9-Day Northern Circuit Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, enjoy a welcome briefing about your Northern Circuit climb and preparation for the journey ahead. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and prepare for your adventure. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Arusha.

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, depart for Londorossi Gate, the official starting point of the Northern Circuit Route. The drive takes approximately 2 hours through the scenic Maasai Steppe. Upon arrival, register at the park gate and meet your climbing team. Begin your ascent through the lush rainforest zone, home to diverse flora and fauna including colobus monkeys, birds, and exotic plants. The trail winds through streams and moss-covered trees as you gradually gain altitude. After 4-5 hours of hiking, arrive at Mti Mkubwa Campsite located in the montane forest zone. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (3,000m/9,843ft).

Early morning game drive in Mti Mkubwa Camp to witness the animals at their most active. After breakfast, break camp and depart for Shira Camp 1. The journey takes approximately 5 hours through the scenic Maasai Steppe. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park, known for its excellent wildlife viewing. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, and various antelope species. After the game drive, proceed to your accommodation at Shira Camp 1 for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, continue your ascent through the heath and moorland zones toward Shira Camp 2. The journey takes approximately 4 hours through the scenic Maasai Steppe. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park, known for its excellent wildlife viewing. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, and various antelope species. After the game drive, proceed to your accommodation at Shira Camp 2 for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, continue your ascent through the alpine desert zone toward Moir Camp. The journey takes approximately 5 hours through the scenic Maasai Steppe. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park, known for its excellent wildlife viewing. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, and various antelope species. After the game drive, proceed to your accommodation at Moir Camp for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, continue your ascent through the alpine desert zone toward Pofu Camp. The journey takes approximately 4 hours through the scenic Maasai Steppe. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park, known for its excellent wildlife viewing. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, and various antelope species. After the game drive, proceed to your accommodation at Pofu Camp for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, continue your ascent through the alpine desert zone toward Rongai Third Cave. The journey takes approximately 5 hours through the scenic Maasai Steppe. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park, known for its excellent wildlife viewing. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, and various antelope species. After the game drive, proceed to your accommodation at Rongai Third Cave for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, continue your ascent through the alpine desert zone toward School Hut. The journey takes approximately 4 hours through the scenic Maasai Steppe. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in the park, known for its excellent wildlife viewing. Look out for the Big Five, cheetahs, and various antelope species. After the game drive, proceed to your accommodation at School Hut for dinner and overnight.

Wake at midnight (12:00 AM) for the summit attempt. Begin your ascent by torchlight through the alpine desert and into the arctic zone. The first section to Stella Point (5,685m/18,652ft) is challenging with loose scree and steep inclines. After a 4-6 hour hike, reach Stella Point where you'll be rewarded with spectacular sunrise views over the glaciers. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement with your guide team before beginning the descent to Millennium Camp. The descent takes approximately 3-4 hours through the alpine desert zone. Dinner and overnight at Millennium Camp.

After breakfast, begin your descent through the lush rainforest zone via the Mweka Route. The trail winds through streams and moss-covered trees as you gradually lose altitude. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours through the scenic forest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival at the gate, receive your summit certificates and say goodbye to your mountain crew. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning at leisure to relax and recover from your incredible climb. The rest of the day is at your disposal to explore Arusha or simply rest at your hotel. In the evening, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Say farewell to Tanzania with unforgettable memories of your Northern Circuit climb.