9-Day -Northern Circuit Route

After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you’ll receive a briefing from your guide before driving approximately 5 hours to the Londorossi Gate on the western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here, our guides and porters will prepare and pack the equipment and supplies. After registering with the Kilimanjaro Park office and having a packed lunch, the team and the crew will drive another 45 minutes to Lemosho Glades, where the trek begins. The trekker will ascend approximately 3-4 hours through dense rainforest, covering a distance of 2,360m/7,742ft to 2,895m/9,498ft, gaining 534m in altitude. The trekker will be enjoying the beautiful rainforest scenery and the local flora and fauna as they trek. This area is characterized by dense forests with a variety of plant species, including moss-covered trees, ferns, and vibrant undergrowth. The habitat supports diverse wildlife such as colobus monkeys, birds like the African Green Pigeon, and various insects. The dense canopy and moist environment create a rich and vibrant ecosystem along the trek. The team will reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, also known as ‘Big Tree’ Camp, in the late afternoon, where the camp and tent will be ready.

Distance: 7km |3-4hrs | Montane Forest
Elevation: 2,361m / 7,746ft to 2,895m / 9,498ft
Altitude gained: 534m

Leaving the rainforest behind, the hiker led by the most competent guide ascend through podocarpus and juniper forest into the heath and moorland zone. Over the course of 8 km, covering 5-6 hours, climbing from 2,895m to 3,505m, gaining 610 m in altitude. The trail transitions to heather and volcanic rock, reaching the Shira Plateau, formerly Kilimanjaro’s third peak. The panoramic views of Kibo are stunning. Lunch is taken on the trail, and the camp of the day will be at Shira 1 Camp by mid-afternoon. The hiker should now expect cooler temperatures as the crew cross streams and rolling hills, experiencing the dramatic shift in habitat.

Distance: 8km |5-6hrs | Moorland
Elevation: 2,895m / 9,498ft to 3,505m / 11,500ft
Altitude gained: 610m.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a gentle 8 km hike across the Shira Plateau, taking 3-4 hours to reach Shira II Camp. This trek gains an altitude of 345 meters, from 3,505 m to 3895 m. The path winds through moorland meadows, showcasing wildflowers and unique Senecio trees. This acclimatization day offers excellent views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s largest volcanic cone. The plateau is one of the highest on Earth, providing a chance to explore and enjoy the stunning vistas of the Western Breach. Be prepared for cold temperatures below zero at night.

Distance: 10km |3-4hrs | Moorland
Elevation: ,3505m / 11,500ft to 3895m/12,779ft
Altitude gained: 390m

The trek from Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp involves a gradual descent from 4,155 meters to 4,033 meters, resulting in an altitude loss of 122 meters. Starting with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley, the route includes a series of inclines and declines, skirting the northern slopes of Kibo. Optionally, the trekker can detour to climb Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters that the guide will have informed him/her about before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The trekker will enjoy spectacular views of the plains extending to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Arriving at Buffalo Camp just after midday, the trekker will have lunch and time to rest.

Distance: 12km |3-4hrs | High Alpine
Elevation: 4155m/13,632ft to 4,033m/13,232ft
Altitude lost: 122m.

On day six, the trek from Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave covers a distance of approximately 10 km (6 miles) and takes about 5-6 hours. Starting with a climb up Buffalo Ridge, the route then descends to Pofu Camp for lunch. From there, you continue east along the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave, which is situated at an elevation of 3,936 meters (12,193 feet). The day involves a slight altitude loss of 97 meters from Buffalo Camp’s elevation of 4,033 meters (13,232 feet). The trek is shorter than previous days, aiding acclimatization and leading to arrival at the Third Cave by mid-afternoon.

Distance: 10km |5-6hrs | High Alpine
Elevation: 4,033m/13,232ft to 3,936m/12,193ft
Altitude lost: 97

Today involves a steady ascent of 781 meters, starting at an elevation of 3,936 meters (12,913 feet) and climbing to 4,717 meters (15,476 feet). The route crosses the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks and continues southwest to School Hut. The trek covers a distance of approximately 6 kilometers and takes about 4-5 hours. After arriving at School Hut, an early dinner will be served to allow rest in preparation for the midnight summit attempt. The trekker in assistance of a guide has to be sure to prepare all the gears, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera, before going to bed.

Distance: 6km |3-4hrs | Desert Alpine
Elevation: 3,936m/12,913ft to 4,717m/15,476ft
Altitude gained: 781m.

Around 11:30 PM, the trekker will be awoken with hot tea and biscuits to begin the steep incline up Kibo’s slopes under the cover of darkness. The first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave for a short break. The climb steepens as the trekker approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), reached after 5-6 hours from School Hut. Enjoy the dawn and views of Mawenzi Peak, but prepare for the final 2-hour trek to Uhuru Peak. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim, arriving at the summit at or just after sunrise. Capture photos of the incredible views and glaciers before retracing your steps to Stella Point (5,739 meters) whereby it is possible to encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Also, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Finally, the team will arrive at Uhuru Peak. Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! The views from Uhuru Peak are breathtaking. Have your picture taken at the summit to share with friends and family. The weather will dictate how long you can stay at the summit, generally around 5-15 minutes.

Distance: 6km |6-8hrs | Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Elevation: 4717m/15,476ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gained: 1178m.

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After reaching the summit, trekkers will descend for about 3 hours to Barafu Camp, where they will enjoy a hearty breakfast and rest for a few hours. Following this break, they will have a hot lunch before continuing their descent. The trek takes them from the stark beauty of the alpine desert through the heath and moorland zones, and finally into the lush edge of the rainforest at Mweka Camp, which sits at around 3,080m. Covering a total distance of 11.5km and losing 2795m in altitude, trekkers will experience diverse habitats, from the barren, rocky summit to the vibrant greenery of the rainforest. Along the way, they will be able to take in stunning views, observe unique flora and fauna, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment and relief that comes with completing this challenging journey.

Distance: 11.5km |6-7hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 5895m/19,340ft to 3,080m / 10,105ft
Altitude Lost: 2,815m

After breakfast, the team and trekker will embark on a 3-4 hour scenic hike through the rainforest, descending 1400 meters over 9.1 kilometers to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Along the way, it is possible to encounter wet and muddy conditions, so gaiters and trekking poles can be helpful, while rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy. Upon arrival at the gate, the trekker will register for clearance and receive your summit certificates: green for Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. Following a hot lunch at the gate and a general goodbye to the crew, a vehicle will transport the trekkers back to Moshi for a a cup of hot coffee. Later, continue to Arusha, where they can relax and spend the rest of the evening.

Distance: 10km |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3,080m / 10,105ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
Altitude lost: 1,460m.