Northern Circuit Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Travel with Shira representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and friendly hospitality.

In the evening, you will meet your lead guide for a detailed climb briefing and equipment check to ensure full readiness.

Important Notes:

• Hotel check-in from 2:00 PM

• Shared airport transfers included for groups

• Additional transfers available at extra cost

After breakfast, you will drive for approximately 3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate (2,250m) on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Following registration and permit procedures, the journey continues by vehicle to the high-altitude drop-off point at 3,414m.

From here, you begin a short and gentle trek across the Shira Plateau to Shira 1 Camp. This light trekking day allows your body to begin acclimatizing while enjoying wide open views of the mountain.

Trekking Time: ~1 hour
Distance: 4 km

Today’s trek involves a gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). The walk is relaxed and scenic, giving you plenty of time to enjoy unique high-altitude vegetation and distant views of Mount Meru when weather permits.

In the afternoon, you will rest before taking an optional acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, helping your body adapt further to the altitude.

Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 7 km

After breakfast, you will trek toward Lava Tower (4,600m), one of the key acclimatization points on the route. This day is more physically demanding due to altitude gain, so a proper pace and rest at Lava Tower are essential.

After lunch, the trail continues slightly upward before descending into the remote Moir Valley, where you will spend the night at Moir Hut Camp.

Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 14 km

You will begin the day by climbing out of Moir Valley, followed by a long but gentle traverse along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. This area is quiet and rarely visited, offering a true wilderness experience.

On clear days, you may enjoy spectacular views toward Kenya’s Amboseli and Tsavo plains.

Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 12 km

Today’s trek continues around the northern side of the mountain to 3rd Cave Camp (3,800m), where the route joins the Rongai path. By this stage, your body should be well acclimatized, making the hike feel more comfortable.

The shorter trekking day allows time for rest and recovery.

Trekking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 8 km

You will trek steadily to School Hut (4,800m), the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trail is gradual but requires pacing to preserve energy for summit night.

After arriving, you will rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km

Around midnight, you will begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). For safety, one guide is assigned to every two climbers, closely monitoring pace and well-being throughout the climb.

After reaching the summit and celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest and lunch, then continue down to Millennium Camp (3,950m) for overnight.

Trekking Time: 10–13 hours
Distance: 16 km

After breakfast, you will descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, marking the official end of your Kilimanjaro climb. Here, you will receive your summit certificates, take final group photos, and celebrate with your mountain crew.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 12 km

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.

Hotel check-out: 11:00 AM
(Late check-out available at additional cost)