8 Day – Kilimanjaro trek via Northern Circuit route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and meet your Altezza Travel representative. Transfer to your hotel, settle in, and enjoy the amenities: comfortable rooms, hot water, a swimming pool, and internet access. In the evening, attend a briefing covering your equipment, trekking plan, and safety measures.

After breakfast, meet your guide and climbing team for a final briefing. Drive 3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,380 ft) and complete climbing permits and registration. Continue by vehicle to the high-altitude drop-off point (3,414 m / 11,200 ft) with stunning Shira Plateau views. Trek 4 km (2.4 miles) with a small altitude gain to Shira 1 Camp. Camp is prepared with tents, chairs, refreshments, and dinner.

Trek 7 km (4.3 miles) over 3–4 hours with a modest altitude gain of 240 m / 787 ft to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). The low physical demand allows time to enjoy Kilimanjaro’s unique flora and, weather permitting, views of Mount Meru. After lunch, take an optional 2 km (1.2 miles) acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower (4,110 m / 13,484 ft) to further adjust to altitude before returning to Shira 2 Camp.

Depart Shira 2 Camp after breakfast for Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft), a challenging but rewarding hike. Stop for lunch and rest at Lava Tower, then descend to Moir Hut Camp. Total trekking: 14 km (8.7 miles) over 5–7 hours. This day is physically demanding and key for altitude acclimatization.

After an early breakfast, trek approximately 12 km (7.4 miles) over 5–7 hours to Buffalo Camp. Begin with a short, steep climb out of Moir Valley, then follow rolling terrain along Kilimanjaro’s northern slope. Enjoy panoramic views of Tsavo and Amboseli valleys near the Kenya border. The trek is long but moderate, helping your body continue acclimatizing.

Trek 8 km (4.9 miles) over 4–6 hours to 3rd Cave Camp (3,800 m / 12,464 ft), where the Northern Circuit meets the classic Rongai Route. By this stage, your body is fully acclimatized to high altitude, making the hike more comfortable and supporting overall well-being.

Trek 5 km (3.1 miles) over 4–5 hours to School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m / 15,744 ft). The hike is moderate but maintaining a steady pace is essential to conserve energy for the final summit. Sleep early, hydrate well, and avoid strenuous activity to prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Depart School Hut around midnight with one guide per two climbers for safety. Climb 1,095 m (3,592 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,336 ft), Africa’s highest point. Optionally visit nearby glaciers before descending to Barafu Camp for a 2-hour rest and lunch. Continue descent to Millennium Camp (3,950 m / 12,956 ft) for overnight rest. Total trekking: 16 km (9.9 miles) over 10–13 hours.

After breakfast, trek 12 km (7.4 miles) over 4–5 hours through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,379 ft). Celebrate your achievement with the support crew and receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to your hotel for rest and relaxation.

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight. Late check-out is available for evening flights at an additional fee.