9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

Distance: 4.8km / 3mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,785m/9,137ft | Altitude Gained: 685m

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,785 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira Camp 1

Distance: 5.5km / 3mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 2,820m to 3,610m | Altitude Gained: 790m

You will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters). Most trekkers will join climbers coming up from the Lemosho route at this camp.

Day 3: Shira Camp 1 – Shira Camp 2

Distance: 7km / 4mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Low Alpine Zone

Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m | Altitude Gained: 240m

On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.

Day 4: Shira Camp 2 – Moir Camp

Distance: 14km / 8mi | Duration: 5-7 hours | Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Elevation: 3,850m to 4,200m | Altitude Gained: 350m

Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark's Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.

Day 5: Moir Camp – Buffalo Camp

Distance: 12km / 7mi | Duration: 5-7 hours | Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m | Altitude Lost: 180m

Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters). The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Cave

Distance: 8km / 5mi | Duration: 5-7 hours | Habitat: High Alpine Zone

Elevation: 4,020m to 3,800m | Altitude Lost: 220m

Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Day 7: Rongai Third Cave – School Hut

Distance: 15km / 8mi | Duration: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Glacial Zone

Elevation: 3,800m to 4,800m | Altitude Gained: 1,000m

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

Day 8: Summit Day - School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

Distance: 6km / 3.5mi up, 10.5km / 6mi down | Duration: 6-8hrs up, 4-6hrs down

Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m/19,341ft | Altitude Gained: 1,095m

Descent to: 3,950m | Altitude Lost: 1,945m

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman's Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.

Congratulations! You have reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp. Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Day 9: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Distance: 10km / 6.5mi | Duration: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

Elevation: 3,950m to 1,640m | Altitude Lost: 2,310m

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate. At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman's Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

Departure from Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport. Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.