The Northern Circuit is growing in popularity due to its high success rate and stunning views, despite being the longest and newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
The Northern Circuit, which has the highest success rate on the mountain, gives you plenty of time to acclimate and increases your chances of reaching the summit.
After being picked up from your lodging in Moshi, you'll drive to the Londorossi Gate. After stopping for lunch and last-minute supplies in a nearby village, you'll communicate with your guides and start your ascent through the lush rainforest that covers Kilimanjaro's lower slopes. Today's hike will only take you three hours, but as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp for the evening, keep an eye out for local wildlife like Colobus monkeys.
Today, the dense rainforest gives way to fields of savannah grass and vibrant heather that are gently swaying in the background. Before arriving at Shira 1 Camp, where you will spend the night and get your first views of the Kibo Glacier, your gradual ascent takes you over bubbling streams and through some stunning countryside.
You will spend today, your first day of acclimatization, exploring the Shira Plateau and adjusting to the altitude. You'll travel to Shira 2 Camp through shady meadows and the surreal Senecio forest after a short day of hiking.
You'll set out for this distinctive landmark right after breakfast. Your first objective today is the imposing shape of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). After climbing 700 meters to the Lava Tower, you'll veer off the beaten path and travel to the remote Moir Hut to spend the night. In the nearby Lent Hills, there are a number of quick hikes that can be taken by those looking to get a little extra exercise and acclimatization.
Today, as you ascend to the peak of the Lent Hills, where you will re-join the main Kilimanjaro trail, you will traverse some moderately steep trails. From this point on, the hike becomes a little easier as you travel to Buffalo Camp by traversing undulating fields of rock-strewn earth. Awe-inspiring views of the plains extending to the Tanzania-Kenya border will be your campsite's backdrop.
Your day will start off by ascending Buffalo Ridge. You will feel alone on the mountain as you hike through this sparse terrain, making this truly wild land. You will spend the night on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro after trekking through isolated valleys and windswept landscape.
Today sees you climbing up and over the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi glaciers. A shorter day’s hiking through the alpine desert region, you’ll set up camp and eat dinner early, as you’re aiming to summit tomorrow.
Today, you're getting an early start to the day—just after midnight! As you get dressed and organize your daypack for the adventure ahead, your climbing team will wake you up with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy. Take it slow; you'll be hiking in complete darkness for the next 5-7 hours. This way, you'll get to Stella Point just before dawn. Your next two hours of arduous hiking will take you to Uhuru Peak, your ultimate destination. Standing at 5,985 meters, you'll be able to witness an amazing sunrise and enjoy the expansive view. You've succeeded! You'll start the ascent back down to Barafu Camp after taking pictures and taking it all in, where you'll stop for lunch and some fun. You'll move on down to Mweka Camp to spend the night after taking a short break.
Today is a special day because you'll have one last breakfast up on the mountain before you head down to the Mweka Gate. Here, you can celebrate with your porters and guides, give them tips for their labor of love, and get your completion certificate. After that, your driver will drive you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha so you can get some well-deserved rest.