Here is a professional 9-day itinerary for the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route, including a transfer on day one. This route offers a longer acclimatization period, increasing the chances of a successful summit.
Operated by Mi-Adventures Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Moshi
• Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
• Briefing and gear check by your mountain guide.
• Overnight at your designated hotel in Moshi.
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Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
• After breakfast, transfer to Londorossi Gate for registration.
• Begin trekking through lush rainforest with possible wildlife sightings.
• Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heath/Moorland
• Trek out of the rainforest and into the heath zone, with stunning views of the Shira Plateau.
• Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for rest, dinner, and overnight stay.
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Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
• A gentle trek across the plateau, allowing for further acclimatization.
• Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where you will have lunch and an optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon.
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Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower, Then to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then down to 4,020m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 7–8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
• A challenging trek to Lava Tower (4,600m) for acclimatization.
• Descend to the Buffalo Camp, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
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Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
• A relatively easy trek with gradual ups and downs.
• Arrive at Third Cave Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut (Base Camp)
Elevation: 3,870m to 4,800m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
• A short but steep trek to School Hut, the base camp before summit night.
• Rest and prepare for the final ascent.
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Day 8: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descend to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m
Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
• Start the ascent at midnight to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise.
• Celebrate your summit achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
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Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
• Final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.
• Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Moshi.
• Drop-off at your hotel or airport transfer as per your schedule.
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Inclusions:
✔ Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
✔ Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
✔ All meals on the mountain
✔ Drinking water and hot drinks
✔ Transfers from Moshi to the trailhead and back
✔ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, etc.)
This itinerary provides excellent acclimatization with a high success rate. Let me know if you need any modifications!
Mi-Adventures offers expert-guided cultural tours, safaris, treks, and Zanzibar escapes for unforgettable Tanzania experiences.
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