9 Days Northern Circuit

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Lemosho Gate, located at 2,100 meters, for registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. The trek kicks off through a dense tropical rainforest, where Colobus monkeys, birds, and vibrant flora surround you. The trail gradually ascends, and after about 3–4 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp at 2,650 meters, your first overnight stop on the mountain.

Today’s hike leads you from the forest into the heather and moorland zone. The scenery begins to open up as the trail climbs up a ridge, offering stunning views of the Shira Plateau. You’ll cover around 7 km in 5–6 hours and settle at Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), which sits on the western edge of the plateau. Kibo Peak may appear in the distance if the skies are clear.

You’ll continue across the expansive Shira Plateau with a relatively easy trek lasting around 3–4 hours. Though short, this stage is important for acclimatization. You’ll gain about 240 meters in elevation as you reach Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), which offers panoramic views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding moorland. An optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon helps condition your body further for the altitude ahead.

Leaving Shira 2, you’ll travel off the beaten track toward the rarely visited Moir Hut camp at 4,200 meters. En route, you’ll pass the Lava Tower (4,600m), which serves as a high acclimatization point before descending slightly to camp. The terrain transforms into a stark alpine desert. Optional afternoon hikes to the Lent Hills are available for those who want to explore more and boost acclimatization.

This day introduces trekkers to the remote and beautiful northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. After a steep climb out of the Moir Valley, the trail gently undulates across the alpine desert with spectacular views into Kenya. You’ll reach Buffalo Camp (4,020m) after about 5–7 hours of trekking, feeling the solitude and vastness of the northern circuit route.

From Buffalo Camp, the path ascends steadily to a ridge before descending slightly toward Third Cave Camp, positioned at 3,870 meters. The landscape remains barren and quiet, offering a chance to walk in serenity. With a trek duration of about 5–6 hours, this day is perfect for active acclimatization and getting your body ready for the final ascent.

The trail becomes steeper today as you ascend to School Hut, your base camp before the summit attempt. School Hut, at 4,750 meters, is a quiet and cold campsite nestled just beneath the final summit approach. You’ll arrive early to rest, rehydrate, and prepare mentally and physically for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. Dinner is served early, followed by sleep until your summit push begins around midnight.

Summit day begins under the stars at around midnight. With headlamps on and spirits high, you’ll begin the long ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters)—the highest point in Africa. After 6–8 hours of slow climbing, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, arriving around sunrise. After brief celebrations and photos, the descent begins quickly. You’ll return to Barafu or School Hut for a short rest, then descend further to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for a well-deserved meal and sleep.

The final day involves a 3–4 hour descent through the lush rainforest trail. You’ll exit Kilimanjaro National Park at Mweka Gate (1,640 meters), where climbers receive summit certificates. After a group photo and cheerful goodbyes to the mountain crew, a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and a final celebration dinner.