Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime: 9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing on the Northern Circuit Route with KCTE
Welcome to the Kilimanjaro Centre for Trekking and Ecotourism (KCTE), your premier partner in Tanzanian adventures. Are you ready to conquer the roof of Africa? Join us for an unforgettable 9-day expedition climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Northern Circuit route. This journey not only promises breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems but also a unique, less-traveled path to the summit. From lush rainforests to alpine deserts, every step introduces a new chapter of nature at its most awe-inspiring.
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly KCTE team will warmly welcome you and transport you to your chosen hotel in Moshi. Whether you opt for luxurious comfort or charming budget accommodations, your rest is ensured. Spend the evening at your leisure, soaking up the vibrant local culture. Prepare for an early start and a transformative journey ahead.
Day 1: From Moshi to Londorossi Gate to Simba Camp
- Elevation: 2,360m to 2,650m
- Distance: 8km
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
Your adventure begins with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where we finalize park formalities. Trekking starts through lush rainforests where the chirps of exotic birds fill the air, a cool canopy overhead providing shade. Our first camp, Simba Camp, offers stunning views of the plains below. Enjoy your first dinner under the African sky, a truly magical experience.
Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Cave
- Elevation: 2,650m to 3,600m
- Distance: 11km
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
Ascending through moorland, today's trek features striking views and a chance to spot wildlife. The terrain changes as the vegetation becomes sparser, revealing the vast mountain landscapes. Kikelewa Cave campsite is nestled at the base of Mawenzi Peak, offering a tranquil setting for an overnight rest under starlit skies.
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave to Mawenzi Tarn
- Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m
- Distance: 6km
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
Today involves a shorter trek, allowing for acclimatization as you approach the striking Mawenzi Tarn camp, set beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi. The surrounding semi-desert and the alpine desert provide a dramatic backdrop, perfect for reflective solitude and acclimatization walks in the afternoon.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn to Buffalo Camp
- Elevation: 4,330m to 4,020m
- Distance: 12km
- Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Circling the northern slopes of Kibo, today's journey offers panoramic vistas across the Amboseli Plains. Traversing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, the rugged beauty of the alpine desert unfolds. Buffalo Camp awaits, a remote spot ideal for rest and preparation for the upcoming summit push.
Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
- Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
- Distance: 8km
- Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Continuing our descent, today's path offers a different perspective of the mountain's vast eco-zones. You'll feel the altitude here, but the excitement of nearing the summit keeps spirits high. Tonight's camp at Third Cave affirms you're in the heart of Kilimanjaro's rugged terrain.
Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut
- Elevation: 3,870m to 4,800m
- Distance: 5km
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
You ascend to School Hut where you'll rest and enjoy a pre-summit meal. This is an early night, as you prepare for your midnight trek to the summit. The anticipation builds, with the summit challenge just hours away.
Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak and down to Millennium Camp
- Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m (and down to 3,950m)
- Distance: 6km ascent / 10.5km descent
- Trekking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
- Habitat: Arctic
Departing around midnight, the trek to the summit is both grueling and exhilarating. Ascending in the dark, you'll witness the sun rising over Mawenzi Peak, an unforgettable sight. Reaching Uhuru Peak, you stand at Africa's highest point, a truly monumental achievement. The descent to Millennium Camp provides well-earned rest.
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,950m to 1,640m
- Distance: 12km
- Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
The final day's descent leads you through the lush rainforest, a stark contrast to the previous days' environments. Reaching Mweka Gate, you'll receive your summit certificates. Our vehicles await to take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where a comfortable bed and perhaps a celebratory beverage await.
Day 9: Departure Day
After a restful night in Moshi, our KCTE team will transport you back to the airport. With memories of the roof of Africa firmly etched in your heart, we bid you kwaheri (goodbye) and hope to welcome you back to explore more of Tanzania's wonders.
What's Included:
- Airport transfers
- Moshi hotel accommodation before and after the climb
- All park fees, camping fees
- Rescue fees
- A professional English-speaking guide, porters, and cook
- Drinking water and full board meals on the mountain
- Tents and sleeping mattresses
- Oxygen tanks & oximeters
What's Not Included:
- Flights
- Tanzanian visa
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for trek staff
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, additional beverages)
This itinerary can be customized to meet your preferences or physical needs. For more details, booking, or customization, please contact us at info@mt-kilimanjaro.com or call us at +255 753 700 700.
Embark on this life-changing journey with KCTE, where the spirit of Kilimanjaro comes alive with every step you take. We are excited to guide you to the peak of your personal adventure dreams!