Route: Northern & Southern Circuit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (as per itinerary)
Trek Overview
The 9-day Northern & Southern Circuit Trek is the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure. It combines the Northern Circuit’s quiet, scenic paths with the Southern Circuit’s lush forests and Barranco Wall for a gradual ascent and exceptional acclimatization.
Trekkers will experience diverse landscapes—from moorlands and volcanic ridges to alpine deserts and rainforest. The route is less crowded, offers spectacular photo opportunities, and maximizes your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely.
Day 1 — Arrival in Moshi & Trek Orientation
Arrive in Moshi or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Meet the guides and porters, attend trek orientation, and rest overnight at a hotel.
Day 2 — Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
Enter Kilimanjaro via Londorossi Gate. Hike through lush rainforest to Big Tree Camp, enjoying your first encounter with mountain flora and wildlife.
- Gentle initial trekking through rainforest
- Beautiful birdwatching opportunities
- Camp at Big Tree (2,700m)
Day 3 — Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Ascend to Shira 1 Camp across rolling hills and volcanic terrain. This gentle trek improves acclimatization and offers magnificent views of Kibo Peak.
- Gradual altitude gain for acclimatization
- Views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo
- Camp at Shira 1 (3,500m)
Day 4 — Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Trek across the Shira Plateau with incredible vistas, passing lava formations and highland moorlands. Optional short acclimatization hikes around Shira 2 Camp.
- Traverse Shira Plateau’s volcanic landscape
- Optional acclimatization hike
- Camp at Shira 2 (3,850m)
Day 5 — Shira 2 to Barranco Camp
Descend from Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp, crossing valleys and ridges. Prepare for the Barranco Wall climb tomorrow.
- Beautiful descent through valleys
- Camp at Barranco (3,950m)
- Scenic sunset views over Barranco Valley
Day 6 — Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the famous Barranco Wall, then trek to Karanga Camp for rest. Enjoy stunning mountain landscapes along the ridge.
- Barranco Wall climb
- Cross Karanga Valley
- Camp at Karanga (4,000m)
Day 7 — Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek to Barafu Camp, the last camp before summit. Prepare mentally and physically for the pre-dawn ascent.
- High-altitude trekking
- Camp at Barafu (4,600m)
- Summit preparation
Day 8 — Summit Uhuru Peak & Descend to Mweka Camp
Begin pre-dawn summit climb to Uhuru Peak. Watch sunrise from the top of Africa’s highest mountain, then descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.
- Summit pre-dawn climb
- Uhuru Peak sunrise (5,895m)
- Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Day 9 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Return to Moshi
Complete final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Celebrate your achievement with a certificate and transfer back to Moshi hotel.
- Final descent through rainforest
- Summit certificate presentation
- Transfer to Moshi hotel
Inclusions
- Kilimanjaro park and camping fees
- Professional guides, porters, and cooks
- Full board meals during trek
- Private transfers Moshi-Kilimanjaro Gate-Moshi
- Tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear
- Summit certificate
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal expenses and drinks