Itinerary
- Day 1
Moshi to Lemosho Glades to Mkubwa Camp
You'll start early from Moshi and drive to Londorossi Park Gate, then switch to a 4WD vehicle that takes you through forest tracks to Lemosho Glades. From there, you'll trek for about 3 hours along forest trails, gaining elevation gradually as you head toward Mti Mkubwa campsite. You'll finish the day at 2,750 m where you'll set up camp for your first night on the mountain.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate
- 4WD vehicle transfer to Lemosho Glades (11 km/7 mi, 45 minutes)
- 3-hour forest trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Landmarks/POIs Londorossi Gate Lemosho Glades Mti Mkubwa Camp - Day 2
Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1
After breaking camp, the trail starts to get steeper as you move through giant heather moorland. You'll work your way up to Shira Ridge at 3,600 m, then descend gently to Shira Camp 1 by a stream on the Shira Plateau. The terrain changes noticeably as you climb higher, and you'll spend the night here getting used to the altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through heather moorland to Shira Ridge
- Crossing of Shira Ridge (3,600 m/11,810 ft)
- Descent to Shira Camp 1
Landmarks/POIs Shira Ridge Shira Plateau - Day 3
Shira Camp 1 to Moir Camp
Today you'll trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth at roughly 12,500 feet. Instead of following the main tourist route, you'll head northeast toward the less crowded Moir Camp. The hike takes about 4 to 5 hours over relatively easy terrain, and you'll have spectacular views of the plateau stretching out around you when you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek across Shira Plateau toward Kibo's glacier peak
- Trek to remote Moir Camp (4-5 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Shira Plateau Moir Camp - Day 4
Moir Camp to Buffalo/Pofu Camp
You're leaving the moorland behind today, moving into the stark alpine desert by climbing a steep ridge off the main trail. This is where the Northern Circuit Route really begins. You'll trek for 5 to 7 hours with some significant elevation changes, and you'll reach Buffalo/Pofu Camp at 4,025 m. From camp, you'll see wild lands stretching north toward Kenya.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through moorland into alpine desert
- Trek along steep ridge on Northern Circuit Route (5-7 hours)
- Trek to Buffalo/Pofu Camp
Landmarks/POIs Northern Circuit Route - Day 5
Buffalo/Pofu Camp to Kikelewa/Third Caves Camp
Continuing along the Northern Circuit, you'll trek east through valleys and over ridges across the alpine desert and moorland. The trek takes about 5 to 7 hours through vast mountain wilderness where you'll encounter very few other climbers. You'll reach Kikelewa/Third Caves Camp at 3,600 m, settling in for the night after a long day of walking.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through alpine desert and moorland valleys
- Trek over ridges along Northern Circuit Route (5-7 hours)
- Trek to Kikelewa/Third Caves Camp
Landmarks/POIs Kikelewa Camp - Day 6
Kikelewa/Third Caves Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
You'll trek steadily upward for 3 to 5 hours today toward a mountain tarn at the foot of Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's second highest volcano. The camp sits in a protected alcove, and you'll have direct views of Mawenzi's steeply rising rocks. The location is spectacular and offers a good spot to rest before the challenges ahead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek upward to Mawenzi Tarn (3-5 hours)
- Trek to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Landmarks/POIs Mawenzi Mawenzi Tarn - Day 7
Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Outward Bound Camp
The trek today takes you across the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, a relatively straightforward hike that lasts 5 to 7 hours with great views of the massive saddle and surrounding landscape. As you get closer to Kibo, you'll notice the temperature dropping noticeably. You'll arrive at Outward Bound Camp at 4,750 m where you'll prep gear and rest early for the summit attempt tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek across saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo (5-7 hours)
- Trek to Outward Bound Camp
Landmarks/POIs Kibo - Day 8
Outward Bound Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
You'll get a midnight wake-up call and start trekking at 1 am up winding switchbacks through loose rock and scree. The trek to Gillman's Point at the crater rim takes 7 to 8 hours, and you'll pass by Hans Meyer Cave along the way. From Gillman's Point at 5,712 m, you'll continue for another 1.5 to 2 hours along the snowy crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, Africa's highest point. After your time at the summit, you'll descend to Mweka Camp for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Midnight trek with 1 am start to Uhuru Peak (7-8 hours to Gillman's Point)
- Visit to Hans Meyer Cave
- Trek to Gillman's Point (18,750 ft/5,712 m)
- Trek along crater rim to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft/5,895 m, 1.5-2 hours additional)
- Descent from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Landmarks/POIs Hans Meyer Cave Gillman's Point Uhuru Peak - Day 9
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
You'll complete your final descent directly to Mweka Gate in 2 to 3 hours. Lunch waits for you at the gate, and you'll receive climbing certificates recognizing your achievement of reaching Kilimanjaro's summit. After that, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Moshi, bringing your expedition to a close.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (2-3 hours)
- Climbing certificate ceremony
- Transfer from Mweka Gate to hotel in Moshi
Landmarks/POIs Mweka Gate
