Day 1 – Lemosho Glades

We will depart from your lodge and drive to the Londorosi gate on the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. From there, we will begin our hike at the Lemosho trailhead. In case of rainy/muddy conditions, we may have to hike a bit extra to reach the trailhead, but our Pride vehicles are usually able to go farther than other companies. After a picnic lunch, we will hike for about 4 hours to the forest camp. Along the way, enjoy the exotic moss and flowers and listen to the calls of the birds. Keep an eye out for Black and White Colobus monkeys and signs of elephants that travel in this area. We will spend the night at Forest Camp.

Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~9,498’

Day 2 – Shira Plateau

As we leave the Montane Forest and enter the Hagenia zone, we will catch our first views of Kibo peak. This is a good acclimatization hike as we go up and down several ridges along the way to our highest point of the day at 11,500’. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Hiking: 6-9 hours
Overnight Altitude: 11,500’

Day 3 – Moir Camp

We will traverse the Heath zone of the Shira Plateau and begin climbing the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Scott Fisher’s memorial camp (the well-known Mt. Everest guide) before continuing on to the upper heath zone and Moir camp. Depending on the weather, we can arrange acclimatization hikes in the late afternoon.

Hiking: 5-6 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,580′

Day 4 – Pofu/Buffalo Camp

Hike for about 4-7 hours, depending on stops along the way. You will have a ridge to climb up as you depart Moir camp, so it’s best to start out slowly until you crest the ridge. This is a great acclimatization day.

Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~13,200′

Day 5 – Third Cave Camp

Continue your traverse around the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, with expansive views, as you find your way to Third Cave Camp.

Hiking: 5-7 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~12,700′

Day 6 – School Huts Camp

This is our highest elevation camp. Get some rest before starting your night-time summit ascent (usually around midnight) to Gilman’s Point, through Stella Point, and for the final push up to the summit.

Hiking: 4-5 hours
Overnight Altitude: ~15,600’

Day 7 – Summit and Mweka Camp (or Millenium Camp by request)

Summit day! We will begin our ascent to the summit (19,340ft – 5,896m) around 11:00 PM or midnight the night prior. Using headlamps (bring extra lithium batteries, which last much better in cold dark conditions!), you will ascend 6-7 hours to Gilman’s Point, traverse the Crater Rim to Stella Point Kilimanjaro, and then up another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, the summit. After a summit celebration and photo, we will descend to Barafu camp for lunch and then to Mweka camp to sleep overnight. By advance

Day 8 – Mweka Park Gate

We make the final descent to the trailhead today, about 3-5 hours hiking. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro and heading back to town. Arrive at your lodge usually between 3-5 PM.

Hiking: 3-5 hours,

This will be the end of your wonderful experience in Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro. To view more safari options click here.