9 DAYS | 8 NIGHTS Northern Route Landscape Photography Trek
Tour Overview
The Northern Circuit is the longest and most scenic route on Kilimanjaro. It slowly circles the mountain, showing a new view at every turn. You will walk through dense green forests, golden moorlands, rugged alpine desert, and finally reach the snow-covered summit. Each day brings different light, moving clouds, and changing landscapes, giving plenty of chances to notice small details and enjoy the mountain’s beauty.
This route allows your body to adjust slowly to the altitude, making acclimatization easier. Every step brings something new: misty valleys, glaciers sparkling in the sun, jagged ridges, colorful skies, and quiet moments in the wild. You will see wildlife, unusual plants, and dramatic scenery. The journey is challenging but unforgettable, giving endless opportunities for amazing photos and memories.
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Duration: 9 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is for rest after your flight, checking your climbing gear, and preparing for the adventure ahead. If time allows, you can explore the hotel surroundings, watch the sunset over gentle hills, and enjoy the local scenery.
The soft evening light makes everything glow, creating your first photographic moments of the mountain region. This calm day gives you a chance to relax and prepare both body and mind for the climb.
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 climb begins in a dense, green rainforest. Towering trees form a thick canopy, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting soft beams on moss, ferns, and small flowers. Birds sing, monkeys jump between branches, and small streams reflect the sky.
Gentle morning mist drifts across the trail, adding a magical feeling. Each step reveals something new: twisted roots, sparkling leaves, or wildflowers in bright colors. Big Tree Camp is in a peaceful clearing, surrounded by trees. Evening light turns the forest golden, making it feel quiet and magical.
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 trail continues through thick rainforest, with moss-covered trees, hanging vines, and bright green leaves. Sunlight moves across the canopy, creating shifting patterns of light and shadow. Streams and small waterfalls sparkle along the path. Occasionally, the forest opens to reveal distant misty hills and valleys.
Small wildflowers peek from the ground, and birds perch quietly in the trees. Third Cave Camp is tucked in a quiet nook of the forest, providing a calm, restful evening. The evening sun creates golden highlights on the tree trunks and moss, turning the forest into a magical, peaceful 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
The forest slowly opens into high moorlands. Rolling hills stretch far into the distance, and glaciers glint on Kibo Peak. Giant lobelias and tall heathers grow along the trail, giving unusual shapes to the landscape. Streams reflect the sky, while drifting clouds cast moving shadows across the slopes.
Simba Camp sits on a gentle slope with wide views of the northern slopes, offering calm, peaceful surroundings. Evening light turns the hills golden, creating perfect photographic moments and a quiet space to rest.
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
Crossing the high plateau, Kibo and Mawenzi peaks rise above the horizon. Clouds drift slowly, constantly changing the light, shadows, and colors of the land. The trail is rocky, with small alpine plants standing out against the wide open space. Shira 1 Camp sits on a gentle slope, giving broad views of the plateau and distant peaks.
The evening sky glows in soft pinks and oranges, illuminating the landscape and creating endless photo opportunities. The quiet and open air make it a perfect day to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,850 m → 4,000 m
A shorter day allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude. The trail moves through rocky outcrops and sparse alpine desert. Clouds drift slowly over the plateau, casting soft, moving shadows. Small plants, giant lobelias, and heathers grow among the stones, adding color to the otherwise barren land.
Shira 2 Camp is quiet and protected, offering wide views of Kibo and Mawenzi. This day gives plenty of time to observe the subtle changes in light, enjoy the stillness, and capture photos of the mountain in calm conditions.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Barranco Camp
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Elevation Change: 4,000 m → 4,600 m → 3,960 m
The climb begins toward Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic rock formation. The rocks rise sharply, casting long shadows and creating strong textures for photographs. After lunch at the tower, you descend into Barranco Valley. Cliffs rise from the green valley floor, with streams and forest patches along the trail.
Changing sunlight adds depth and highlights to every scene. The valley feels alive with dramatic landscapes, and the evening light bathes the cliffs in warm, golden tones, giving a perfect end-of-day visual experience.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barranco Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7:
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Change: 3,960 m → 4,100 m
Climbing out of Barranco Valley, you pass unusual rock formations and small alpine plants. From the ridges, lava flows, distant peaks, and the valley below unfold before you. Light and shadows shift constantly, changing the colors and depth of the view.
Karanga Camp sits in a high valley, offering quiet surroundings and spectacular views. Evening light creates warm tones across the landscape, making it a perfect moment for reflection and photography.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Karanga Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8:
Karanga Camp – Summit Day – Descend to Mweka Gate
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Change: 3,960 m → 4,100 m
This is the big day. You leave Karanga Camp early and climb to Barafu Camp, then continue to Uhuru Peak. Headlamps light the trail before dawn, creating glowing paths across the dark slopes. At sunrise, Uhuru Peak glows pink and gold. Snow, glaciers, and distant plains create a stunning panoramic view.
After celebrating the summit, you descend through alpine desert, moorlands, and lush rainforest all the way to Mweka Gate. The journey down shows constantly changing light, textures, and landscapes, giving a final chance to enjoy the mountain and capture the last images of your adventure.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9:
Mweka Gate to Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Change: 1,640 m → 1,400 m
The final day is a gentle walk from Mweka Gate through the rainforest. Birds sing, moss-covered trees and ferns surround the trail, and soft sunlight filters through the canopy. Streams and small waterfalls add sparkle to the landscape.
This is the last chance to enjoy the mountain environment, take photographs, and reflect on your journey. From the gate, you are transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi to rest, enjoy a shower, and savor the memories of the climb.
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 day is for rest, reflection, and enjoying the final views of Kilimanjaro. Take one last moment to remember the summit, the changing landscapes, and the incredible memories created during the trek. The transfer is smooth and comfortable, giving a relaxed start to your journey home.
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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