Lemosho Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro Climb

Arrive in Tanzania today at Kilimanjaro International Airport. After clearing customs and baggage claim, meet your transfer and drive to Arusha for your first night in Tanzania. 

Settle in and rest after the flight. Later, meet the expert guide and Climbs Manager for a full pre-climb briefing, including safety procedures, Machame Route overview, and itinerary details. Complete a full gear check to ensure all climbing equipment is ready. Overnight stay at a comfortable Arusha hotel prepares for the Kilimanjaro trek starting the next day.

After breakfast, depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park. At the park gate, the crew finalizes packing and completes entry formalities before heading to the start of the Lemosho Trail. Trek through lush afromontane forest, crossing steep sections and shaded paths. Stop for a picnic lunch on trail before reaching Forest Camp, the first campsite on the trek. 

Start: 6890ft (2100m)
End: 8695ft (2650m)
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Duration: 4-6 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

Depart Forest Camp and ascend through dense Podocarpus and Juniper forests, gradually breaking out onto the open heath zone and the scenic Shira Plateau. Enjoy panoramic views while trekking across this high-altitude plateau. Stop for a hot lunch at Shira 1 Camp. Spend the afternoon acclimatising and resting to prepare for higher elevations. 

Start: 8695ft (2650m)
End: 11844ft (3610m)
Distance: 4 miles (7km)
Duration: 5-7 hours
Climate Zone: Heath

Depart Shira 1 Camp and trek across the scenic Shira Plateau, enjoying expansive views of the Kibo Massif. The hike takes around 4–5 hours, with a stop for lunch at Moir Camp. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatising to the higher altitude. Optional late-afternoon walks to nearby viewpoints help maintain circulation and improve adjustment to alpine conditions. Overnight at Moir Camp with full crew support, meals, and guided assistance.

Start: 11844ft (3610m)
End: 13780ft (4200m)
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Duration: 4-5 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Depart Moir Camp and head north, following a clockwise route around the Kibo Massif. The trail passes through the alpine desert, skirting the edge of the heath zone with minimal crowds along this remote path. Arrive at Pofu Camp in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon on a short acclimatisation hike to adjust to higher altitude and improve summit readiness.

Start: 13780ft (4200m)
End: 13232ft (4033m)
Distance: 8 miles (12km)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Depart Pofu Camp and hike along the northern ridge of the Kibo Massif, following a remote trail that skirts the edge of the heath zone. Arrive at Third Cave Camp, a quiet campsite with few other trekkers, ideal for rest and altitude adjustment. Spend the late afternoon on a short acclimatisation walk to prepare for higher elevations. 

Start: 13232ft (4033m)
End: 12468ft (3800m)
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Duration: 6-8 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Day 7 focuses on a high-altitude trek on Mount Kilimanjaro along the Northern Circuit approach. The guided climb continues from Third Cave across alpine desert terrain on the northeast side of Kibo. The route is steady and remote, with views of the upper mountain and summit slopes. The trekking team moves with safety checks and paced ascent for altitude adjustment.

Arrival is at School Hut, a basic high camp used for summit preparation. Activities include rest, hot meals, final gear review, and summit briefing with mountain guides. Accommodation is in mountain camp huts near base camp, with early dinner and short sleep before the night summit climb.

Start: 12468ft (3800m)
End: 15749ft (4800m)
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Duration: 4-6 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert

Today is a summit day on Mount Kilimanjaro with a midnight start from high camp. Travelers begin the guided night ascent from School Hut across firm scree and alpine desert terrain. The route climbs steadily to Gilman’s Point, then continues along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Summit photos and short rest follow, weather permitting.

Descent continues to Kibo Hut for a meal break and recovery, then proceeds through heath zone trails to Horombo Hut. Accommodation is in mountain huts with dinner and overnight stay after a long summit climb day.

Start: 15749ft (4800m)
End: 12205ft (3720m)
Distance: 14 miles (23km)
Duration: 16 hours
Climate Zone: Alpine Desert, Arctic, Heath

After breakfast, travelers descend through the heath zone and afromontane forest toward Marangu Gate. At the gate, drivers transfer travelers back to an Arusha hotel for a well-deserved shower and celebratory dinner. In the evening, a Summits Africa representative meets travelers to review the climb, answer final questions, and ensure all logistics are complete for onward travel. The day concludes with rest at the hotel, preparing travelers for departure the next morning.

Start: 12205ft (3720m)
End: 6165ft (1879m)
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Duration: 5-7 hours
Climate Zone: Afromontane Forest

After breakfast, transfer from the Arusha lodge to Kilimanjaro International Airport for onward travel or flights home.