9 Days Northern Circuit
Overview
Join us on a remarkable 8-days trek along the Northern Circuit Route of Kilimanjaro. Starting at Lemosho Gate, you’ll traverse diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, with well-paced acclimatization opportunities.
We’ll camp at scenic spots including Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira Camp 2, Moir Hut, Pofu Camp, Third Caves Camp, and School Hut. The adventure culminates with the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, concluding with a descent through vibrant rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Stay Locations
- Day 1 - Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Day 2 - Shira 1 Camp
- Day 3 -Shira 2 Camp
- Day 4 - Moir Hut
- Day 5 -Buffalo Camp
- Day 6 - Third Cave
- Day 7 -School Hut
- Day 8 -Uhuru Peak
- Day 9 - Mweka Camp
Itinerary
DAY 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles | Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
DAY 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft | Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert | Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
DAY 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft | Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles | Habitat: Heath
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
DAY 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Altitude: 4,800 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), descend to 3,100 m (Mweka Camp) | Distance: 17 km (ascent and descent) | Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic (summit) to Moorland (Mweka Camp)
Summit day! Around midnight, you’ll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. The trail is steep, and the air is thin, making this the most physically and mentally challenging part of the climb. After reaching Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim, you’ll continue for another hour to reach Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll begin the long descent, stopping at Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for the night.
DAY 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft | Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft | Hiking | Time: 4-6 hours | Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Arctic | Distance: 12 km | 7 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming overMawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we make our descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
DAY 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft |Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle takes us back to the hotel in Moshi, where we receive our summit certificates
Book This Tour
Included
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- Tips.
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance
Are you ready to begin planning your Trekking Experience?
Our team specializes in crafting personalized journeys through Tanzania, ensuring a unique safari experience for everyone. Anticipate unforgettable encounters with diverse breathtaking sunsets, all tailored to your individual preferences.
This isn’t just a trip; it’s a customized adventure. Begin planning today!
Mountain Trekking - Packages
Marangu Gate, Mandara Huts, Horombo Huts, Kibo Huts, Uhuru Peak
Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Uhuru Peak
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
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