9 Days: Kilimanjaro Hiking via Northern Circuit Route

After breakfast, you will continue with the trek and spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge while dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing. • Elevation: 2,800m/9,190ft - 3,550m/11,650ft • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours • Distance: 8 km | 5 miles • Habitat: Low alpine zone

Today you will walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by steep spires and pinnacles. Here you can see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time. The low physical demands of the trek will leave you with the energy to enjoy Kilimanjaro's wildflowers and unique senecio trees. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. • Elevation: 3,550m/11,650ft - 3,850m/12,650ft • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours • Distance: 7 km | 4 miles • Habitat: Moorland

This day involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley then hike to the summit of Lent Hills at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route will be full of highs and lows before reaching Buffalo Camp. This route passes close to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border, so you will be treated to amazing views of Amboseli Valleys. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday. • Elevation: 4,200m/13,780ft - 4,020m/13,190ft • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours • Distance: 12 km | 7 miles • Habitat: Alpine Desert

You will climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch will be served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. On this day the trekking will be shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body will already have become completely acclimated to an altitude of 4,020 meters. • Elevation: 4,020m/13,190ft - 3,870m/12,700ft • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours • Distance: 8 km | 5 miles • Habitat: Alpine zone

Today there is a steady ascent to reach the’ Saddle’, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. You will then continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is to spend resting and preparing for your summit ascent, which will begin in the early morning. • Elevation: 3,870m/12,700ft - 4,750m/15,580ft • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours • Distance: 5 km | 3 miles • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Around midnight, you will begin the final push to the summit. For the next six hours, you will hike by the light of your flashlight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m). Take a moment to enjoy an incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak. Within two hours you will reach the Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro, you will see one of the most amazing sunrises. After summit celebrations you will descend from the rim at Stella Point, to Barafu Camp and then straight down to Mweka Hut. Later in the evening you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. School Hut to Uhuru Peak • Elevation: 4,750m/15,580ft - 5,895m/19,340ft • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours • Distance: 6 km | 6 miles • Habitat: Arctic Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp • Elevation: 5,895m/19,340ft - 3,110m/10,200ft • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours • Distance: 12 km | 7 miles • Habitat: Rain Forest

Departing after breakfast, descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. From the gate, you will continue another hour to Mweka Village, the driver will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned shower and celebration. • Elevation: 3,110m/10,200ft - 1,830m/6,000ft • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours • Distance: 10 km | 6 miles