Your adventure begins! Our comfortable vehicle will transfer you to Londorossi Gate (the correct start point for the Northern Circuit) for registration. Today is a gentle introduction, taking you from the humid lower slopes into the vast Shira Plateau. You will start hiking through the dense, vibrant rainforest before transitioning to the scenic heather and moorland zone. This measured start is key to early acclimatization.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation Gate: 7,800 ft (2,375 m) to Camp: 11,500 ft (3,505 m)

Distance 10 km / 6.2 miles

Hike Time 5 – 7 hours

Habitat Rainforest and Heath/Moorland

Meals Lunch & Dinner (Full Meals from Day 2-6)

Today is a relatively short and crucial day for acclimatization, moving across the stunning Shira Plateau—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trek is less about gaining vertical elevation and more about walking high and sleeping high, which is excellent for your body. You’ll enjoy expansive, high-altitude desert landscapes, constantly surrounded by breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. This day allows your body to adjust gently before the more significant elevation gains ahead.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 11,500 ft (3,505 m) to: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)

Distance 7 km / 4.3 miles

Hike Time 3 – 4 hours

Habitat Heath and Moorland

Meals Full Meals

This is your first major acclimatization test. We climb steadily uphill towards the iconic Lava Tower (15,190 ft/4,630 m), a dramatic volcanic plug, before descending to Moir Hut. Remember the crucial climbing mantra: “Climb High, Sleep Low.” The high altitude exposure at Lava Tower, followed by the descent to Moir Hut, significantly enhances your body’s ability to cope with the thin air, a strategy that boosts your summit chances.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to: 13,800 ft (4,206 m)

Distance 14 km / 8.7 miles

Hike Time 5 – 7 hours

Habitat Moorland and Alpine Desert

Meals Full Meals

Today, we officially begin the remote northern traverse! We depart Moir Hut and skirt the northern flank of Kibo, passing through a rocky area before entering a zone of rolling hills and valleys. This is the quietest part of the mountain, offering unparalleled solitude and a real sense of being away from the world. The constant gentle rolling terrain and moderate distance provide continuous acclimatization benefits while treating you to ever-changing, spectacular vistas of the Northern Ice Fields.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 13,800 ft (4,206 m) to: 13,300 ft (4,054 m)

Distance 12 km / 7.5 miles

Hike Time 5 – 7 hours

Habitat Alpine Desert

Meals Full

The Northern Circuit truly differentiates itself today as we continue our majestic sweep around the mountain’s quieter side. We descend into the Rongai Valley before ascending slightly towards Third Cave Camp. This day focuses on maintaining a steady pace through the desolate yet stunning alpine desert. The descent and slight re-ascent again serve to strengthen your acclimatization before the final push toward the higher camps. Prepare for some of the most dramatic views of the Eastern slopes.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 13,300 ft (4,054 m) to: 12,800 ft (3,891 m)

Distance 8 km / 5 miles

Hike Time 4 – 5 hours

Habitat Alpine Desert

Meals Full

This is our final approach to the Kibo cone. We climb consistently, crossing the famous Saddle—a vast, high-altitude plain that connects the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The landscape is pure, high-altitude desert, providing a powerful sense of the summit’s proximity. Arriving at School Hut, our high camp, you will settle in, eat an early dinner, and prepare your gear for the midnight summit bid. The excellent acclimatization from the previous five days will be your greatest asset tonight!

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,800 ft (3,891 m) to: 15,600 ft (4,755 m)

Distance 5 km / 3.1 miles

Hike Time 4 – 5 hours

Habitat Alpine Desert and Arctic

Meals Full Meals

The defining moment of your journey! You will start your climb just after midnight, trekking through the dark and cold to reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (18,650 ft/5,685 m). From there, we traverse around the rim, watching the sunrise paint the glaciers and Africa below, en route to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft/5,895 m)—the Roof of Africa! After photos and celebration, we make the rapid, necessary descent to Millennium Camp, transitioning from the arctic zone back into the moorland, marking a massive achievement.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation Ascent: 15,600 ft (4,755 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m) / Descent to: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)

Distance Ascent: 6 km / 3.7 miles / Descent: 12 km / 7.5 miles

Hike Time 6 – 8 hours (Ascent) / 5 – 6 hours (Descent)

Habitat Arctic and Moorland

Meals Full Meals

Your final leg! A celebratory descent through the lush, misty rainforest. The air grows warmer and richer with oxygen as you drop thousands of feet quickly. At Mweka Gate, you will check out, receive your official summit certificates, and share triumphant moments with your guides. Our comfortable Tanzania Songbirds Safaris vehicle will be waiting to provide a smooth, relaxing transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, capping off your successful climb with premium comfort and service.

Detail Measurement (Approx.)

Elevation From: 12,500 ft (3,810 m) to Gate: 5,400 ft (1,646 m)

Distance 12 km / 7.5 miles

Hike Time 4 – 5 hours

Habitat Rainforest

Meals Breakfast & Lunch