9-Day Northern Circuit Route via Lemosho Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your adventure begins with a drive to Lemosho Gate, located within Kilimanjaro National Park. After completing park registration and meeting the rest of the mountain crew, the trek officially begins. The trail leads through dense tropical rainforest, one of the most beautiful ecological zones on the mountain. Hikers may encounter colobus monkeys, colorful birds, and unique forest vegetation. The trail is gentle and allows your body to slowly adjust to the altitude as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as Big Tree Camp.

Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,820 m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs steadily through moorland terrain with giant heather and volcanic rock formations. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens up, offering your first impressive views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains. By afternoon, you will arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the western edge of the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2,820 m to 3,505 m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Moorland.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

Today’s hike is relatively gentle as you cross the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The day provides incredible panoramic views and allows for gradual acclimatization. You will arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where the landscape becomes more alpine and rugged.

Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,850 m

Distance: 7 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

Habitat: Moorland.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

This is an important acclimatization day. The trail gradually climbs toward the famous Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation. After reaching this higher elevation point, the trail descends slightly to Moir Hut Camp, helping your body adapt to altitude while enjoying stunning mountain scenery.

Elevation: 3,850 m to 4,600 m then down to 4,200 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Moir Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

The route now moves to the quieter northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the busier southern routes. The trail offers expansive views across the Kenyan plains and a feeling of true wilderness.

Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,020 m

Distance: 12 km

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Today you continue trekking along the remote northern circuit. The trail is quieter and offers magnificent views of the mountain’s northern ice fields and rugged terrain.

Elevation: 4,020 m to 3,870 m

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Third Cave – School Hut

A shorter trekking day that prepares you for the summit attempt. The trail climbs gradually toward School Hut, located at the base of the crater. You will rest early, eat dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit push.

Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,750 m

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

School Hut – Summit – Mweka Camp

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. The climb leads to Stella Point and finally to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, descend to Mweka Camp for rest.

Elevation: 4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m

Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here you will receive your official summit certificate before transferring back to your hotel in Moshi for celebration and relaxation.

Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,640 m

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.