Ethical Small Group Mount Kilimanjaro Climb: Northern Circuit

The day begins with a long drive (about 4 hours) to Londrossi Park Gate (2100 m) for registration and entry formalities. Then we'll drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed rainforest which winds to the first campsite at Mti Mkubwa, also called Big Tree Camp or Forest Camp.

• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
• Altitude Gain: 535 m

Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savanna of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Altitude Gain: 610 m

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 1
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We explore the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on earth. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. This is a great day for acclimatization.

• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
• Altitude Gain: 321 m

Accommodation: Camping at Shira Hut 2
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast through an alpine desert towards the Lava Tower – a 300-ft-tall volcanic rock formation at 4600 m.

• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
• Altitude Gain: 820 m

Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut (4200m), a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this another excellent acclimatization opportunity.

• Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
• Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
• Altitude Loss: -490 m

Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

• Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
• Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
• Altitude Loss: -200 m

Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely traveled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys onto the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

• Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Altitude Loss: -100 m

Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
• Altitude Gain: 900 m

Accommodation: Camping at School Hut
Room plan: Double Occupancy (2 people will share 1 tent)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Around midnight, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this arctic elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Uhuru means freedom in Swahili.

• Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
• Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
• Altitude Gain: 1095 m

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
• Altitude Loss: -850 m

Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

On our last day, we continue the descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Altitude Loss: -434 m

Accommodation: Panama Garden Resort
Room plan: Double Occupancy
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

We will transfer you from the hotel in Moshi to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where you will fly back home.

Included Meal: Breakfast

This is a Small-Group trip with fixed departure dates. However, it can be booked as a Private trip or customized (for additional cost).

Customization options:

• Spend only 8 days (instead of 9) climbing Kili via the Northern Circuit Route.
• Add-on a safari to your trip. These can range from two to six days. We're near to: the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater & Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, and Tarangire National Park. If you add on a safari, you can opt to visit the Olduvai Gorge, a Maasai Village, or enjoy a hot air balloon safari.
• Continue on to Zanzibar.

Pricing will be adjusted based on the final itinerary.