9-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit – Premium Summit Adventure

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). A driver will meet you and transfer you to Arusha. Trek orientation with your guide and rental equipment arrangements will take place today. Extra luggage can be stored at the hotel.

Accommodation: Lodge – Mid-range
Meals: None included

Day 2: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (BLD)

Drive approx. 2.5 hours to Londorossi Gate. From here, a forest track leads to Lemosho Glades. Trek through lush forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.

• Elevation: 1,830m → 2,650m (6,000 → 8,700 ft)
• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 2 Camp (BLD)

The trail gradually steepens as you enter the giant heather moorland zone. Cross streams and continue over Shira Ridge, past Shira 1, to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows.

• Elevation: 2,650m → 3,850m (8,700 → 12,600 ft)
• Distance: 16 km / 10 mi
• Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Barranco Camp (BLD)

Trek east up a ridge from the Shira Plateau, passing the junction to Kibo. Continue southeast to the Lava Tower (4,650m / 15,250 ft), then descend to Barranco Camp. This day is vital for acclimatization before summit day.

• Elevation: 3,850m → 4,000m (12,600 → 13,000 ft)
• Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert

Accommodation: Barranco Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (BLD)

Ascend the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Valley, joining the Mweka Trail junction.

• Elevation: 4,000m → 4,050m (13,000 → 13,250 ft)
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Karanga Valley Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (BLD)

Trek to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit with spectacular summit views. Rest and prepare for summit day.

• Elevation: 4,050m → 4,700m (13,250 → 15,350 ft)
• Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Barafu Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp (BLD)

Depart midnight–2:00 AM for the summit climb via the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Stella Point for sunrise, then ascend to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340 ft), the highest point in Africa. Begin descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch.

• Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 3,090m (15,350 → 19,340 → 10,150 ft)
• Distance: 5 km up / 13 km down (3 mi up / 8 mi down)
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree / ice-capped summit

Accommodation: Mweka Camp – Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha (B)

Descend to Mweka Gate, collect summit certificates, then drive to Arusha.

• Elevation: 3,090m → 1,680m (10,150 → 5,500 ft)
• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Forest

Accommodation: Lodge – Mid-range
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Depart Arusha (B)

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or start your safari adventure.

Meals: Breakfast