What to Expert
Epic Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days Trek
Embark on a lifetime adventure to the roof of Africa via the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek, an ideal choice for avid explorers, especially during a full moon summit. Mt. Kilimanjaro, affectionately known as Kili, stands at 5895m and commands panoramic views of the surrounding plains. With ten days to acclimatize and limited fellow trekkers, this remote route offers a truly immersive experience. Starting from the western side, you’ll witness Mt. Meru floating on the clouds from the Shira Plateau, traverse the lesser-visited northern flanks, and enjoy stunning vistas across the vast Kenyan lowlands. Approaching the summit from the east under the full moonlight, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek provides an unparalleled feeling of space before standing atop Africa. The descent to the south completes an almost-circumnavigation of the mountain, offering a remarkable adventure to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek is perfect for those seeking a comprehensive and unforgettable journey to the top of Africa.
Your Itinerary
Day to day
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Arusha
Touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to the city of Arusha. Located close to the foot of Mount Meru, Arusha is surrounded by lush greenery and is known as the gateway to Tanzania’s excellent national parks. Once settled at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the city and discover its excellent food and drinks scene. Overnight stay in Arusha.
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Under the Shade (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Day 2: Drive to Lemosho Gate and Start Climb to Lemosho Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)
After completing the necessary registration formalities, embark on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek by driving through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho Gate roadhead. The last section of the road can be challenging, particularly after rain, and the trek often begins with a short walk below the roadhead. Enjoy lunch at the roadhead before starting the trek through a beautiful and lush forest to Lemosho Big Tree Camp (2650m). This initial segment of the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek involves [2-3 hours of walking], setting the stage for the incredible journey ahead. The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek offers an immersive experience, allowing trekkers to acclimatize gradually while enjoying the diverse landscapes of Kilimanjaro.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerMeal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 3: Trekking to Shira 1 Camp (3550m)
Leaving the forest behind, enter the moorland zone of giant heather. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau, offering a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists roll in. Camp in the center of the plateau at Shira One (3550m). [6-7 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 4: Trekking to Shira 2 Camp (3840m)
An easy day to help with acclimatization and explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Plateau. Walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching the next camp at Shira Hut (3840m). This campsite offers stunning views close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. The views from here of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable. [4-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 5: Trekking to Moir Camp (4200m)
In the morning, continue your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek by following the main trail up to Lava Tower. For those feeling strong, there is an opportunity to climb up to the ruined hut at Arrow Glacier around 4800m. Afterward, continue from Lava Tower to reach the campsite at Moir Hut (4200m). This challenging segment of the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek involves [5-7 hours of walking], offering a mix of stunning landscapes and significant altitude gains. The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit 10 Days trek ensures gradual acclimatization while providing trekkers with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment as they progress towards the summit.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Trek to Buffalo Camp (4150m)
Climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4375m. Admire the views before returning to the trail and heading eastward around the northern circuit trail. The final section of today's walk undulates until reaching Buffalo Camp (4150m). The camp offers a huge sense of space with the Kenyan plains stretching out far below to the north. [4-7 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 7: Trek to Third Cave Camp (3900m)
From Buffalo Camp, climb to the top of Buffalo Ridge and descend to Pofu, near a small spring and some vegetation. Continue eastward through a landscape with increasingly sparse vegetation to reach Third Cave Camp (3900m). [5-7 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 8: Hike to School Hut Campsite (4700m)
Ascend steadily to reach The Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue upward to reach School Hut Campsite (4700m) in the early afternoon. Spend the remainder of the afternoon resting and preparing for the summit day. [4-5 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 9: Summit Uhuru Peak (5895m) and Descend to Millenium Camp (3800m)
Begin the ascent by torchlight around midnight to be on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree with well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will lead to Gilman's Point (5685m) in about five or six hours. Rest briefly to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. The trail leads west along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs. Retrace steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and descend through Barafu Camp to reach Millenium Camp (3800m). [11-15 hours walking]
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Descend to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Arusha or Airport
Descend on a well-constructed path through the tropical forest, alive with birdsong and lush undergrowth. The route winds down to the National Park gate at Mweka (1650m). Sign out from the National Park before walking for a further 15 minutes through coffee and banana farms to Mweka village where the vehicle awaits. Return to Arusha for an overnight stay or transfer to the airport for your departure. [4-6 hours walking]
Accommodation Options:
Midrange: Moivaro Coffee Lodge (BB)Luxury: Gran Melia (BB)High End: Arusha Coffee Lodge (BB)Inclusions
- Arrival and departure transfers in Arusha
- 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners
- 1 night in a hotel in Arusha on a twin-share basis
- 8 nights fully supported camping on a twin-share tent basis
- Group camping equipment including tents (sleeping bag and mat not included – can be hired locally)
- Experienced local mountain guides, cook, and camp crew
- Porters to carry personal and group equipment
- Emergency oxygen
- Potable Mountain Toilet
Exclusions
- International or domestic flights
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Aerated and alcoholic drinks
- Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
- Tips
- Visa
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
