10 Days Top Kilimanjaro Hiking via Northern Circuity Route

On the first day of your Kilimanjaro hiking tour, you will start at Londorossi Gate, where you will complete registration formalities. The trek commences through the dense rainforests of Kilimanjaro, where you may be lucky enough to spot wildlife such as colobus monkeys and colorful bird species. After a gradual ascent, you will reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,650 meters (8,694 feet). This camp provides a comfortable resting place for the night, allowing you to acclimatize and prepare for the days ahead.

As you continue your journey, the landscape begins to transform, and the vegetation changes to heather and moorland. Today's destination is Shira 1 Camp, situated at an elevation of about 3,610 meters (11,844 feet). The trek involves traversing through the scenic plateau of Shira Ridge, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. It's essential to stay hydrated and take it slow to adjust to the increasing altitude.

Heading deeper into the Northern Circuit Route, you will proceed towards Shira 2 Camp. The trek today takes you across the expansive Shira Plateau, providing awe-inspiring views of Mount Kilimanjaro's glaciers and the vastness of the plateau itself. Shira 2 Camp, nestled at an altitude of approximately 3,850 meters (12,631 feet), will be your overnight stop. Take advantage of the stunning sunset vistas and immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Day 4 presents a day of acclimatization as you ascend to Lava Tower at around 4,600 meters (15,091 feet). This height is crucial for acclimatization purposes before descending to Moir Hut, situated at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 feet). The unique landscape surrounding Lava Tower and Moir Hut offers an otherworldly experience, making it a memorable part of your journey.

Leaving Moir Hut behind, your trek will take you to Buffalo Camp, which stands at an elevation of about 4,020 meters (13,188 feet). The route allows you to experience the alpine desert terrain of Kilimanjaro, characterized by its sparse vegetation and rocky landscapes. Arriving at Buffalo Camp, you will be captivated by the vastness of the African wilderness and the star-studded night sky.

The journey from Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp takes you through the lower alpine zone of Kilimanjaro. At an altitude of approximately 3,870 meters (12,697 feet), Third Cave Camp offers a serene environment for trekkers to rest and recharge. Amidst the tranquility, you'll have the chance to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past days.

As you venture higher, the landscape becomes more rugged and arid. Today's trek leads you to School Hut, situated at an elevation of about 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). This camp serves as the base camp for those planning to conquer the summit via the Uhuru Peak route. The anticipation of reaching the summit begins to build as you prepare for the summit push on the following day.

The penultimate day of your Kilimanjaro hiking tour takes you from School Hut to Kibo Camp, which stands at an altitude of approximately 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). The challenging ascent demands determination and mental strength, but the rewards are unparalleled. Kibo Camp is strategically located, providing easy access to the summit and ensuring trekkers have enough time to rest before the final ascent.

The most anticipated day of your journey has arrived the day of the summit attempt. You will embark on a pre-dawn ascent to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at an astonishing 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). As the sun rises over the African plains, the feeling of accomplishment is beyond words. After celebrating your success at the summit, you will descend to Mweka Camp, situated at an altitude of about 3,100 meters (10,171 feet), for a well-deserved rest.

On the final day of your Kilimanjaro hiking tour, you will make your way down to Mweka Gate. The descending path takes you through the lush rainforests, a stark contrast to the high-altitude terrains you conquered earlier. At Mweka Gate, you will receive your summit certificates, commemorating your achievement of reaching the "Roof of Africa." From here, you'll be transferred back to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha, where you can revel in the memories of this life-changing adventure.