Northern Circuit with crater camping

Destination Highlights

9 Day Excursion

The Northern Circuit with Crater Camping Experience

The Northern Circuit Route with crater camping on Kilimanjaro is the ultimate adventure for trekkers seeking both solitude and stunning scenery. As the least crowded route, it offers a remote wilderness experience with panoramic 360-degree views of both the Kenyan plains and Tanzania’s vast landscapes. Trekkers will enjoy a gradual, scenic ascent around Kilimanjaro, leading to the unique opportunity to camp at Kibo Crater, just beneath the summit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to explore the volcanic crater, glaciers, and ash pit up close, adding an unforgettable element to your climb. With the chance to see Kilimanjaro’s remaining glaciers, such as the Furtwangler Glacier, this route is perfect for adventurers who want an immersive and exclusive Kilimanjaro experience.

Diffculty

Moderate - Hard

Accomodation

Tents

Elevation

5,895 metres

Summit Success Rate

98%

Scheduled Climb: To be determined

Or choose dates that fit perfectly with your schedule!

Destination Experiences

Wildlife Encounters on the Northern Slopes

As the Northern Circuit passes through more remote and less frequented areas, trekkers have a higher chance of spotting wildlife like buffaloes, antelopes, and occasionally elephants in the lower forests.

Shira Plateau Crossing

The route crosses the vast and stunning Shira Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering incredible views of the plateau’s volcanic formations and the distant Mount Meru.

Ascent of Lava Tower

Trekkers have the option to tackle the iconic Lava Tower, a towering volcanic rock formation at 4,600 meters, which serves as a great acclimatization point and a thrilling climb.

Diverse Ecological Zones

The Northern Circuit takes you through five of Kilimanjaro's ecological zones, from lush rainforests to barren alpine desert, offering diverse landscapes and changing flora and fauna as you climb higher.

Pricing

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Arusha. Relax and prepare for your trek. In the evening, attend a briefing with your guides who will provide important information about your journey.

Day 2

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Elevation: Start at 2,360 meters (7,742 feet); end at 2,895 meters (9,498 feet)

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

Duration: 3-4 hours of hiking

Camp: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Begin at Londorossi Gate and hike through lush rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp. This first day is designed for gradual acclimatization as you immerse in the stunning natural surroundings.

Day 3

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Elevation: Start at 2,895 meters (9,498 feet); end at 3,505 meters (11,500 feet)

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

Duration: 4-5 hours of hiking

Camp: Shira 1 Camp

Trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world. This relatively flat terrain offers a gentler day of hiking with panoramic views.

Day 4

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

Elevation: Start at 3,505 meters (11,500 feet); end at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

Duration: 5-6 hours of hiking

Camp: Moir Hut

Ascend through the heath zone and witness the dramatic landscape changes. The path less traveled leads to the remote Moir Hut, nestled at the base of Lent Hills, offering a peaceful end to the day.

Day 5

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Elevation: Start at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet); end at 4,020 meters (13,188 feet)

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Duration: 5-6 hours of hiking

Camp: Buffalo Camp

Begin your trek through alpine desert with a climb up the Lent Hills before descending to Buffalo Camp. This day involves some ups and downs which are great for acclimatization.

Day 6

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

Elevation: Start at 4,020 meters (13,188 feet); end at 3,870 meters (12,697 feet)

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)

Duration: 4-5 hours of hiking

Camp: Third Cave

Continue around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, enjoying the spectacular and less frequented pathways. The route to Third Cave offers a blend of tranquility and stunning vistas.

Day 7

Third Cave to School Hut

Elevation: Start at 3,870 meters (12,697 feet); end at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet)

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)

Duration: 4-5 hours of hiking

Camp: School Hut

Trek to School Hut, preparing for your summit bid. This shorter day allows for rest and early sleep, as you will embark on your summit push in the middle of the night.

Day 8

School Hut to Uhuru Peak - Crater Camp

Elevation: Start at 4,800 meters (15,748 feet); ascend to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet); descend to 5,715 meters (18,750 feet)

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) ascent, 1 km (0.6 miles) descent

Duration: 6-8 hours to summit, 2-3 hours to crater

Camp: Crater Camp

Begin your summit attempt around midnight, reaching Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Experience the exhilaration of standing at the highest point in Africa before descending to Crater Camp, nestled near the Furtwangler Glacier—a truly unique and thrilling place to spend the night.

Day 9

Crater Camp to Mweka Camp

Elevation: Descend from 5,715 meters (18,750 feet) to 3,100 meters (10,171 feet)

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)

Duration: 6-7 hours of hiking

Camp: Mweka Camp

Descend from the crater, passing through the rapidly changing scenery of the upper to the lower heath zone. Spend your final night on the mountain at Mweka Camp, reflecting on the journey of a lifetime.

Day 10

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate - Arusha

Elevation: Descend from 3,100 meters (10,171 feet) to 1,640 meters (5,380 feet)

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

Duration: 3-4 hours of hiking

Complete your descent through lush forest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificates and say goodbye to your mountain crew. Transfer back to Arusha for rest or proceed directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Day 11

Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport

Enjoy some final moments in Tanzania with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Later, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, carrying unforgettable memories of your climb.