Elevation: 1,200 m to 1,950 m to 2,850 m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Londorossi Gate, a journey that takes about 2-3 hours. After registering and completing the necessary formalities, you’ll start your trek through the rainforest to Big Tree Campsite, situated at an altitude of 2,780 meters (9,120 feet). The hike to the campsite covers approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) and takes 3-4 hours, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife. You’ll spend the night at Big Tree Campsite, allowing time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude in preparation for the more challenging days ahead.

Elevation(m): 2,780 m to 3,500 m
Distance: 13km
Hiking time: 8 hours
Habitat: Moorland and heather land

You’ll trek from Big Tree Campsite (2,780 meters) to Shira 1 Campsite (3,500 meters), covering a distance of 8 km (5 miles) in 5-6 hours. The trail gradually ascends through the rainforest, eventually transitioning into the moorland zone, offering expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. This steady climb aids in acclimatization, and once you reach Shira 1 Campsite, you’ll be treated to stunning views and have time to rest before continuing your journey.

Elevation: 3500 m to 3,850 m
Distance: 7km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland and rocky

On this day, you’ll trek from Shira 1 Campsite (3,500 meters) to Shira 2 Campsite (3,850 meters), covering a distance of 8 km (5 miles) in 4-5 hours. The trail passes through the moorland zone, offering expansive views of the Shira Plateau, Kibo Peak, and volcanic rock formations. The gradual ascent aids in acclimatization, and once you reach Shira 2 Campsite, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views and have the opportunity to rest at a higher altitude, preparing for the journey ahead.

• Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
• Ascent: 3,850 m
• Max. altitude: 4200 m

Today, you'll trek from Shira 2 Camp (3,850 meters) to Moir Hut (4,200 meters), covering a distance of 12 km (7.5 miles) in 5-6 hours. The trail takes you through the moorland and into the alpine desert zone, with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Along the way, you'll be treated to stunning views of Kibo Peak and the Moir Glacier. The day’s trek presents a moderate challenge and offers a great opportunity for acclimatization. Moir Hut provides a peaceful spot to rest and further adjust to the altitude..

• Hiking time: 7 – 8 hours
• Ascent: 500 m
• Descent: 680 m
• Max. altitude: 4,050 m

On Day 5 of the Northern Circuit Route, you'll trek from Moir Hut (4,200 meters) to Pofu Camp (4,050 meters), covering a distance of 9 km (5.6 miles) in 4-5 hours. The route descends slightly through the alpine desert, offering expansive views of the Moir Glacier and the surrounding landscape. This trek provides a peaceful, remote experience, helping with acclimatization before continuing to higher altitudes.

• Hiking time: 5 – 6 hours
• Descent: 60 m
• Max. altitude: 4,500 m

Today, you’ll trek from Pofu Camp (4,050 meters) to Third Cave Camp (4,500 meters), covering a distance of 10 km (6.2 miles) in 5-6 hours. The trail passes through rocky alpine desert terrain, offering breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, volcanic landscapes, and expansive valleys. The steady ascent provides an excellent opportunity for acclimatization, and Third Cave Camp offers a peaceful, remote location to rest and prepare for the next stage of the climb.

• Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
• Ascent: 830 m
• Max. altitude: 4,800 m

Your trek will take you from Third Cave Camp (4,500 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters), covering a distance of 5 km (3.1 miles) in 4-5 hours. The trail passes through rocky, alpine desert terrain, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding glaciers. This gradual ascent provides a final opportunity for acclimatization before preparing for the summit push to Uhuru Peak the following day.

• Hiking time: 14 – 16 hours
• Ascent: 1105 m
• Descent: 2068 m
• Max. altitude: 5,895 m

The trek begins at School Hut (4,800 meters) and ascends to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters), a challenging climb that takes 5-7 hours through rocky, icy terrain. After reaching the summit and enjoying panoramic views, you’ll descend to Millennium Camp (3,100 meters) in 4-5 hours, passing through alpine desert and moorland. The day combines the exhilaration of reaching the summit with a well-earned rest at Millennium Camp.

• Transport: Private transfer (0.6 hour, 17 km)
• Hiking time: 4 – 6 hours
• Descent: 2,027 m
• Max. altitude: 3,820 m

The trek from Millennium Camp (3,820 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters) is a 12 km (7.5-mile) descent through lush rainforest, taking 4-6 hours. The trail is steep and can be muddy, requiring careful footing. Along the way, trekkers may spot wildlife such as blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, hikers will sign out and receive their summit certificates before being transported back to Arusha.