Discover the Northern Circuit Route, an uncrowded path to Kilimanjaro’s summit. With Benson Safaris, embrace a unique and serene trek. Benefit from extended acclimatization. Conquer new heights. Trek with Benson Safaris today! 

• Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport to hotel
• Pre trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
• Return transport from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro
• Guide, Assistant Guide, Chef and Porters
• Non participation, full service camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
• Meals as specified and drinking water
• All national park entry and climbing fees
• Rescue fee
• Post trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
• Departure transfer from hotel to Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
• All current Government taxes and surcharges

- Drinks at hotels, lodges and tented camps unless otherwise stated 

- Tips (tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of any African safari. We are often asked for tipping guidelines and we recommend $10-15 USD for your Guide per person per day. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry).

Today is an acclimatisation of Northern Circuit Route 9 days and you will continue along a steep ridge passing the Great Barranco Wall passing below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley where you will have views of the summit from many different angles with us

• Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha

Your Northern Circuit Route 9 days will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible.

• Starting Point: Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft)
• End Point: Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft)
• Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft
• Overnight – Shira 1 Camp
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Northern Circuit Route 9 days Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including acclimatisation to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.

• Starting Point: Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft)
• End Point: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
• Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft
• Overnight _ Shira 2 Camp
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your climb today through Northern Circuit Route 9 days will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours. From Lava Tower head north west beginning your circuit of Kibo, the almighty summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Huts is an isolated and seldom used camp, affording views over the Shira Plateau. Total trekking time approximately 6-7 hours. An alternative would be to take a gentle ascent across the alpine desert to Moir Huts in the morning and spend the afternoon on a guided trek of the nearby Lent Group, a series of wind eroded parasite cones from which you can gaze down to the plains of Kenya.

• Starting Point: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
• Via Lava Tower (4,600m/15,090ft)
• End Point: Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft)
• Elevation Loss: 400m/1,310ft
• Overnight – Moir Huts
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will delve more deeply into the stark alpine desert. If you chose not to explore the Lent Group yesterday, take a short detour to the top of Little Lent Hill (4,375m/14,350ft) in the morning before regaining the trail to Buffalo Camp. The total trekking time today is approximately 5 – 7 hours covering a distance of 12km.

• Starting Point: Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft)
• End Point: Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft)
• Elevation Gain: 180m/590ft
• Overnight – Buffalo/Pofu Camp
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Proceed onwards passing valleys and hiking ridges, through alpine desert and moorland, continuing your circuit towards the east. This rarely traveled route allows you to enjoy the vast mountain wilderness in peace. Trekking time today is 5 – 7 hours.

• Starting Point: Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft)
• End Point: Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft)
• Elevation Loss:150m/490ft
• Overnight - Third Cave Camp
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Climb steadily to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, continue upwards to reach School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for your summit ascent, which will begin in the early hours of the morning. Despite the short distance of 5km covered, trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours due to the high altitude and steep incline.

• Starting Point: Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft)
• End Point: School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft)
• Elevation Gain:880m/2,880ft
• Overnight – School Huts
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m). The hike from here to Uhuru Peak is gradual and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring. After summit celebrations descend from the rim at Stella Point, to Barafu Camp and then straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way. This part of the descent takes about 6 hours, covering new terrain. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Starting Point: School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft)
• Via: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft)
• End Point: Mweka Camp 3,068m
• Elevation Gain: 1,145m/3,760ft
• Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft
• Overnight - Mweka Camp
• Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, you will continue your descent to the Mweka Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

• Starting Point: Mweka Camp 3,068m
• End Point: Mweka Gate 1,640m
• Walking Time: 3-5 Hours approx.
• Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha
• Meals – Breakfast and Lunch

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

• Meals – Breakfast