9 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

You will be collected by one of crew members at Kilimanjaro Airport for transfer to your hotel or a homestay as per the programmed booked. After some rest at the Hotel or homestay where you can avail yourself of all its amenities including hot showers, comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi and swimming pool, a briefing and pre-climb check of your readiness will be conducted by your climb manager or tour guide..

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you complete registration and acquire permits. From there, you proceed to the starting point of the Northern Circuit Route. The first day involves a moderate trek through lush rainforest, gradually ascending to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp) at 2,750 meters. This initial hike provides an opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.

• Elevation: 2,100m to 2,750m
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 6 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Habitat: Rainforest

Leaving the rainforest behind, you emerge into the moorland zone, characterized by open grasslands and heather. The trail ascends steadily, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You trek for approximately 6-7 hours, covering a distance of about 8 kilometers, until you reach Shira 1 Camp at 3,500 meters. Here, you are treated to expansive vistas of the Shira Plateau and its unique geological features.

• Elevation: 2,750m to 3,500m
• Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
• Distance: 8 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Habitat: Moorland

Today’s hike is relatively short and serves as an acclimatization day. You traverse across the vast Shira Plateau, gradually gaining elevation. The terrain transitions from moorland to alpine desert, offering a stark yet mesmerizing landscape. After 4-5 hours of trekking over approximately 10 kilometers, you arrive at Shira 2 Camp, located at 3,850 meters. Spend the afternoon resting and taking in the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit.

• Elevation: 3,500m to 3,850m
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 10 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Habitat: Moorland to Alpine Desert

The trail leads you further along the Northern Circuit, skirting the slopes of Kilimanjaro’s northern face. Today’s hike takes you through high-alpine desert terrain, characterized by rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. You ascend steadily towards Moir Hut, situated at 4,200 meters. The 5-6 hour trek covers approximately 7 kilometers and provides ample opportunities for acclimatization as you gain altitude.

• Elevation: 3,850m to 4,200m
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 7 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Habitat: High-Alpine Desert

Leaving Moir Hut behind, the trail ascends steeply towards Lava Tower, a prominent volcanic formation. As you approach Lava Tower, you may notice a change in the landscape, with rugged terrain and panoramic views stretching across the plains below. After reaching Lava Tower, you descend to Buffalo Camp, located at 4,020 meters. Today’s hike takes approximately 5-6 hours over a distance of about 10 kilometers.

• Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 10 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Habitat: High-Alpine Desert

The trek continues along the Northern Circuit, offering diverse landscapes and stunning vistas. You descend from Buffalo Camp, passing through the scenic Tarn Valley and crossing several streams. The trail gradually descends to Third Cave Camp at 3,870 meters, where you will spend the night. Today’s hike takes around 5-6 hours, covering approximately 8 kilometers, and provides opportunities for acclimatization as you descend in altitude.

• Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 8 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Habitat: High-Alpine Desert

As you near the end of the Northern Circuit, the trail ascends steadily towards School Hut, the base camp for the summit attempt. You trek through rocky terrain and sparse vegetation, with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. School Hut, located at 4,800 meters, serves as a resting point before the final ascent. Today’s hike takes approximately 4-5 hours over a distance of about 8 kilometers, allowing time for rest and preparation for the summit push.

• Elevation: 3,870m to 4,800m
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 8 km
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Summit day begins in the early hours of the morning, as you embark on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The trail follows steep and challenging terrain, culminating in a final push to the summit. As the sun rises over the horizon, you reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, where you can celebrate your accomplishment and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After spending time at the summit, you begin the descent back to School Hut and continue further down to Mweka Camp at 3,080 meters. Today’s hike is demanding and takes approximately 12-15 hours, covering a distance of about 20 kilometers.

• Elevation: 4,800m to 5,895m (summit) then down to 3,080m
• Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
• Distance: 20 km
• Difficulty: Very Strenuous
• Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

The final day of the trek involves a descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you officially complete your Kilimanjaro climb. The trail winds its way down the mountain, offering glimpses of exotic flora and fauna along the way. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides and fellow trekkers. A transfer will be waiting to take you back to Moshi, where you can reflect on your incredible journey and celebrate your achievement.

• Elevation: 3,080m to 1,640m
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: 10 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Habitat: Rainforest