Tour Description
This 11-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Lemosho Route expedition is the longest and most scenic way to reach Africa’s highest peak. The journey crosses remote rainforests, vast Shira Plateau, alpine deserts, and the dramatic northern slopes before joining the summit route to Uhuru Peak. With maximum acclimatization time, it offers one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro. Ideal for serious trekkers, this premium adventure combines solitude, wildlife encounters, and expert mountain support for a safe and unforgettable ascent.
Full Trekking Itinerary
Arrival & Luxury Pre-Climb Briefing in Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you are welcomed by your professional driver guide and transferred to a luxury hotel in Arusha. The scenic drive introduces Tanzania’s landscapes with views of Mount Meru and rural settlements. After check in, the day is dedicated to rest and recovery. In the evening, your mountain guide conducts a detailed briefing covering the full Northern Circuit route, safety procedures, altitude preparation, and equipment inspection. You also have time to rent gear and prepare mentally for the adventure ahead.
Dinner and overnight at Mount Meru Hotel (Arusha)Lemosho Trailhead & Untouched Rainforest Ascent
After breakfast, you depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate for registration and permit clearance before continuing to Lemosho trailhead. The drive passes through scenic highland villages and lush landscapes. Your trek begins in dense, untouched rainforest filled with towering trees, birds, and occasional wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The trail is quiet and peaceful, offering a true wilderness experience. The hiking pace is slow to support proper acclimatization while porters move ahead to prepare camp. Packed lunch is enjoyed along the trail surrounded by natural forest sounds. The rainforest gradually opens into lighter vegetation as you approach Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where tents are already set up. Upon arrival, you rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next stage of the climb under a peaceful forest environment.
Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa CampAscent into Heath & Moorland Zone
Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the heath and moorland zone. The trail climbs steadily through giant heathers, volcanic ridges, and open landscapes with increasing views of Kilimanjaro. The air becomes cooler and thinner as altitude rises. You cross small streams and rolling terrain while maintaining a slow, steady pace for acclimatization. The scenery becomes more dramatic as Shira Plateau begins to appear in the distance. Lunch is taken on the trail with panoramic views of the mountain environment. By afternoon, you arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the edge of the vast plateau. The camp offers wide-open views and a peaceful high-altitude atmosphere. Dinner is served early as temperatures drop significantly at night.
Dinner and overnight at Shira 1 CampTraversing the Vast Shira Plateau
After breakfast, you continue across the magnificent Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world. The landscape is open and dramatic, with volcanic rock formations, alpine vegetation, and sweeping views of Kibo peak. The trail is relatively gentle, allowing your body to adapt to increasing altitude. Optional short acclimatization walks around the plateau may be included depending on energy levels. This section offers some of the most scenic photography opportunities of the entire route. You gradually arrive at Shira 2 Camp, where the environment is cold, windy, and exposed but incredibly scenic. The evening is spent resting, hydrating, and enjoying dinner under a clear high-altitude sky filled with stars.
Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 CampLava Tower Acclimatization & Northern Slope Branch
Today is a key acclimatization day as you ascend toward Lava Tower, a volcanic formation at high altitude. The climb is slow and challenging due to thinner oxygen levels. The terrain changes into alpine desert with rocky slopes and dramatic formations. At Lava Tower, you stop for lunch and rest, allowing your body to adapt to altitude. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy improves summit success rates. After lunch, you descend into the northern circuit route toward Moir Camp. The landscape becomes remote and quiet, with wide views across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro and even into Kenya on clear days. The descent helps recovery while maintaining altitude adaptation. By afternoon, you arrive at Moir Camp, a peaceful and less crowded campsite ideal for rest and acclimatization.
Dinner and overnight at Moir CampRemote Northern Slopes & Views of Kenya Plains
After breakfast, you leave Moir Camp and begin a steady ascent out of the valley, with an optional climb to Little Lent Hill for extra acclimatization. The trail then follows the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views across the Kenyan plains and vast savannah landscapes. The terrain is varied, with gentle climbs and descents across alpine desert environments. This section is rarely visited, making it peaceful and scenic. You maintain a slow pace to conserve energy and support acclimatization. By midday, you arrive at Buffalo Camp, located in a remote and quiet high-altitude setting. The afternoon is spent resting, enjoying dinner, and preparing for the next stage of the Northern Circuit.
Dinner and overnight at Buffalo CampBuffalo Ridge Traverse to Third Cave
Today you traverse around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro toward the eastern side. The trail begins with a climb over Buffalo Ridge before descending into valleys and rolling terrain. The route is long but gradual, allowing continued acclimatization. The scenery changes constantly between volcanic formations, open plains, and alpine desert landscapes. This section of the Northern Circuit is remote and peaceful, offering a sense of isolation and wilderness. You stop for lunch along the trail before continuing toward Third Cave Camp. The pace remains steady as your body adjusts to altitude. By afternoon, you arrive at Third Cave Camp, where you rest, hydrate, and prepare for the final ascent stages.
Dinner and overnight at Third Cave CampCrossing the Saddle to School Hut Base Camp
Today is a steady ascent toward School Hut, your final base camp before summit night. The trail climbs gradually across the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, creating a vast, lunar-like landscape. The air becomes noticeably thinner, and temperatures drop significantly. Despite the altitude, the pace is controlled and steady for safety and acclimatization. The views of both peaks are dramatic and unforgettable. You arrive at School Hut in the afternoon, where tents are prepared for rest and recovery. Dinner is served early as preparation begins for the midnight summit attempt. Gear is checked, warm clothing is prepared, and hydration is emphasized before an early night’s rest.
Dinner and overnight at School HutGilman's Point Sunrise & Uhuru Peak Summit Victory
You begin your summit attempt just before midnight with hot drinks and light snacks. The climb is steep and challenging as you ascend through darkness toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. The temperature is extremely cold, and progress is slow but steady. At sunrise, you reach the rim, where breathtaking views appear over the African landscape. From here, you continue along the crater edge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrations and photos, you begin your descent back to Barafu area for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp. The descent is long but rewarding as oxygen levels increase and fatigue sets in. This is the most demanding yet unforgettable day of the expedition.
Dinner and overnight at Millennium CampRainforest Descent to Mweka Gate & Hotel Celebration
After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest filled with birds, monkeys, and dense vegetation toward Mweka Gate. The trail is muddy but scenic and refreshing after summit success. At the gate, you officially sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate gold for Uhuru Peak and green for lower summit points. After celebrations with your team, you transfer to Springlands Hotel in Moshi for hot showers, lunch, and relaxation. This is a moment of reflection and achievement after completing one of the world’s greatest trekking adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Springlands Hotel (Moshi)Airport Transfer & Safe Flight Home
After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, optional extra nights in Moshi or Arusha can be arranged. This marks the end of your 11-day Northern Circuit Lemosho expedition. You leave with unforgettable memories of diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and the achievement of reaching the Roof of Africa, one of the most iconic trekking experiences in the world.
END OF OUR SERVICES & SAFE FLIGHT HOMEInclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook team
- Park fees, rescue fees, and camping permits
- All meals on mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Drinking water throughout trek
- Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, dining setup)
- Airport transfers and ground transport
- Hotel accommodation before and after climb
- Pre-climb briefing and gear assistance
- Summit certificate processing
Excluded
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, clothing, poles)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks
- Emergency evacuation or helicopter rescue costs
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
