From Arusha in Tanzania: 10 Days Group Mid-Range Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

Lemosho Gate (2,360 meters) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Before reaching Lemosho Gate, you’ll travel through diverse farmland with wide views of the surrounding plains. Early along the trail, a picturesque forest clearing offers an ideal lunch spot. Once registration at the gate is complete, the trek begins along a narrow trail that winds through a vibrant green forest, home to wildlife such as buffalo. The day ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), situated at an elevation of 7,800 feet.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

Distance: 5.5km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Full Board at Shira One Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Follow the trail as it emerges from the forest and leads onto an open savannah dotted with tall grasses, heather, and lichen-covered volcanic rocks. Continue climbing over gentle green hills and crossing a few small streams until you arrive at Shira Ridge, then descend gradually to Shira 1 Camp. From here, the expansive view of Kibo across the plateau is simply stunning.

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)

Distance: 7km / 4 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On Day 3, the journey continues across the scenic Shira Plateau, moving from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Here, you'll spend the night and may encounter climbers ascending via the Machame Route. A short hike beyond Shira Camp 2 is recommended to enjoy stunning views of the valley below and the towering Western Breach above. The Shira Plateau is quite exposed, so prepare for a chilly night, with temperatures potentially falling below freezing.
Note: You’ll head east along the Shira Ridge toward Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then descend along the Northern Circuit to reach Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Distance: 14km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day four, the adventure heads east with a lengthy hike through the breathtaking 'Garden of the Senecios,' leading into the high alpine desert. The morning features a gradual ascent to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where lunch is enjoyed. Later, the trail descends via the northern circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This stage plays a vital role in acclimatization by climbing high and sleeping at a lower elevation.

Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Distance: 12km / 7 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day five, the trek starts with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Adventurous hikers can opt for a side excursion to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before rejoining the main Northern Circuit route. The trail then follows a series of gentle ascents and descents along the northern slopes of Kibo, offering panoramic views of the expansive plains extending toward the Kenya–Tanzania border. By early afternoon, you'll arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) for lunch and a well-earned rest.

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3,800 meters)

Distance: 8km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day six, the trek starts with a climb over Buffalo Ridge before descending to Pofu Camp for a lunch break. The route then continues east along Kilimanjaro’s northern flank via the Northern Circuit, making its way to Rongai Third Cave Camp at an altitude of 3,800 meters. This day’s hike is shorter than the previous one, and by this point, you should be well acclimatized. You’ll arrive at Third Cave Camp by mid-afternoon.

Third Cave Camp (3,800 meters) to School Huts (4,800 meters)

Distance: 15km / 8 miles

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

On day seven, you'll make a steady ascent across the Saddle, a wide ridge that connects Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Huts. The trail then turns southwest toward School Huts, located at an altitude of 4,800 meters. Upon arrival, you'll have an early dinner and be encouraged to get plenty of rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt. Before going to bed, ensure all your essentials—warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera—are packed and ready.

School Huts (4,800 meters) to Kilimanjaro Crater (5,750 meters)

Unlike other routes that require a nighttime summit, this trek features a daytime ascent to the Kibo Crater. With the steady support of your climbing team, you’ll hike at a consistent pace, reaching the Kibo rim before making a short descent into the caldera to arrive at Crater Camp (5,750 meters). The afternoon is reserved for rest, with the option to take short guided walks led by your team.

Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp

After spending the night in the crater, you’ll begin the final and shortest ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit, a journey of about an hour. This early climb rewards you with the breathtaking sight of sunrise from the top of the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Afterward, you’ll descend through the heath zone to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain, where native Protea flowers attract vibrant Malachite Sunbirds.

Mweka Camp to Moshi

Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft.

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Rain Forest.

Half Board.

After breakfast, start your descent toward Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. The path can be muddy and slippery, so using trekking poles and gaiters is recommended. Light attire like T-shirts and shorts is usually enough, but it’s wise to carry rain gear and some warm layers just in case. Once you reach Mweka Gate, an Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be ready to take you back to your comfortable mid-range hotel in Moshi.

Moshi to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before we transfer you back to Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).