Route overview
A longer itinerary designed for steady acclimatization, with remote camps on the northern side and panoramic views across the plains.
Itinerary overview
- Day 1: Arrival in Arusha — private transfer to hotel; relax.
- Day 2: Preparation & Orientation — briefing, gear & wellness checks; leisure time.
- Day 3: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m).
- Day 4: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m).
- Day 5: Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m).
- Day 6: Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Moir Hut (4,200m).
- Day 7: Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp (4,020m).
- Day 8: Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp (3,800m).
- Day 9: Third Cave → School Hut (4,800m).
- Day 10: Summit Day – School Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Millennium Camp (3,820m).
- Day 11: Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha.
- Day 12: Departure / Extensions.
What this route is known for
- Longest itinerary and strong acclimatization profile
- Quieter northern-side camps and wide-open views
- Remote feel with varied scenery
- Premium service: chef-prepared meals, attentive camp setup
Full day-by-day notes
A detailed breakdown you can review
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are greeted and privately transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Relax, refresh, and prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: Preparation & Orientation
A day dedicated to readiness and indulgence:
- Comprehensive orientation with your lead guide.
- Meticulous gear inspection ensuring every item is prepared.
- Wellness checks to confirm fitness for altitude.
- Afternoon at leisure: explore Arusha, enjoy spa time, or unwind at your hotel.
Day 3: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
After formalities at Londorossi Gate, trek through rainforest alive with wildlife to Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree”), your first night on the mountain.
Day 4: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Emerge from forest into moorland. Cross streams and ascend onto the expansive Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most stunning landscapes. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 5: Shira 1 → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Continue across the Shira Plateau with panoramic views of Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, an excellent site for acclimatization and relaxation.
Day 6: Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Moir Hut (4,200m)
A climb up to Lava Tower (4,600m) provides valuable acclimatization before descending slightly into the secluded valley of Moir Hut, one of the mountain’s most remote camps.
Day 7: Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Traverse the northern slopes with wide-open views across the plains of Kenya. A steady trek leads to Buffalo Camp, tucked along the quiet northern circuit.
Day 8: Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp (3,800m)
A gradual day crossing high-altitude terrain, descending slightly to the remote Third Cave Camp, continuing the slow acclimatization pattern.
Day 9: Third Cave → School Hut (4,800m)
Ascend steadily toward the base of Kibo’s eastern crater wall, reaching School Hut, your high camp before summit night. Rest early in preparation.
Day 10: Summit Day – School Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Millennium Camp (3,820m)
Begin your summit push around midnight, climbing steadily to Gilman’s Point, onward to Stella Point, and finally Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Celebrate at the roof of Africa before descending to Millennium Camp for a restorative sleep.
Day 11: Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Arusha
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where your summit certificate awaits. Return to Arusha for a celebratory evening at your hotel.
Day 12: Departure / Extensions
Options include:
- Private airport transfer for onward journey.
- Extend with a luxury safari in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater.
- Or retreat to Zanzibar for a post-climb coastal escape.
Inclusions & exclusions
Our net rates are designed to be fully inclusive, ensuring that every guest enjoys a seamless and worry-free experience from arrival to departure.
The package includes:
- All transfers as mentioned, including personalized airport pick-up and drop-off.
- Luxury accommodation with two nights before the climb and one night after the climb in a 4- or 5-star hotel. Guests may also choose from a selection of premium hotels based on personal preference.
- Lunch and dinner at your hotel in town.
During your Kilimanjaro expedition, you will enjoy:
- The expertise of professional and highly experienced mountain guides.
- All required Kilimanjaro National Park fees.
- Official rescue fees.
- Fair and ethical treatment of our porters and mountain crew.
- Premium four-season waterproof sleeping tents, private and spacious.
- Fully equipped kitchen tent and mess tent with dining table and chairs.
- A portable chemical toilet for added comfort.
- Emergency oxygen supply and a basic first aid kit on every trek.
- A dedicated mountain chef preparing fresh, nutritious meals.
- Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek.
- Three freshly prepared meals daily, plus snacks while on the mountain.
What’s Not Included
To give you flexibility, the following items are not included in our Kilimanjaro trekking rates:
- International and domestic airfare tickets.
- Optional activities and tours (e.g., safaris after your climb).
- Visas, airport taxes, and travel documentation.
- Health, travel, and cancellation insurance.
- Personal trekking gear (such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, duffel bags, and mountain clothing).
- Bottled water and other beverages outside the mountain climb.
- Tips, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses.
Ready to climb the Northern Circuit?
Share your dates and preferences — we’ll reply with a tailored itinerary and quote.