8 DAYS | 7 NIGHTS Northern Route Landscape Photography Trek
Tour Overview
The Northern Circuit is the longest and least crowded route on Kilimanjaro. It slowly circles the mountain, giving walkers amazing views from many angles. You will pass through thick green forests, wide open moorlands, rocky alpine desert, and finally reach the snowy summit. Every day brings new sights: valleys hidden in clouds, glaciers shining in the sun, jagged ridges, and dramatic skies.
The slow climb allows plenty of time to notice small details the way sunlight filters through leaves, the patterns of shadows on rocks, or clouds rolling over distant peaks. Every step is a chance to see something new and beautiful. This route is perfect for anyone who wants to see Kilimanjaro in all its glory and enjoy every moment.
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Duration: 8 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be taken to a hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for resting from your flight, checking your climbing gear, and preparing for the adventure ahead. If time allows, you can walk around the hotel area and notice the soft hills and farms around.
The sun slowly sets over the horizon, coloring the sky with warm pink and orange tones. You can take your first photographs of the peaceful surroundings, watch locals go about their evening, and feel the calm before the climb begins. The gentle light and quiet atmosphere create a perfect start to your journey.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Dinner
Day 1:
Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Change: 2,200 m → 2,600 m
The adventure begins as you walk through dense rainforest. Towering trees form a green canopy overhead, with sunlight falling in soft beams that light up moss, ferns, and small flowers on the ground. The sound of birds singing and monkeys moving through branches surrounds you.
Tiny streams run beside the trail, reflecting the sky above. Every step reveals something new the curve of a tree root, a glimmer of light on a leaf, or the soft mist drifting through the forest. Big Tree Camp is in a quiet clearing surrounded by trees. In the evening, the sun casts long shadows across the forest floor, and the gentle light makes the campsite feel magical and peaceful.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Big Tree Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch & Dinner
Day 2:
Big Tree Camp to Third Cave Camp
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation Change: 2,600 m → 3,200 m
The forest continues, thick with green leaves, moss, and vines. Sunlight shifts as it moves across the canopy, creating changing patterns of light and shadow. The trail passes small waterfalls and rocky streams, each with reflections that make the forest feel alive. Occasionally, the trees open up, showing distant hills and valleys covered with mist.
You can notice small wildflowers peeking out from the forest floor or birds landing on mossy branches. Third Cave Camp is hidden in a quiet forest spot, giving a feeling of calm and protection. Evening brings soft, golden light that highlights the textures of tree bark and moss, creating a magical scene.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Third Cave Camp to Simba Camp
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Change: 3,200 m → 3,700 m
Today the forest gradually opens into high moorlands. Rolling hills stretch in all directions, with distant glaciers shining under the sun. Giant lobelias and tall heathers grow along the trail, creating unusual shapes that stand out against the open landscape. Small streams reflect the blue sky, and clouds slowly drift across the plateau, casting moving shadows.
You may spot traces of wildlife or interesting rock formations. Simba Camp sits on a gentle slope with wide views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The warm evening light turns the hills golden, making the landscape feel calm and endless, perfect for enjoying the mountain’s beauty.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Simba Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Simba Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Change: 3,700 m → 3,850 m
Walking across the high plains, the mountain opens up completely. Kibo and Mawenzi peaks rise sharply above the plateau. The clouds drift slowly, making the shadows move across the land. The ground is covered with small rocks and alpine plants, each detail standing out in the clear sunlight.
The wind is gentle, carrying scents of grass and wet earth. Shira 1 Camp is perched on a gentle slope, giving wide panoramic views. As the sun sets, the sky is painted with pink and orange hues, making the plateau glow. The calm and open space feels endless, and the views invite quiet reflection before the next day.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation Change: 3,850 m → 4,350 m
The trail climbs into rocky alpine desert. Vegetation is sparse, and the ground is covered with stones and volcanic rocks. The glaciers of Kibo Peak shine far above, and the air is dry and clear. Clouds move slowly across the vast sky, creating shadows that shift over the landscape. Small patches of alpine plants stand out against the stone and sand.
Moir Hut is a small, quiet camp, perfect for resting before heading higher. Evening brings a clear sky full of stars, and the silence feels magical. Watching the sunset here, with the peaks glowing pink and gold, is unforgettable.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Moir Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Moir Hut to School Hut
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Change: 4,350 m → 4,750 m
The trail winds through rocky slopes with sparse vegetation. You can see Mawenzi and Kibo glaciers close above, shining under the sunlight. The air is thin and crisp, and the mountain feels quiet and vast. Small volcanic rocks and alpine plants create interesting shapes for the eye.
School Hut is a small, protected camp, giving time to rest and breathe before the summit. Evening light turns the rocks soft pink and gold, and the sky glows as the sun sets. The calm and stillness here makes the mountain feel magical.
Where to Stay
Overnight: School Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7:
School Hut to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Mweka Camp
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Change: 4,750 m → 5,895 m → 3,080 m
Summit day begins before dawn. Headlamps light the dark trail, forming glowing lines across the slopes. As the sun rises, snow and glaciers shine with pink and gold colors. Reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point, is unforgettable. You can look out over the crater, distant plains, and endless sky.
After celebrating the summit, you begin descending through alpine desert, moorlands, and finally into green forest valleys. Each change of scenery gives new views and colors. Mweka Camp sits in the forest, giving a calm place to rest after the long day.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mweka Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8:
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,080 m → 1,640 m
The final day of walking takes you through lush rainforest. Moss-covered trees, ferns, and soft sunlight fill the trail. Birds fly above, small waterfalls sparkle along the path, and the air smells fresh and green.
The forest feels alive, peaceful, and calming. At Mweka Gate, you are picked up and transferred to a hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This is a perfect time to relax, soak in the forest views one last time, and feel proud of your journey up Africa’s highest mountain.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
After your hotel stay, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
This is a day to rest, reflect on your climb, and enjoy the final views of Kilimanjaro. The hotel transfer is smooth and comfortable, giving a calm and easy start to your journey back.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$ 567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
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