Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

Drive to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) on Kilimanjaro's western flank. Trek 3-4 hours through pristine tropical rainforest to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp (2,650m). Listen for colobus monkeys and spot blue turaco in the canopy.

Emerge from rainforest into the heather zone on a 5-6 hour trek to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) on the western Shira Plateau. Views of Kibo open up as you gain altitude.

Cross the expansive Shira Plateau on a relatively flat 4-5 hour trek to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m). The open moorland offers 360-degree views and is rich with unique alpine flora.

Ascend to the imposing Lava Tower (4,600m) for an acclimatization lunch, then descend to Moir Hut (4,200m) -- a secluded camp beneath dramatic rock pinnacles. The 'climb high, sleep low' strategy is vital today.

Begin the unique northern traverse. Cross alpine ridges with sweeping views over the Shira Plateau to the south and the vast Kenyan plains to the north. Arrive at the rarely visited Buffalo Camp (4,020m). You may be the only group here.

Continue east along the quiet northern slopes through alpine desert. The trail offers stunning views of Mawenzi's sheer eastern face. Arrive at Third Cave Camp (3,870m) at the junction where the Rongai route merges.

Cross the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi, ascending gradually through barren landscape to School Hut (4,800m). This camp is slightly higher than Kibo Hut, providing a small altitude advantage for summit night. Rest and prepare for the final push.

Depart at midnight for the summit push. Climb through volcanic scree to the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,685m), then traverse to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. Descend to Barafu, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m).

Final 3-4 hour rainforest descent to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Collect your summit certificate, bid farewell to the crew, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.