10 Days Northen Circuit Route with 1 night at Crater camp

OVERVIEW

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is the second most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is renowned for its diverse scenery, rich landscapes, and rewarding trekking experience. Starting on the southern slopes of the mountain, the route begins at Machame Gate and follows an exciting trail through tropical rainforest, ascending through all major climate zones before reaching the Arctic-like conditions near the summit.

Camps along the route are well positioned to allow for a gradual and effective acclimatization process. On Day 3, the Machame Route joins the Lemosho and Umbwe routes at Barranco Camp, adding to the shared summit journey.

Arrive in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, your professional guide will brief you on the trek and conduct a thorough equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared. Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.

Day 1 - Lemosho Gate (2100 m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m)

Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

The Northern Circuit begins at Londorossi Gate (2100 m), the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. After a 2-hour drive from Moshi and park registration, you will be transferred to the trailhead. Trek through dense rainforest where wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and giraffes are occasionally spotted. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m).

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650 m) to Shira I Camp (3600 m)

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest / Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland zone. The trail gradually ascends onto the Shira Plateau, making for a comfortable acclimatization day. Overnight at Shira I Camp (3600 m).

Day 3 - Shira I Camp (3600 m) to Shira II Camp (3900 m)

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 3 hours
Habitat: Moorland zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today you cross the vast Shira Plateau from Shira I to Shira II Camp. The terrain is mostly flat and relaxed, making this one of the easiest and most enjoyable days of the trek. Dinner and overnight at Shira II Camp (3900 m).

Day 4 - Shira II Camp (3900 m) to Moir Hut Camp (4200 m)

Distance covered: 4 km
Approximate time taken: 2 hours
Habitat: Low alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Continue across the Shira Plateau toward Moir Hut, officially joining the Northern Circuit Route. The ascent is gradual. Upon arrival, enjoy a hot lunch and some rest. In the evening, take a short acclimatization walk before dinner and overnight at Moir Hut Camp (4200 m).

Day 5 - Moir Hut Camp (4200 m) to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp (4000 m)

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 5–7 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Begin trekking out of the moorland into the stark alpine desert, climbing a ridge away from the main trail as you fully commit to the Northern Circuit. From Pofu Camp, enjoy breathtaking views across Kenya’s wilderness to the north. Dinner and overnight at Pofu Camp (4000 m).

Day 6 - Pofu Camp (4000 m) to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800 m)

Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4–5 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Continue eastward across valleys and ridges through alpine desert and moorland. This remote section offers a true wilderness experience with very few other trekkers. Dinner and overnight at Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800 m).

Day 7 - Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800 m) to School Hut (4800 m)

Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4–5 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Trek steadily across the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks before ascending to School Hut (4800 m). After arrival, enjoy an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit ascent later that night.

Day 8 - School Hut (4800 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) then to Crater Camp (5790 m)

Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 6 hours
Habitat: Glacial zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Wake around 5:00 am and begin your summit ascent. Reach Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon, when fewer climbers are present, allowing time to enjoy the achievement. Afterward, descend slightly to Crater Camp, located on soft volcanic sands near the famous Furtwängler Glacier.

Crater Camp is a rare and challenging extension, involving an overnight stay inside the crater bowl itself — a truly unforgettable experience reserved for the most adventurous climbers.

Day 9 - Crater Camp (5790 m) to Millennium Camp (3950 m)

Distance covered: 9 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Glacier / Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

After an early breakfast, begin your descent by returning to Stella Point, then continue down the scree slopes past Barafu Camp for a short rest. Continue descending to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest, dinner, and overnight.

Day 10 - Millennium Camp (3950 m) to Mweka Gate (1630 m)

Distance covered: 14 km
Approximate time taken: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included

Descend through lush montane rainforest to Mweka Gate. After signing out with park authorities, you will receive your official summit certificate — green for Gilman’s Point and gold for Uhuru Peak.

Depart Tanzania / Other Destination in Tanzania

Later in the evening or the following day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. Alternatively, we can arrange a cultural tour or safari to Tanzania’s top destinations, including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park & Zanzibar.

Trek Pricing

Number of Travelers	Price per Person
1 Person	3780 USD
2 - 4 people	3580 USD
5 - 9 people	3450 USD
10+ people	3320 USD

Tipping Guidelines

Tips for porters / cooks ($10 – $15 per porter per day).
Tips for the guides ($20 – $25 per person per day or a group amount)

Climbing Cost Includes

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
Group transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
Four season, 3 person mountain tents, double occupancy
Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
Breakfast at hotel