NORTHERN Route Itinerary
10 Days | 9 Nights
Start your journey
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an Africa Nature Photography representative and transfer to the hotel included in your rate. The hotel offers all essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot showers, friendly staff, swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening, there will be a detailed briefing with our managers to ensure you’re prepared for the climb.
Private tour packages include shared airport transfers for your group. Extra charges apply for additional individual transfers. To avoid extra costs, coordinate arrival and departure times with your group.
PLEASE NOTE: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
DAY 2: Londorossi Gate Mti Mkubwa Camp (Rainforest Zone)
After the breakfast from the lodge, you will be transferred to Londorossi Gate where by your adventure begins, where formalities are completed before entering a dense, emerald rainforest. The trail is soft underfoot, shaded by towering trees draped in moss. You may encounter colobus monkeys and hear exotic bird calls as you gradually gain altitude.
- Elevation: 2,100m → 2,800m
- Environment: Humid, biodiversity-rich forest
Tip:
Keep your rain gear easily accessible this zone is for sudden showers. Walk slowly to conserve energy from the very first day.
DAY 3: Mti Mkubwa Shira 1 Camp (Moorland Zone)
Leaving the forest behind, the landscape opens dramatically into rolling moorland. Giant heathers and volcanic rock formations dominate the terrain. The air becomes cooler and drier, offering your first clear views of the mountain.
- Elevation: 2,800m → 3,500m
- Highlight: First unobstructed views of Kibo
Tip:
Start using sunscreen here the sun becomes much stronger as tree cover disappears.
Day 4: Shira 1 Shira 2 Camp (Shira Plateau)
A relatively gentle trekking day across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The terrain is wide and open, with breathtaking panoramic views in every direction.
- Elevation: 3,500m → 3,850m
- Highlight: Expansive plateau with dramatic skies
Tip:
Hydration becomes critical aim for 3–4 liters of water today to support acclimatization.
Day 5: Shira 2 Lava Tower Moir Hut (Acclimatization Day)
Today is a key acclimatization stage. You climb up to the iconic Lava Tower before descending to Moir Hut. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy helps your body adapt effectively to altitude.
- Elevation: 3,850m → 4,600m → 4,200m
- Environment: Alpine desert
Tip:
You may feel mild altitude symptoms here headache or fatigue. Inform your guide early and keep a steady, slow pace.
Day 6: Moir Hut Buffalo Camp (Northern Slopes)
The trail turns north into a remote, rarely visited side of the mountain. The terrain becomes rugged and wild, with sweeping views toward Kenya’s plains.
- Elevation: 4,200m → 4,000m
- Highlight: Untouched wilderness and silence
Tip:
Layer your clothing temperatures fluctuate quickly between sun exposure and wind.
Day 7: Buffalo Camp Third Cave Camp
A long but rewarding traverse across the northern circuit. The trail is quieter than any other route on Kilimanjaro, offering a true sense of isolation and connection with nature.
- Elevation: 4,000m → 3,900m
- Experience: Remote trekking at its finest
Tip:
Eat well even if your appetite drops your body needs energy for altitude adaptation.
Day 8: Third Cave School Hut (Base Camp)
You approach the base of Kibo, where the landscape becomes stark and lunar-like. This is your final staging point before summit night.
- Elevation: 3,900m → 4,800m
- Focus: Rest and preparation
Tip:
Sleep early and prepare all summit gear in advance temperatures will drop well below freezing.
Day 9: Summit Day Uhuru Peak Mweka Camp
The most challenging and rewarding day. Starting around midnight, you ascend slowly under the stars. Reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is a life-changing moment. After celebration, descend to Mweka Camp for rest.
- Elevation: 4,800m → 5,895m → 3,100m
- Highlight: Standing on the Roof of Africa
Tip:
Mental strength is key take one step at a time (“pole pole”). Focus on breathing rhythm rather than speed.
Day 10: Mweka Camp Mweka Gate (Descent)
A scenic descent through lush rainforest marks the end of your journey. The air becomes richer, and the trail feels alive again. At the gate, you receive your summit certificate and then a hotel transfer.
- Elevation: 3,100m → 1,640m
- Experience: Celebration and reflection
Tip:
Use trekking poles to protect your knees during the descent it’s easier on your joints.
DAY 11: Departure
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.
