9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transported to your hotel in the charming town of Moshi. There, you’ll meet your experienced guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming trek. They’ll also conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the essential mountain gear. If any gear is missing, don’t worry—you’ll have the option to rent it on this day.

Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring you’re well-fueled for the adventure ahead. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey up the majestic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro! 🏔️🌄

The Northern Circuit Route commences at Londorossi Gate, situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters in the western part of Kilimanjaro. This is the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi, and significantly longer from Arusha. Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll complete registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. From there, you’ll be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point.

Before embarking on the short first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (elevation: 2,820 meters), most tour operators provide lunch at this location. As you trek toward your first camp, keep an eye out for large wildlife, such as elephants and buffaloes, which occasionally emerge from the rainforest onto the path. Once you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, dinner will be served.

Here are the key details for this leg of the journey:

Distance: Approximately 5.5 kilometers (equivalent to 3 miles).
Trekking time: Expect 3 to 4 hours.
Zone: You’ll be trekking through the rainforest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Remember to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife as you embark on this exciting adventure! 🌿🦓🌲

On this leg of your journey, you’ll traverse a plateau adorned with grassy moorland and heather, interspersed with volcanic rock formations. Our goal for today is to reach Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll often catch glimpses of Kibo Peak seemingly suspended among the clouds. As we ascend, some sections of the route will be moderately steep.

Distance Covered: 8.5 kilometers (5.3 miles)
Approximate Duration: 7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 🌿🏞️🌄

On the third day of your trek, you’ll traverse the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. For those on a nine-day trek, spending the night at Shira Camp 2 is common, where you’ll meet fellow trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2, consider hiking a bit higher up the plateau to revel in the breathtaking view across the valley below and the imposing Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. Keep in mind that the plateau is exposed, so prepare for a chilly night with temperatures dropping below zero.

Important Note: If you’re on an eight-day hike, your journey will continue eastward along the Shira Plateau ridge, leading you to the Lava Tower at an elevation of 4,600 meters. From there, you’ll descend via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.

Here are the specifics for this leg of your adventure:

Distance: Approximately 7 kilometers (equivalent to 4 miles).
Trekking time: Expect 3 to 4 hours.
Zone: You’ll be trekking through the rainforest and the low alpine zone.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Enjoy the stunning landscapes and the unique challenges of Kilimanjaro! 🏔️🌲🌄

On the fourth day of your trek, you’ll embark on a lengthy journey heading east. This trail takes you through the enchanting ‘Garden of the Senecios’ before leading into the high alpine desert zone. Your morning will be dedicated to trekking up to the Lava Tower, an impressive rock formation known as the Shark’s Tooth, situated at 4,600 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll pause for a well-deserved lunch. Afterward, you’ll join the northern circuit, descending to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day is pivotal for acclimatization, allowing you to experience high altitude and then rest at a lower elevation—a beneficial process for adjusting to the mountain’s challenges.

Here are the key details for this leg of your adventure:

Distance: Approximately 14 kilometers (about 8 miles).
Trekking time: Expect 5 to 7 hours of trekking.
Zones: You’ll traverse both the low alpine zone and the high alpine zone.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included to keep you energized throughout the day

On the fifth day of your trek, you’ll encounter a moderately steep ascent out of the Moir Valley. Adventurers have the option to take a brief detour to conquer the summit of Little Lent Hill, standing at 4,375 meters. After this rewarding side trip, you’ll rejoin the Northern Circuit trail. The subsequent path involves a series of inclines and declines, skirting along the northern slopes of Kibo until you reach Buffalo Camp at an elevation of 4,020 meters.

As you trek, feast your eyes on breathtaking vistas that stretch across the plains lying north of Kilimanjaro, extending all the way to the Kenyan-Tanzanian border. By the time you arrive at Buffalo Camp, it will be just after midday. Here, you can refuel with lunch and take some well-deserved rest after a full day of hiking.

Here are the essential details for this leg of your journey:

Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers (equivalent to about 7 miles).
Trekking time: Expect 5 to 7 hours of trekking.
Zone: You’ll be in the high alpine zone.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day.

Day six of your exhilarating trek begins with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent into Porfu Camp, where lunch is typically served. The trail then continues eastward, skirting the northern slopes until you reach the Rongai Third Cave at an elevation of 3,800 meters. Compared to the previous day, today’s trek is shorter, and by now, you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude. Expect to arrive at the Third Cave around mid-afternoon.

Here are the essential details for this leg of your journey:

Distance: Approximately 8 kilometers (equivalent to about 5 miles).
Trekking time: Plan for 5 to 7 hours of trekking.
Zones: You’ll traverse both the high alpine zone and the low alpine zone.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day.

Day seven of your exhilarating trek involves a steady incline as you ascend and cross the Saddle, which lies between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Trekkers then continue their journey, heading southwest toward School Hut at an impressive altitude of 4,800 meters. Upon reaching School Hut, you’ll be treated to an early dinner. However, don’t get too comfortable—before midnight, you’ll be awakened to commence your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your essential gear: warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and your trusty camera. A good night’s rest is crucial for the challenges that lie ahead.

Here are the key details for this critical stage of your adventure:

Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers (equivalent to about 8 miles).
Trekking time: Plan for 4 to 5 hours of trekking.
Zones: You’ll traverse both the high alpine zone and the glacial zone.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day.

On day seven of your exhilarating trek, you’ll experience an early awakening around 11:30. Hot tea and biscuits will fuel you as you embark on a steep ascent up the slopes of Kibo, all under the cloak of darkness. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you’ll take a brief break. As you continue, the climb becomes steeper, leading you toward Gilman’s Point at an impressive 5,681 meters—approximately 5 to 6 hours after departing from School Hut.

Pause at Gilman’s Point to savor the approaching dawn and the incredible vista that stretches out to Mawenzi Peak. However, keep in mind that you still have 2 hours of trekking ahead to reach the ultimate goal: Uhuru Peak. Dig deep for the energy needed to conquer this final stretch. The slope gradually flattens as you circle the crater rim, and you’ll arrive at the summit either just before or just after sunrise. Capture as many photographs as possible of the breathtaking views and the surrounding glaciers during your brief stay.

Afterward, retrace your steps along the crater rim to Stella Point at 5,739 meters. From there, turn south and descend the heavily scree-covered slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp at 4,680 meters. Many trekkers take a short break here before continuing further down to Millennium Camp at 3,950 meters, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.

In total, you’ll be trekking for 14 to 16 hours on day eight, so it’s crucial to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maintain your blood sugar levels. Note that some tour operators opt to return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

Here are the essential details for this challenging day:

Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers (about 3.5 miles) for the ascent and 10.5 kilometers (approximately 6 miles) for the descent.
Trekking time: Plan for 6 to 8 hours for the ascent and 4 to 6 hours for the descent.
Zones: You’ll traverse both the glacial zone and all the preceding zones.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day.

On the final day of your remarkable trek, you’ll embark on a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (at 3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (at 1,640 meters). Upon reaching the gate, you’ll need to sign out with the authorities. They will also present you with an official certificate:

A green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point.
A gold certificate for those who reached the pinnacle of Uhuru Peak.
Before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi, it’s customary to express your gratitude by giving tips to your guide and porter.

Here are the essential details for this final leg of your journey:

Distance: Approximately 10 kilometers (equivalent to about 6.5 miles).
Trekking time: Plan for 3 to 4 hours of hiking.
Zone: You’ll be in the rainforest zone.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included to keep you fueled and energized throughout the day.

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.

Meals: Breakfast Included