11 Days Northern Circuit + Crater Camping

Arrival at JRO; hotel transfer; briefing with Serengeti Nexus. Please note: Check-in often from 2:00 PM.

Morning briefing, then drive ~3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate, register, and continue by vehicle toward the high drop-off (~3,414 m / 11,200 ft). Short trek to Shira 1 — gentle start with time to acclimatize.

Please note: Hydrate well from day one; report symptoms early.

Trekking time: ~1 hour  |  Distance: ~4 km (2.4 mi)

Easy day to Shira 2 with modest altitude gain; enjoy views and endemic plants. After lunch, optional acclimatization walk toward Lava Tower (~260 m extra gain) to sleep lower afterward.

Acclimatization hike: Shira 2 (~3,850 m) toward ~4,110 m — ~2 km, 1–2 hours.

Trekking time (main): 3–4 hours  |  Distance: ~7 km (4.3 mi)

From Shira 2, hike to Lava Tower (~4,600 m) for lunch — a demanding segment for many. After lunch and rest, continue to Moir Hut on the quiet northern side of the mountain.

Trekking time: 5–7 hours  |  Distance: ~14 km (8.7 mi)

Exit Moir Valley with a short steep pull, then traverse northern slopes with views toward Kenya on clear days. Rolling ups and downs without extreme jumps.

Trekking time: 5–7 hours  |  Distance: ~12 km (7.4 mi)

Shorter day as the trail approaches the line used by Rongai. By now you should feel comfortable near 3,800 m.

Trekking time: 4–6 hours  |  Distance: ~8 km (4.9 mi)

Trek to School Hut summit camp (~4,800 m / 15,744 ft). Sleep early; avoid heavy exertion; drink heavily. Summit night begins around midnight.

Trekking time: 4–5 hours  |  Distance: ~5 km (3.1 mi)

From School Hut, begin the night ascent toward Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). After sunrise at the summit, a special supported extension may continue into the Kibo crater floor for a rare overnight — exact camp, route, and rules depend on KINAPA, weather, and confirmed permits. Quote only after your ground team approves logistics.

Stricter oxygen, staffing, and pacing protocols apply in the crater zone.

Please note: The crater segment may be replaced by a standard descent via Barafu to Millennium if required for safety or park instructions.

Trekking time: 12–16+ hours (highly variable)  |  Distance: varies by approved route

Leave the crater on the approved path (often linking toward Barafu), then descend to Millennium Camp in the forest for a full night’s sleep.

Please note: Most slips occur on descent — focus on footing.

Trekking time: 8–12 hours (variable)  |  Distance: varies

Rainforest descent to Mweka Gate; certificates; celebratory handshakes with crew; hotel transfer.

Trekking time: 4–5 hours  |  Distance: ~12 km (7.4 mi)

Hotel rest and airport transfer. Please note: Check-out often 11:00 AM.