10-Day Kilimanjaro Expedition via Northern Circuit Route

Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport where your thrilling adventure begins! The driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. After you settle, the Usd Safari Tours managers will meet with you to talk about the climb and make sure you're all set and excited for your upcoming climb. On a private tour, we have group airport rides included in the package. If anyone arrives separately from the group, this individual transfer is subject to an extra cost. Check-in at the hotel starts at 2:00 PM - let us know in advance if you need an earlier check-in (can be arranged at an extra cost).

In the morning, your guide and mountain support crew will meet you at the hotel before you embark on your adventure to Kilimanjaro National Park's western gate: Londorossi Gate. This drive, spanning roughly 3-4 hours, is merely a glimpse of the wonders that await you. A quick session of registering at the gate - and you'll be taken up to the altitude of 3,600 m (11,482 ft). Here, the scenic vistas of the Shira Plateau will greet you for the first time. From your drop-off point, the journey to your first high-altitude camp, Shira One, is a very gentle trail with minimal ascent, offering you a comfortable start to your mountain adventure and the ideal start to your acclimatization process. As you arrive at the camp, you'll be greeted by our expert mountain team who will have set up your tents and started preparing a warm and welcoming dinner.

As dawn breaks at Shira 1 Camp, prepare for a trek to your next camp - Shira Two. It is a true spectacle of Kilimanjaro that offers, weather permitting, sweeping vistas of Mount Meru - the fifth highest peak in Africa and Tanzania's second loftiest point. During the day's trek, our guides may propose a detour to Cathedral Peak – standing at an impressive 3872 meters (12,703 feet), one of the highest points of the extinct Shira volcano. This is more than just a hike; it's a journey into the heart of Kilimanjaro's breathtaking landscape. On a clear day, the summit of Cathedral Peak unveils a sprawling valley vista that resembles a hidden paradise, a sight that tops our list of favorite views. This is a low-risk trek with no technical challenges. If you prefer a more straightforward path or if the weather is not on our side, you can hike directly to Shira 2. This won't affect your acclimatization as both Cathedral Peak and Shira 2 share a similar elevation.

Once you've finished your breakfast, brace yourself for an invigorating journey from Shira 2 Camp, perched at 3,850 m, to the imposing Lava Tower, towering at 4,600 m. This leg of the trip tests the spirit of the most seasoned climbers, often proving to be the toughest as compared to the previous days. You will get a well-earned rest and lunch break at the base of the Lava Tower to refresh and recharge. Post-lunch, the thrill grows as you ascend a bit more and then descend to the welcoming Moir Hut Camp. Expect your adrenaline to keep pumping till the very end!

Today presents an adventurous and lengthy trek, yet easy to navigate. You'll begin with a brisk, steep ascent from the Moir Valley, where you spent the night, then spend the rest of your day mastering the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Although the day involves an alternating rhythm of ascents and descents, you won't be grappling with any abrupt altitude shifts. As your path skirts the Kenya border, prepare to be amazed by the vistas of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys at the distance. Expect an eyeful of nature at her grandest!

Today, your adventurous journey along Kilimanjaro's northern slope culminates at the 3rd Cave Camp for an overnight stop. Here, your climbing path intersects with the Rongai route trail. This thrilling day's trek is shorter than the previous one, offering you a welcome breather. By this stage, your body should have seamlessly adapted to the altitude of 3,800 m / 12,464 f, ensuring you experience total comfort while resting. Your sense of achievement will only add to this feeling!

Today, you're set for a hike to the Kibo Summit Camp (4,720 m / 15,486 f). While the trek is not excessively challenging, it's important to regulate your pace to keep energy for the grand night - the ascent to the peak of Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at the camp, focus on rest and hydration. Get plenty of sleep, and avoid any strenuous activities. You'll need all the energy you can muster because tonight, you'll be scaling the heights of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 f). This is the moment you've been waiting for!

The group departs from Kibo Hut and begins the ultimate ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro - the Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 m /19,340 ft. While technically the climb isn't overly complex, the sheer altitude can make even simple physical effort feel challenging. To ensure your wellbeing during this critical phase, climbers will pair up, each duo under the eye of a personal guide. This allows us to closely monitor your physical and mental condition. At Uhuru Peak, if you wish, you can hike to the closest glacier for a captivating sight. You'll then descend to Barafu Camp on the southern slope where after a 2-hour rest, the descent towards Millennium Camp continues. Bear in mind that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, which includes the majority of broken or twisted arms and legs. Extreme caution is needed, especially with regards to your feet, as the risk of toenail damage is high. Stay alert and safe as you navigate this final stage of your epic Kilimanjaro adventure.

Nestled amidst lush tropical rainforest, Millennium Camp offers a much-needed respite from the high-altitudes and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment from conquering the summit. Today, you journey towards the national park's exit: the Mweka Gate. Upon reaching the gate, a grand celebration awaits! After lunch, the whole team will assemble to congratulate you on your achievement. Finally, we will arrange a transfer back to the comfort of your hotel, concluding your epic Kilimanjaro adventure on a high note.

Take some time to unwind in the comfort of your hotel before the drive to the airport for your journey home. You'll need to check out of the hotel by 11:00 AM. If your flight isn't until later in the evening and you'd like to extend your stay, there's an option to book the room for a little while longer at an additional cost.