shira Plateau.

The walking pace remains relaxed, allowing climbers to adapt gradually while enjoying expansive views of the western mountain.

The Shira Plateau is part of an ancient volcanic caldera and offers some of Kilimanjaro’s most open and dramatic landscapes.

Depending on the group’s condition and weather, the route may include a visit or diversion toward formations such as Shira Cathedral.

Arrive at Shira 2 Camp during the afternoon.

Climbers feeling well may complete a short-guided acclimatization walk to a higher point before returning to camp.

Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 3,850 metres
Highest Point: Approximately 4,600 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 4,200 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and alpine desert

Leave Shira 2 Camp and continue eastward toward the high alpine desert.

The terrain becomes increasingly dry and rocky as vegetation becomes sparse.

Climb gradually toward Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic formation at approximately 4,600 metres.

This section provides an important acclimatization opportunity by exposing the body to a higher elevation before descending slightly to sleep.

Depending on weather and the group’s condition, lunch may be served near Lava Tower.

Afterward, turn north toward the quieter Moir Valley.

The trail descends and traverses beneath the western slopes of Kibo before arriving at Moir Hut.

Climbers who remain strong may take an optional guided acclimatization walk on the nearby ridges.

Dinner and overnight at Moir Hut.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 4,200 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 4,020 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, leave Moir Valley and begin traversing Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes.

The trail climbs onto ridges before descending through a series of valleys.

This section feels noticeably more isolated than the routes on the southern side of the mountain.

On clear days, the landscape opens toward northern Tanzania and southern Kenya. The plains surrounding Amboseli may be visible far below.

The terrain is dry, exposed and windswept, with limited vegetation.

Arrive at Buffalo Camp during the afternoon.

The camp offers a dramatic wilderness setting beneath the northern face of Kibo.

Dinner and overnight at Buffalo Camp.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 4,020 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 3,870 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert and high moorland

Continue eastward across the northern slopes.

The trail crosses several ridges and valleys while gradually descending toward Third Cave Camp.

Although the day involves less altitude gain, the undulating terrain still requires steady effort.

The slightly lower sleeping elevation can provide valuable recovery before the climb toward School Hut.

The route remains relatively quiet, and the surrounding landscape feels open and remote.

Arrive at Third Cave Camp with time to rest, hydrate and prepare for the higher stages.

Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Camp.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 3,870 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 4,750 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Today the route turns south and climbs steadily toward the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.

The landscape becomes increasingly barren as the trail gains altitude.

Continue toward School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt.

Arrive early enough to rest, eat and prepare equipment.

Your lead guide will conduct a complete summit briefing covering:

Pack your summit daypack before resting.

An early dinner is served, followed by several hours of sleep. Most summit attempts begin around midnight.

Dinner and overnight at School Hut.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 4,750 metres
Summit Altitude: 5,895 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 3,100 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 12–16 hours
Habitat: Arctic summit zone, alpine desert and moorland

Wake shortly before midnight and prepare for the most demanding stage of the expedition.

After a light meal and hot drink, begin climbing slowly through the darkness toward the crater rim.

The route from School Hut is steep, cold and physically demanding.

Depending on conditions, climbers may encounter:

Your guides will maintain a slow, controlled pace and monitor each climber closely.

Reach Gilman’s Point at approximately 5,685 metres on the crater rim.

Reaching Gilman’s Point is a major achievement. Climbers who remain healthy, warm and strong enough continue toward Stella Point and Uhuru Peak.

The route follows the crater rim past glaciers and exposed summit terrain.

Arrive at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres above sea level, the highest point in Africa.

Time at the summit is normally brief due to the extreme altitude and cold.

After photographs and a short celebration, begin descending.

Return toward the upper camp area before continuing down the mountain toward Mweka Camp.

The descent is long and demanding, but warmer temperatures and thicker air provide welcome relief.

Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Starting Altitude: Approximately 3,100 metres
Ending Altitude: Approximately 1,640 metres
Walking Time: Approximately 3–5 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest

After breakfast, begin the final descent through Kilimanjaro’s rainforest.

The trail may be wet, muddy and slippery, especially following rainfall.

Trekking poles can provide valuable support.

As the vegetation becomes denser, listen for forest birds and watch for monkeys among the trees.

Arrive at Mweka Gate and complete the park exit procedures.

Eligible climbers receive an official certificate corresponding to the highest recognized point reached.

Meet your transfer driver and return to your hotel for a hot shower, rest and celebration.