ARRIVAL DAY 1
Arrive in Moshi to prepare for your 11-day Northern Circuit route trek: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, meet your Tranquil Kilimanjaro guide after passing through customs. Transfer to Chanya Lodge for a comprehensive briefing and equipment check. Overnight at Chanya Lodge.
Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2, GROUP TREK Begins on the Northern Circuit Route
Arusha to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa/Forest Camp:
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft, Distance: 4 miles Hiking Time: approx. 3-4 hours
After breakfast, receive an overall briefing from your guide. Depart at 9 am and drive to the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, reaching the Londorossi Gate. Enjoy a packed lunch and register with the Kilimanjaro Park office. Begin your trek in the rainforest, ascending for approximately 3 hours. Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp in the late afternoon. Overnight at Mti Mkubwa/Forest Camp.
Accommodations: Forest Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3, GROUP TREK
Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp:
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft Distance: 5 miles Hiking Time: approx. 5-6 hours
Ascend through a podocarpus and juniper forest, breaking out onto the heather and lichen-draped volcanic rock of the Shira Plateau. Have lunch on the trail and reach Shira 1 Camp in the mid-afternoon. Admire the breathtaking view of Kibo, the peak of Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Accommodations: Shira One Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, GROUP TREK
Shira 1 to Shira 2:
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft Distance: 4 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Continue your hike across and up the Shira Plateau, joining trekkers from the Machame Route. Enjoy stunning views across the valley and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro. Reach Shira 2 Camp at an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,810 meters). Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Accommodations: Shira 2 Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, GROUP TREK
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 13,580 ft (Lava Tower), down to 15,190 ft, Distance: 8 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Shira 2 to Moir Hut Camp: Leave the forest behind and cross the high-altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave. Camp overnight at 13,580 feet (4,140 meters).
Accommodations: Moir Hut Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, GROUP TREK
Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp:
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft Distance: 7 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Climb out of the Moir Valley and reach the summit of Lent Hills. Return to the trail and continue eastwards around the northern circuit trail. Reach Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp, located at 13,200 feet (4,023 meters). Overnight at Buffalo Camp/Pofu Camp.
Accommodations: Pofu Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, GROUP TREK
Buffalo Camp/Pofu to Third Cave:
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft Distance: 5 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Cross small valleys as you head eastwards through a landscape with increasingly sparse vegetation. Reach Third Cave Camp at an altitude of 12,700 feet (3,872 meters). Overnight at Third Cave Camp.
Accommodations: Third Cave (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, GROUP TREK
Third Cave to School Hut Camp:
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft Distance: 3 miles Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Ascend steadily to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Continue upwards and reach School Hut Camp in the early afternoon. Rest and prepare for the summit day. Overnight at School Hut Camp.
Accommodations: School Hut Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 (SUMMIT DAY) GROUP TREK
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp:
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065, Distance: 4 miles ascent 7 miles descent Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Start the final and most demanding part of the climb around 1 a.m. Ascend to Gillman’s Point and enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Continue to Uhuru Peak, passing glaciers and ice cliffs. Retrace your steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and descend through Barafu Camp to reach Mweka Camp. Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Accommodations: Mweka Camp (Camping)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, GROUP TREK
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate:
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 6 miles Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Descend for approximately 3-4 hours through the scenic montane forest. Arrive at Mweka Gate and transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner.
Accommodations: Chanya Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DEPARTURE DAY:
If your time in Africa ends today, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked a safari or a beach extension, we will assist you in transitioning to your next Tanzanian adventure.