Northern Circuit Route with Crater Camping

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Travel with Shira representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. The hotel provides comfortable rooms, hot showers, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and friendly service to help you relax after your journey.

In the evening, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing about the climb. Your gear will be checked, and final preparations will be made to ensure you are fully ready for the adventure ahead.

Important Notes:

• Hotel check-in starts at 2:00 PM

• Group airport transfers are included

• Extra transfers may incur additional costs

After breakfast, your guide and climbing support team will meet you at the hotel for a final briefing. You will then drive for approximately 3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,380 ft), the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Following registration and permit formalities, you will begin your trek through dense tropical rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,650 m / 8,692 ft). Rain showers are common in this forest zone, so rain gear is recommended.

Upon arrival, our experienced mountain crew will have tents set up and lunch prepared. Later in the afternoon, you will take a short acclimatization hike toward Shira 1 Camp before returning to Mti Mkubwa for a hot dinner.

Acclimatization Hike

• Elevation gain: 2,650 m → 3,095 m

• Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)

• Time: 1 hour

Main Trek

• Trekking time: 3–4 hours

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

To aid acclimatization:

• Drink at least 4 liters of water daily

• Walk slowly and steadily

• Inform your guide immediately if you feel any altitude-related symptoms

Mild headaches or discomfort may occur at night—this is normal at altitude and should be monitored closely.

After an early breakfast, you will begin a gradual ascent to Shira 1 Camp (3,414 m / 11,200 ft). This scenic trek offers your first breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Peak.

The trail is relatively easy and takes 5–6 hours, allowing your body to continue adapting to the altitude. Upon arrival, enjoy a hot lunch and time to rest or explore the surrounding landscape.

• Trekking time: 5–6 hours

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

Today’s trek is a gentle walk across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,628 ft). The terrain is open and offers stunning panoramic views, including Mount Meru on clear days.

After lunch and a short rest, you will complete an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, gaining additional altitude to support summit success.

Acclimatization Hike

• Elevation gain: 3,850 m → 4,110 m

• Distance: 2 km

• Time: 1–2 hours

Main Trek

• Trekking time: 3–4 hours

• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)

After breakfast, you will trek toward Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft). This is a more demanding day, with noticeable elevation changes that greatly assist acclimatization.

Lunch is served near Lava Tower, followed by a gradual descent to Moir Hut, located in a remote and peaceful valley on Kilimanjaro’s northern side.

• Trekking time: 5–7 hours

• Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)

Today features a longer but moderate trek. After a short steep climb out of Moir Valley, the route follows Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes with rolling terrain and incredible views toward Kenya’s Amboseli and Tsavo plains.

• Trekking time: 5–6 hours

• Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)

You will continue trekking along the northern circuit, eventually joining the Rongai Route at 3rd Cave Camp. By now, your body should be well acclimatized, making this a comfortable and enjoyable trekking day.

• Trekking time: 4–6 hours

• Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles)

Today you trek to School Hut (4,800 m / 15,744 ft), your base camp for the summit and crater descent. The walk is steady and not overly difficult—pace yourself and conserve energy.

After arriving, rest well, hydrate, and avoid unnecessary exertion in preparation for the next day.

• Trekking time: 4–5 hours

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

Around midnight, you will begin your ascent along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit at sunrise is an unforgettable experience.

After time for photos and celebration, you will descend into the Kilimanjaro Crater, home to ancient glaciers and volcanic formations. Optional exploration to the Ash Pit is available depending on conditions and energy levels.

• Trekking time: 4–6 hours

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

Today offers flexibility. You may:

• Make a second visit toward Uhuru Peak

• Explore the Ash Pit (weather permitting)

• Or exit the crater via Barafu and descend to Millennium Camp

The Ash Pit is a rare geological feature with sulfur-colored slopes inside the crater floor.

• Trekking time: 5–6 hours

• Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)

Descending through lush rainforest, you will trek to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,379 ft). After signing out, you will receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel.

• Trekking time: 4–5 hours

• Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)

After breakfast, enjoy time to relax at the hotel before your transfer to the airport.

Hotel check-out: 11:00 AM
Late check-out is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.