Explore the Kilimanjaro National Park

9-Day Northern Circuit Route

Tour Overview

he Northern Circuit Route is our longest and most scenic option, perfect for those looking for a grand adventure. It’s ideal for acclimatization with stunning views and minimal crowds. Starting from the Lemosho Route, you’ll get your first close-up of the Kibo summit cone from the Shira Plateau and then move on to the impressive Lava Tower. As you continue, you’ll circumnavigate Kibo, enjoying the solitude and breathtaking views. The route includes some challenging climbs and offers fantastic scenery. The high camp gives you a great vantage point before you tackle the final ascent to Gilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak. It’s a fantastic choice if you have the time and budget for it!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our guide will be there to greet you. He will transfer you to your hotel where you can unwind after your flight. If you arrive via a different airport or location, just let us know, and we can arrange convenient transfers. Before your climb begins, you’ll meet with your guide for a briefing. He’ll provide details on what to wear, what to pack in your backpack, and other important tips to ensure your climb is as comfortable as possible.

Day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2,400m/7,880ft) to Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft)

Elevation Gain: 400m/1,310ft

This morning, we’ll head to the Londorossi Gate to take care of the entry formalities. After that, we’ll drive for about an hour to the Lemosho trailhead. We’ll enjoy a tasty lunch before starting our trek through the beautiful, undisturbed forest. Keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys along the way! The trail has some ups and downs, but after 2-3 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our first camp.

Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,800m/9,190ft) to Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft)

Elevation Gain: 750m/2,460ft

Today’s trek starts in the forest, but soon we’ll leave it behind as we climb a steep path into a landscape of giant heather and volcanic rock. We’ll spend the day ascending the lush, rolling hills leading up to the Shira Plateau, the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. As we reach the edge of the plateau, the trail will become gentler. After 5-6 hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at our camp. The view of Kibo across the plateau is absolutely stunning!

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,550m/11,650ft) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)

Elevation Gain: 300m/1,000ft

Today, we’ll trek across the Shira Plateau, with an optional side trip to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth, and it’s a truly breathtaking place. After exploring, we’ll make a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. The trek itself will take around 3 hours, but if you choose to hike up to Shira Cathedral, it will add about an extra hour.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12,650ft) to Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft) via Lava Tower (4,600m/15,090ft)

Elevation Gain: 750m/2,400ft

Elevation Loss: 400m/1,310ft

Today’s climb will take you up and over the wide, open ridges of the high desert to the Lava Tower. This impressive 300-foot-high volcanic plug is a highlight of the trek, and getting there will take about 4-5 hours. After exploring Lava Tower, you’ll head northwest to start your circuit around Kibo, the mighty summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro.

You’ll arrive at Moir Huts, a quiet and less-visited camp with fantastic views over the Shira Plateau. The total trekking time for today is around 6-7 hours.

Alternatively, you can take a gentler ascent to Moir Huts in the morning and spend the afternoon on a guided trek to the nearby Lent Group. These wind-eroded cones offer stunning views down to the plains of Kenya.

Day 5: Moir Huts (4,200m/13,780ft) to Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft)

Elevation Gain: 180m/590ft

Today, you’ll dive deeper into the stunning alpine desert. If you didn’t explore the Lent Group yesterday, you have the option to take a short detour in the morning to the top of Little Lent Hill (4,375m/14,350ft) for some amazing views. Afterward, you’ll head back to the main trail and make your way to Buffalo Camp.

The total trekking time for today is about 5-7 hours, covering a distance of 12 km.

Day 6: Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4,020m/13,190ft) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft)

Elevation Loss: 150m/490ft

Today, you’ll continue your circuit eastward, passing through valleys and hiking along ridges. You’ll traverse alpine desert and moorland, all while enjoying the tranquility of a less-traveled path. This allows you to experience the mountain wilderness in peaceful solitude. Expect to spend about 5-7 hours trekking today.

Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870m/12,700ft) to School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft)

Elevation Gain: 880m/2,880ft

You’ll climb steadily to the saddle, a moon-like landscape nestled between Kibo and Mawenzi. From the saddle, continue your ascent to reach the School Hut Campsite by early afternoon. After arriving, you’ll have the rest of the day to rest and prepare for your summit attempt, which will start early the next morning. Although the distance covered is only 5 km, the high altitude and steep incline mean trekking time is about 4-5 hours.

Day 8: School Huts (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,145m/3,760ft
Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft

Around midnight, start your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, you’ll hike by the light of your flashlight. This challenging segment of the trek involves steep switchbacks and a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks as you approach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,756m). The hike from Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak is gradual and relatively straightforward, but the altitude makes it feel long and tiring.

After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend first to Stella Point, then continue down to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before heading all the way to Mweka Hut. Lunch will be served on the way. This descent, covering new terrain, takes about 6 hours. Enjoy your final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.

Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)

Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft

Descend to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.

Price Inclusions

IncludedExcluded

 

  • Park fees
  • Pickup and transfer airport
  • Porters who carry your luggage
  • Private cook speaking fluently English
  • Private guide speaking fluently English
  • Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • High quality tents (including dinner-tent
  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation on day of arrival and departure

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+255 753 512 104

info@mtembezisafaris.com