9-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking - Northern Circuit Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to Kibo View Farm Lodge in Moshi for your pre-climb overnight stay.

Located in a peaceful environment with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the lodge offers the perfect place to relax and prepare for your adventure. In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a full trek briefing, equipment check, and final preparations for the climb.

This day is important for rest, hydration, and mental preparation before beginning your Kilimanjaro ascent.

Accommodation: Kibo View Farm Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner Included

In the morning, your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel for a short briefing before beginning your Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route. You will then travel by vehicle for approximately 3–4 hours to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance at Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,381 ft), where all registration and permits for the Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route will be completed.

After the formalities, your Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route officially begins as you trek through lush rainforest terrain toward Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Rain gear is essential on this part of the Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route, as the rainforest environment is often wet and humid.

Upon arrival at camp, the mountain crew will set up your tents and prepare lunch while you rest from the day’s trek. Later, you will take a short acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp, gaining about 300 meters (984 feet) in elevation before returning to Mti Mkubwa Camp. A hot dinner will be waiting, allowing you to relax and recharge as your Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route continues the following day

On this day, you’ll wake up early to a hearty breakfast before beginning your trek. The group will ascend to an altitude of 3,610 meters (11,843 feet), where you’ll be rewarded with your first panoramic views of the Shira Plateau and the towering Kibo Volcano in the distance.

The hike from Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp is relatively gentle and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. This gradual ascent plays a key role in helping your body acclimate to the increasing altitude—an essential part of a safe and successful climb.

Upon arrival at Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft), your crew will prepare lunch while you take time to relax in your tent or explore the surrounding landscape at your own pace.

Today, you’ll depart from Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft) and continue your journey to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). The trek is relatively easy and offers spectacular scenery, including sweeping views of the African savannah, Kilimanjaro’s unique high-altitude flora, and the surrounding landscape. Weather permitting, Shira 2 is also the best vantage point on the route to see Mount Meru—Africa’s fifth-highest peak and Tanzania’s second tallest.

Along the way, your guides may offer the opportunity to ascend Cathedral Peak (3,872 m / 12,703 ft), one of the highest points on the extinct Shira Volcano. This optional hike is non-technical and suitable for most trekkers. On clear days, the summit provides breathtaking views over the valley below—a scene many consider one of the most magical on the mountain. Even if the peak is partially obscured by clouds, a stela at the summit marks the spot and makes for a great photo opportunity.

While the hike to Cathedral Peak is optional, it’s highly recommended. For those who prefer to skip it or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, heading directly to Shira 2 Camp is always an option. Because both destinations sit at similar elevations, skipping the peak won’t affect your acclimatization.

Upon arrival at Shira 2, lunch will be served, followed by a two-hour rest. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower Camp, gaining approximately 300 meters (984 feet) in elevation before returning to Shira 2 for the night.

This day is a challenging day but a rewarding hike! Trek for 7-9 hours through diverse landscapes. Start on the Shira Plateau, and then climb the western slopes of Kibo, reaching Lava Tower. Enjoy a picnic lunch and scenic views. Descend to Moir Hut for rest. This day is key for getting your body used to the high altitude.

On this day you will use a 5-7 hour adventure to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m). Hike out of Moir Hut and conquer the Lent Hills for amazing views. The trail offers unique landscapes and lets you experience Kilimanjaro’s wild beauty. You’ll cross a rock field and enjoy scenic plains stretching towards Kenya before reaching Buffalo Camp for rest.

Hike like a pioneer on the rarely used Buffalo Ridge! This adventure takes you through hidden valleys on Kilimanjaro’s wild north side. Imagine feeling like the first explorers as you conquer sparse landscapes unlike anywhere else on the mountain. Your final destination today is Third Cave Camp, a spot for the night with epic views of Kilimanjaro’s vast northern slopes.

Today’s a 5-7 hour trek through a cool, high-altitude desert. You’ll steadily climb towards School Hut Camp, feeling proud with each step. You will leave Third Cave Camp behind and get closer to the top of Kilimanjaro! School Hut Camp is your home, a rest, and an early dinner before your amazing summit-night adventure.

Get ready for the ultimate challenge – summit day! This is a long but rewarding day. Around midnight, you’ll start your tough 11-15 hour trek to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at a staggering 5,895 meters (19,341 ft). The climb tests your limits, but the breathtaking glacial views will leave you speechless.

After reaching the peak, celebrate your incredible achievement and soak in the stunning scenery! Then, begin your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720 meters) for a well-deserved rest and dinner.

Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Marangu Gate (1,970m) means the final descent day on the Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route after completing the summit climb.

On this day, trekkers leave Horombo Hut, which is located at an altitude of 3,720 meters (12,205 feet) above sea level, and descend down to Marangu Gate, which is at 1,970 meters (6,462 feet).

This is usually the last trekking day of the Kilimanjaro climb. The trail passes through beautiful moorland and lush rainforest, offering fresh air and scenic views as you descend to the park gate.

At Marangu Gate, climbers complete park formalities and receive their summit certificates if they successfully reached the summit. Your driver will then meet you and transfer you back to your hotel at Kibo View Farm Lodge, Moshi, for rest and celebration.

Summary:

- Starting Point: Horombo Hut

- Starting Elevation: 3,720 meters

- Ending Point: Marangu Gate

- Ending Elevation: 1,970 meters

- Hiking Time: Usually 5–7 hours

- Purpose: Final descent and exit from Kilimanjaro National Park

In simple words, it means you are walking down from the mountain camp to the park exit after finishing your Kilimanjaro trek.

Our driver will be available at any time to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home (or to Zanzibar?). Breakfast is included in your Kilimanjaro trek package. Hotel checkout is at 10am, but if you have a later flight, we might be able to negotiate a late checkout or book a dayroom for you (additional charge for a dayroom).