The longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro is also its newest, but the Northern Circuit is gaining popularity due to its high success rate and its gorgeous views.
Boasting the highest success rate on the mountain, the Northern Circuit offers plenty of time to acclimatise and maximize your chances of making it to the top.
Youu2019ll be picked up from your Moshi accommodations and make the drive towards the Londorossi Gate.
Stopping along the way in a local village for lunch and to buy last minute supplies, youu2019ll then liaise with your guides and begin your ascent through the verdant rainforest that clothes the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro.
Youu2019ll have a short three-hour hike through the forest today, but keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as Colobus monkeys as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp to set down for the evening.
Your backdrop changes from dense rainforest to gently swaying fields of savannah grass and colourful heather today.
Your gradual ascent takes you over bubbling streams and through some gorgeous country before you reach Shira 1 Camp, where youu2019ll overnight with your first glimpses of the Kibo Glacier.
Your first day for acclimatisation, youu2019ll spend today exploring the Shira Plateau and becoming better accustomed to the altitude.
An easy day of hiking, youu2019ll make your way to Shira 2 Camp through sun-dappled meadows and the otherworldly Senecio forest.
Your first goal today will be the intimidating form of the Lava Tower (4,640m) and youu2019ll set off for this distinctive landmark immediately after breakfast.
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After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, youu2019ll divert from the regular routes and make your way to the secluded Moir Hut to overnight.
For those wanting some extra exercise and acclimatisation, there are a number of short hikes that can be taken in the nearby Lent Hills.
Youu2019ll trek up through moderately steep trails today as you make your way to the peak of the Lent Hills, where youu2019ll rejoin the main Kilimanjaro trail.
From here, the hiking gets a little easier, as youu2019ll cross over undulating fields of rock-strewn earth on your way to Buffalo Camp.
Youu2019ll camp with breathtaking views of the plains stretching out to the Tanzania-Kenya border.
Youu2019ll begin your day by heading up Buffalo Ridge. This is truly wild country, as youu2019ll feel like the only people on the mountain as you trek through this sparse terrain.
Trekking through remote valleys and windswept terrain, youu2019ll overnight on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Today sees you climbing up and over the u2018saddleu2019 between the Kibo and Mawenzi glaciers.
A shorter dayu2019s hiking through the alpine desert region, youu2019ll set up camp and eat dinner early, as youu2019re aiming to summit tomorrow.
Youu2019re starting your day early today u2013 just after midnight, in fact!
Your climbing team will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.
Youu2019ll be hiking in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so take it slow and youu2019ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, thereu2019s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak.
Standing at 5,985m, youu2019ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. Youu2019ve done it!
After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, youu2019ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where youu2019ll stop for lunch and some celebration.
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After a bit of rest, youu2019ll continue down to Mweka Camp to overnight.
Itu2019s a day of celebration today, as youu2019ll enjoy one last breakfast on the mountain before descending to the Mweka Gate.
Here, youu2019ll get to celebrate with your porters and guides, provide them with their tips for their hard work, and collect your certificate of completion.
Your driver will then whisk you away to your Moshi or Arusha hotel to get some well-earned rest.
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