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Based in Tanzania, at the foot of Kilimanjaro +255 715 478 118 info@mjsafaris.com
MJ Safaris & Adventures

Travel guide and blog

Luxury Kilimanjaro Climb

17 June 2025

Conquer Kilimanjaro in comfort, style, and safety with our exclusive luxury trekking packages.

At Mj Safaris & Adventure, we believe climbing Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Our Luxury Kilimanjaro Climb is designed for discerning adventurers who want to experience the magic of Africa’s highest peak while enjoying the finest standards in mountain hospitality.

From the moment you land to your final celebration at the summit, every detail is thoughtfully curated to elevate your journey.

 

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The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery, including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit allows for the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate; therefore, this route is highly recommended.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to the Lemosho starting point Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east.

Duration: 9 or 10 days Difficulty: Medium Scenery: Excellent Traffic: Low

9 Days

Trekking /Hiking

From $4,800 PP

★★★★ 4.5 /5

Details Itinerary for Luxury Climbing Kilimanjaro via 9 Days Northern Circuit

 

Day 1: Pick up on Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

You will be met and transferred to overnight accommodation at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Dinner Included.

Day 2: Recovery Day And Meet Your Head Guide

Your Guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check, and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need. Later Afternoon, you will do a town tour in Moshi with your Guide. Overnight at The Maridadi hotel, meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Lemosho Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp:

Departing from Moshi, a 3-hour drive will take you through welcoming mountain villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. 4.8km /3 mi | 3-4 hrs | Rainforest Elevation: 2389m/7838ft to 2785m/9137ft Altitude gained: 396m

Day 4: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira I Camp:

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path. We leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop. 7.9km/5 mi | 4- 6hrs | Moorland Elevation: 2785m/9137ft to 3504m/11,496ft Altitude gained: 719m

Day 5: Shira I Camp – Shira Ii Camp:

Our trek crosses the Shira, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Nine-day climbers will stay the night at Shira II Camp, joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp, it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed, so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: 8 Day Climbs continue East to Shira Plateau Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and descend to Moir Camp (4,200 meters) 6.9km/4 mi | 3- 4 hrs | Low Alpine Elevation: 3504m/11,496ft to 3895m/12,779ft Altitude gained: 391m

Day 6: Shira II Camp - Lava Tower – Moir:

Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau, we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp. 17.7km/11.1 mi | 5- 7hrs | High Alpine Elevation: 3895m/12,779ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 91m

Day 7: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp:

We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest. 9.2km/5.7 mi | 5- 7 hrs | High Alpine Zone Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4033m/13,232ft Altitude loss: 122m

Day 8: Buffalo Camp – Rongai 3rd Cave:

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp, where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before, and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon. 6.8km /4.3mi | 5-7hrs | Alpine Desert Elevation: 4033m/13,232ft to 3936m/12,193ft Altitude lost: 97m

Day 9: Rongai 3rd Cave – School Hut:

A steady ascent and over the Saddle, which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut, where you will be served an early dinner, and the rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera, before going to bed. 4.8km /3mi | 5-7hrs | Glacial Zone Elevation: 3936m/12,913ft to 4717m/15,476ft Altitude gained: 781m

Day 10: School Hut – Summit:

An Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascending through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on, your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp. 5.9km /3.7 mi | 6- 8hrs | – MWEKA CAMP: 13km /8 mi down | 5- 6hrs | Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft Altitude gained: 1178m Descent to 3106m/10,190ft Altitude lost:2789m

Day 11: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi:

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate, and you will be transported back to the hotel for Lunch, drinks with your team, and a Gratitude celebration. After lunch and Gratitude celebration, we will take you to the hotel and overnight at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, meals: Breakfast &Dinner.

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Excluded in the Package

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