10-Day Big Time Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

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

Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, trekkers are warmly greeted by Big Time Adventures staff and transferred to a comfortable hotel in Arusha. Guests can relax, freshen up, and enjoy a nutritious dinner while receiving a detailed pre-trek briefing covering the itinerary, safety tips, gear checks, and acclimatization advice. If the skies are clear, travelers get their first glimpse of Kilimanjaro, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. The evening also provides time to meet fellow trekkers, organize equipment, and rest well for the start of the trek.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

Outpost Lodge

• Budget lodge located in Arusha (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Arusha - Londorosi Gate to Miti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, transfer 3–4 hours to Londorosi Gate. The trek begins through lush rainforest, passing tropical flowers, birds, and colobus monkeys. Over 8 km (5 miles) in 4–5 hours, guests ascend gradually to Big Tree Camp, where meals, rest, and guidance from expert staff await.

Main Destination:

Londorossi Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Miti Mkubwa - Shira 1 Camp

Leaving the rainforest, the trail climbs to moorland with giant lobelias, heathers, and panoramic views of Kibo and the Shira Plateau. Trekking 10 km (6.2 miles) in 5–6 hours, guests acclimatize while enjoying high-altitude scenery. Shira 1 Camp provides meals, rest, and expert guidance.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Shira 1 - Shira 2 Camp

Crossing the Shira Plateau, trekkers encounter moorland, giant lobelias, senecios, and sweeping vistas of Kibo, Mount Meru, and Shira Ridge. A side trek to Shira Cathedral offers additional acclimatization, panoramic views, and photo opportunities. Shira 2 Camp provides rest, meals, and high-altitude guidance.

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 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower

The day begins with an ascent to Lava Tower (4,600 m) for acclimatization and panoramic views. A gradual descent brings trekkers to Moir Hut (4,800 m) over 12 km (7.5 miles) in 7–8 hours, transitioning from moorland to alpine desert. Guides ensure safety, support, and ecological insights.

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

Trekking 10 km (6.2 miles) in 5–6 hours, the route descends gently before reaching Buffalo Camp. Panoramic views of Kibo, Western Breach, and surrounding ridges accompany this essential acclimatization stage, with expert guidance and meals provided at camp.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

The trail ascends across alpine desert to 3rd Cave Camp over 8 km (5 miles) in 5–6 hours. Trekkers enjoy rocky terrain, sparse vegetation, and expansive views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and glaciers, with guides offering support, safety monitoring, and geological and cultural insights.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

3rd Cave Camp - School Hut

Climbing 6 km (3.7 miles) in 4–5 hours, trekkers enter the arctic summit zone with sparse vegetation and sweeping views of Kibo and Mawenzi. School Hut provides a short rest, meals, and guidance in preparation for the midnight summit push. The camp provides an essential acclimatization stop, allowing trekkers to recover, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the challenging midnight push to Uhuru Peak. Safety, pacing, and altitude advice are reinforced to maximize summit success.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ascent to Uhuru Peak - Descent to Millennium Camp

The midnight climb from School Hut reaches Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) at sunrise after 10–14 hours over 15 km (9.3 miles). Following the summit, trekkers descend through alpine desert and moorland to Millennium Camp (3,200 m) for rest, meals, and reflection, supported throughout by expert guides.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Millennium Camp - Mweka Gate to Arusha

Descending 12 km (7.5 miles) over 4–5 hours through montane and lowland rainforest, trekkers complete the Northern Circuit. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, climbers receive certificates and transfer back to Arusha for hotel accommodation, showers, meals, and celebration.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

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