Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route 9 Days

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. This day is reserved for rest and preparation. In the evening, you'll meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the upcoming adventure. They will also conduct an equipment check to ensure you're fully prepared for the climb. Missing gear can be rented at this time.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Dinner
• Elevation: Approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet)

After breakfast, you'll be driven to Londorossi Gate for registration. The trek begins through the lush rainforest, offering chances to spot wildlife like colobus monkeys. The trail leads to Mti Mkubwa Camp, where you'll spend the night.

• Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,312 feet)
• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Leaving the rainforest, the trail ascends into the heather and moorland zone. You'll cross several streams and continue up to the Shira Plateau, reaching Shira 1 Camp by late afternoon.

• Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Gain: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Today's trek is a gentle walk across the Shira Plateau, with panoramic views of the mountain. You'll pass through moorland and volcanic rock formations before arriving at Shira 2 Camp.

• Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Gain: 290 meters (951 feet)
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

The trail continues east towards the Lava Tower, a 300-foot tall volcanic rock formation. This is an important acclimatization day as you ascend to higher altitudes before descending slightly to Moir Hut for the night.

• Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Gain: 360 meters (1,181 feet)
• Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you'll climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375m) for acclimatization. The path then joins the northern circuit trail and continues through a field of rock slabs before reaching Buffalo Camp.

• Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Gain: 175 meters (574 feet)
• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trail climbs to the top of Buffalo Ridge and then drops down into the Pofu Camp. The route continues east through valleys and across ridges before arriving at Third Cave Camp.

• Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Loss: 150 meters (492 feet)
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

A steady ascent through the alpine desert leads you to the Saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, you'll continue upwards to reach School Hut, where you'll rest and prepare for the summit attempt.

• Accommodation: Camping at School Hut
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Gain: 880 meters (2,887 feet)
• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Around midnight, you'll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trail is steep and challenging, with cold temperatures and high altitude. Upon reaching the summit, you'll have time to take photos and savor your achievement. The descent follows the same path back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millenium Camp.

• Accommodation: Camping at Millenium Camp
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Elevation Gain: 1,145 meters (3,757 feet)
• Elevation Loss: 2,075 meters (6,808 feet)
• Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
• Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic at the summit, descending through alpine desert and rainforest

After breakfast, you'll continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. This final stretch is a gentle walk, allowing you to reflect on your journey. At the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Elevation Loss: 2,180 meters (7,152 feet)
• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Moshi or relax at the hotel. When it's time, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast