11-day trip wander up Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Northern Circuit Route.

Many people want to see everything that Tanzania has to offer. Tanzania has it all: amazing safaris where you can see Africa’s “Big Five,” climbing Kilimanjaro, or just relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Good news: Adventure In The Wild Safaris can make a schedule just for you that includes everything you want to see and do.

This list of our most popular trips might give you some ideas. Some of our clients really enjoy taking it easy on one of Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches after an exciting tour. Would you also like that?

We are here to help you, whether you choose one of our famous Tanzania itineraries or want to make your own. Here you are! Get ready to enjoy Tanzania at your own pace, the way you like it!

11-day trip wander up Kilimanjaro via the 8-day Northern Circuit Route – Itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you get to Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Adventure In The Wild Safaris guide will be there to meet you. After the trip, he drops you off at your hotel where you can rest.
Getting ready for your climb: Before you start your climb, you meet your guide. He tells you about the climb and gives you important tips on what to wear, what to bring, and how to make it as easy as possible.

Day 2: Northern Circuit (1/8) | Lemosho Trailhead (2,000 m/6,561 ft) – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft)

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Londorossi Gate on the west side. After lunch, you go to the Lemosho entrance and start the climb. This easy walk through a dense jungle takes three to four hours and gives you the chance to see many animals, such as buffalo and monkeys. You get to Big Tree Camp after going down a narrow road with some steep parts. This is where you spend the night.

Day 3: Northern Circuit (2/8) | Big Tree Camp (2,780 m/9,120 ft) – Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft)

You leave the forest this morning and go into an area with field heather and volcanic rock. You go up and down through the green hills below Kilimanjaro’s third volcanic peak, Shira Plateau. When you get to the edge of the plateau, the hard part of the 5- to 6-hour walk is over, and the trail gets easier. Then you get to Shira Camp, where you can spend the night with a great view of Kibo’s peak.

Day 4: Northern Circuit (3/8) | Shira 1 Camp (3,510 m/11,515 ft) – Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft)

The walk today from Heather to the alpine desert takes about 7 to 8 hours. On the way to the Lava Tower, you go by the Shira Plateau, which is one of the highest in the world. You can also stop at the Shira Cathedral if you want to. The path goes northwest from the Lava Tower to Kibo, which is Kilimanjaro’s highest point. After that, you’ll have to walk up a steep path to get to Moir Hut Camp, which is in the middle of nowhere and has amazing views of the Shira Plateau.

Day 5: Northern Circuit (4/8) | Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190) – Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft)

As you keep going on the Northern Circuit, the main road takes you over a steep ridge. The walk today will take you to Buffalo Camp through heathland and alpine desert. It will take about 8 to 9 hours. You can take a short journey to Little Lent Hill in the morning if you want to.

Day 6: Northern Circuit (5/8) | Buffalo Camp (3,995 m/13,107 ft) – Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft)

On the fifth day on the mountain, you continue through a variety of scenery, such as heathlands, valleys, and high alpine areas. The Northern Circuit path goes east and is less used, so you can enjoy the wilderness, beautiful mountains, and scenery without many other people. It takes about 5 to 7 hours to do this hike.

Day 7: Northern Circuit (6/8) | Third Cave Camp (3,930 m/12,893 ft) – School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft)

From Mawenzi Peak to Kibo Peak, the “Saddle” is a beautiful lunar scenery that you will reach today after a 4- to 5-hour climb. After that, you keep going to School Hut Camp and get there early in the afternoon. You can rest and get ready for the last climb the next day for the rest of the day.

Day 8: Northern Circuit (7/8) | School Huts Camp (4,710 m/15,452 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

Around midnight, the cold peak push starts. Get ready for the steep road that leads to Gilman’s Point, which is on the edge of the main crater. You climb for a few hours with short breaks, and when you get to Gilman’s Point, you can see a beautiful sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. After another two to three hours, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak, where you can enjoy your accomplishment with stunning views. Then you go down to Millenium Camp via Kibo Huts Camp. This is where you have your last meal and spend the night on the mountain.

Day 9: Northern Circuit (8/8) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) – Hotel

Finally, you enjoy the drop in elevation. Soon after breakfast, you walk to the park’s exit. After the descent, everyone gets together to thank each other. Before going back to the hotel for a well-earned rest, your driver takes you back and gives you a shower.

Day 10 – 11: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

It’s time to go home now that your vacation is over. Have fun in Tanzania for a few more hours before our driver picks you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your trip home. Do you still want more? You can also add a few days of hiking or a trip to the beach to your Kilimanjaro trip!