9 Days Hiking Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

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 and considerably longer from Arusha. 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 (2,820 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. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

• 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

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. Note: Trekkers on an eight-day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

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

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 (see map above). 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 acclimatization process.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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. 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 (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).

Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route

• 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

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 or Arusha town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.

Safari, Cycling Adventures and other add-on are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania