10-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Climb

Day 1: Arrival & Briefing Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a gear check and a detailed briefing on the 10-day adventure ahead.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) Drive to the Londorossi Gate (2,100m) for park registration before starting your trek through the lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for wildlife like elephants or buffalo during this gentle 3–4 hour hike.

Day 3: Shira Plateau Exploration (Shira 1 Camp) Transition from the rainforest into the moorland zone. This 5–6 hour trek takes you onto the Shira Plateau, offering epic views as your body begins to adjust to the higher altitude (3,500m).

Day 4: Crossing the Shira Plateau (Shira 2 Camp) A relatively gentle day of hiking across the vast, high-altitude landscape. Enjoy views of the massive Kibo massif as you trek toward Shira Camp 2 to further your acclimatization.

Day 5: Acclimatization at Lava Tower Ascend into the alpine desert to reach Lava Tower (4,600m), a critical landmark for acclimatization. After soaking in the panoramic views, descend to your next camp to "sleep low" after "climbing high".

Day 6: Northern Slopes to Buffalo Camp Tackle the Buffalo ridge for expansive vistas of the northern slopes and the plains extending toward Kenya. This 5–7 hour trek showcases the quieter, more remote side of the mountain.

Day 7: Trek to Third Cave Continue circling the northern slopes of Kibo. This is a shorter trekking day (approximately 5 miles) designed to allow your body to recover before the final push.

Day 8: The Ascent to School Hut A steady climb through the high alpine zone and across the "Saddle"—the space between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at School Hut (4,800m) for an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.

Day 9: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak Begin your ascent at midnight under the stars. Reach Gilman’s Point at dawn, then traverse the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the Roof of Africa. Descend to Millennium Camp for your final night.