The trail encircles the quieter northern slopes, reaching the mountain's eastern side. The Northern Circuit is lengthier than other routes on Kilimanjaro, requiring a minimum of eight to nine days to complete. An eight-day trek excludes the additional acclimatization day usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and proceeds directly to Moir Camp.

Day 0: Arrival

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Kilimanjaro Joyful Adventures representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay

Day 1: Moshi / Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa /Forest Camp

Altitude: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 4 miles
Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours
After breakfast, receive an overall briefing from your guide. At 9 am, our staff will drive you to the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro, arriving at the Londrossi Gate. Our guides and porters will organize and prepare the necessary equipment and supplies. You'll be provided with a packed lunch and, after registration with the Kilimanjaro Park office, we'll drive for another 45 minutes to Lemosho Glades to start your trek through the rainforest.
Expect a 3-hour ascent through dense, potentially wet and muddy rainforest, so ensure you're prepared with gaiters and trekking poles. A break will be provided during the trek for you to enjoy your packed lunch. By late afternoon, reach the Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as ‘Big Tree’ Camp. Upon arrival, your tent will be set up by the porters, welcoming you with boiled drinking water and hot washing water. Freshen up and settle in before a hot dinner in the mess-tent.

Day 2: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Altitude: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours
From the forested slopes of Lemosho, ascend through a podocarpus and juniper forest onto a zone of heather and lichen-covered volcanic rock on the Shira Plateau, once Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. Lunch is taken on the trail, and you'll reach the Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon, offering a breathtaking view of Kibo, the peak of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2

Altitude: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 4 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, continue your hike across and up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Enjoy stunning views across the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. Be prepared for a cold night as the plateau is exposed, with temperatures dropping below zero.

Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut Camp

Altitude: 12,500 ft to 13,580 ft (Lava Tower), down to 15,190 ft
Distance: 8 miles
Duration: 5-7 hours
The forest is behind you now as a gentle walk across the high-altitude Shira Caldera leads you to Shira Cave, offering fabulous views of Arrow glacier. Camp for the night at 4200m.

Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp

Altitude: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 7 miles
Duration: 5-7 hours
Climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (15,400ft). After admiring the views, return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching Pofu Camp.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp / Pofu to Third Cave

Altitude: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 5 miles
Duration: 5-7 hours
From Pofu Camp, cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues eastwards through increasingly sparse vegetation to reach Third Cave Camp.

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut Camp

Altitude: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 3 miles
Duration: 4-5 hours
Ascend steadily to reach the lunar landscape of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon, spending the remainder of the day resting and preparing for the summit day.

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Altitude: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Ascent Distance: 4 miles
Descent Distance: 7 miles
Ascent Duration: 6-8 hours
Descent Duration: 4-6 hours
Begin the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 a.m., taking a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Rest briefly to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi, then head to Uhuru Peak, passing close to the glaciers and ice cliffs. Retrace your steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend through Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp.

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

Altitude: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 6 miles
Duration: 3-4 hours

Wake up for your final celebratory breakfast where our team will express their thanks and congratulations in their unique way! Embark on the final 3-hour scenic descent to Mweka Gate. After lunch, you'll be dropped off at the hotel to relax and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower.

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