Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel in Moshi town. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a classic stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our guides, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest, which winds to the first campsite.

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation: 13,580 feet to 13,200 feet

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 12 km | 7 miles

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled, and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys onto the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue to our camp, School Hut. Once here, we rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

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Distance: 6 km | 6 miles

Habitat: Arctic

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Distance: 12 km | 7 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we make our descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 10 km | 6 miles

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle takes us back to the hotel in Moshi, where we receive our summit certificates.

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.