Kilimanjaro Trekking, 9 Days (Northern Circuit Route)

ITINERARY

✈️ Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania & Lemosho Route Safety Briefing

Inclusions: Private VIP Airport Transfer & Luxury Hotel Check-in
Accommodation: Premium Partner Lodge (Moshi/Arusha)
Meals Provided: Dinner

🥾Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
- Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m (6,890ft to 8,695ft)
- Hiking Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Montane Rainforest
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 🏔️ Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
  - Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m (8,695ft to 11,843ft)
  - Hiking Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
  - Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
  - Habitat: Moorland
  - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  - 🌋 Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (Acclimatization) to Barranco Camp
    
    An essential advantage of the Lemosho Route 8 Days climb profile is the built-in acclimatisation day at Lava Tower.
    
    Crossing this massive volcanic caldera is a signature highlight unique to the luxury Lemosho Route 8 Days itinerary.
    - Elevation: 3,850m to 4,630m to 3,960m (12,630ft to 15,190ft to 12,990ft)
    - Hiking Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
    - Trekking Time: 6–8 hours
    - Habitat: Semi-Desert
    - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
      
      🧗 Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
      - Elevation: 3,960m to 3,995m (12,990ft to 13,106ft)
      - Hiking Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
      - Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
      - Habitat: Alpine Desert
      - Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
        
        ⛺ Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (The Base Camp)
        
        Elevation: 3,995m to 4,673m (13,106ft to 15,331ft)
        
        Hiking Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
        
        Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
        
        Habitat: Alpine Desert
        
        Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
        
        👑 Day 7: SUMMIT NIGHT (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp)
        
        Elevation: 4,673m to 5,895m down to 3,100m (15,331ft to 19,341ft down to 10,170ft)
        
        Hiking Distance: 15 km (9 miles)
        
        Trekking Time: 11–15 hours
        
        Habitat: Arctic Ice Cap to Rainforest
        
        Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
        
        🌿 Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (Departure)
        
        Completing the Lemosho Route 8 Days expedition concludes at Mweka Gate
        
        Inclusions: Private Departure Transfer & Official Gold Summit Certificate
        
        Hiking Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
        
        Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
        
        Habitat: Montane Rainforest
        
        Meals Provided: Breakfast
        
        Your final morning begins with a beautiful celebration: the traditional tipping ceremony where you join your guides, cooks, and porters in singing the iconic Kilimanjaro songs. You then hike a gentle 3 hours down through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
        
        At the gate, you will officially sign the park register to receive your Gold Summit Certificate from the Tanzania National Parks Authority. Your private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha for a long-awaited hot shower and a celebratory dinner.

e

Trekking Highlights:

Trekking Highlights

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 9-day itinerary offers excellent acclimatization, breathtaking landscapes, and a high success rate for reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft).

Highlights include:

360-Degree Views of Kilimanjaro – Traverse all sides of the mountain.
Best Acclimatization Profile – Longer duration improves altitude adaptation.
Remote & Less Crowded – Enjoy a peaceful trekking experience.
Diverse Ecosystems – Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.



Daily Trekking Schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – Trekking Briefing

Arrive in Moshi, Tanzania, and settle into your hotel. Meet guides for a trek briefing, gear check, and preparation for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Moshi hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp – Rainforest Trek

Drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) and begin trekking through lush rainforest trails. The gradual ascent leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m / 9,252 ft).
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp – Moorland Transition

Continue trekking through forested terrain before reaching the Shira Plateau and settling at Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m / 11,843 ft).
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp – Acclimatization Day

A short trek across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft), allowing for better acclimatization.
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut – Remote Northern Circuit

Trek toward Moir Hut (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), a secluded camp offering stunning views.
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp – High-Altitude Trek

Traverse the Northern Circuit, passing through alpine desert landscapes before reaching Buffalo Camp (4,020 m / 13,189 ft).
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Buffalo Camp to School Hut – Summit Preparation

Continue trekking to School Hut (4,750 m / 15,584 ft), the final stop before summit night.
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descent to Mweka Camp

Begin the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)! After celebrating at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft).
Accommodation: Tented camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,600 m / 5,380 ft), collect summit certificates, and transfer back to Moshi for celebration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Quote Request



Trekking Add-ons:

Add-ons are special experiences that can enhance your booked itinerary for an additional cost. Your host guide will assist you in selecting and customizing these add-ons to ensure your trip is both successful and unforgettable. Here are some examples of the add-ons we can provide.

Cultural Experiences

Chagga Village Visit: Learn about the traditions, cuisine, and lifestyle of the local Chagga people.
Coffee Tours: Explore coffee plantations and discover the process of coffee production.

Wildlife Safaris

Serengeti National Park: Witness the Great Migration and explore the diverse wildlife.
Ngorongoro Crater: Experience the unique ecosystem and spot the Big Five.
Tarangire National Park: Famous for its large elephant herds and baobab trees.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: Get a bird's-eye view of the Serengeti plains.

Cultural and Adventure Activities

Lake Natron Excursion: Visit the alkaline lake and enjoy stunning landscapes. visit the Hadzabe and Datoga hebitant to in teract and learn their culture

Relaxation and Beach Extensions

Zanzibar Island: Unwind on pristine beaches, explore Stone Town, and enjoy water activities like snorkeling and diving.

Conservation and Community Projects

Tree Planting Initiatives: Participate in environmental conservation efforts.
Local School Visits: Engage with the community and support educational programs.



Book Your Tanzania Itinerary Today!

Take the first step toward your dream adventure and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature! Reach out to us today to secure your spot on this unforgettable tour and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Edit form



MACHAME TREKKING FAQs

How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?

It is the longest and most gradual route, making it ideal for acclimatization and a high success rate.

What should I pack?

Hiking boots, layered clothing, trekking poles, thermal gear, and a headlamp.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and special diets can be arranged.

What is the best time for this trek?

June–October and December–March offer ideal weather conditions.

Talk With Our Expert

Whatever your circumstances, do not fear it. We can design a custom trip, especially for you. To find out more, just get in touch with us, and tell us as much detail as you can about the special trip you want to organize.

icon_headphones iconCall now! whatsapp iconChat with WhatsApp now!