8 Days Northern Circuit Route

Altitude gained: 396m

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 MtiMkubwa Camp (2,785 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants 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 MtiMkubwa Camp.

Distance: ~4.8km / 3 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest

Altitude gained: 719m

You will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone, which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,504 meters).

Distance: ~7.9km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Altitude gained: 657m

A long trek heading east 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 4,161 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.

Distance: ~ 9.8km / 6.1 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone

Altitude loss: 122m

Today, it 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 (4,033 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 of hiking.

Distance: ~9.2km / 5.8miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone

Altitude lost: 97m

starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp, where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,936 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before, and by now you should be well acclimatized to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Distance: ~6.8km / 4.3miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone

Altitude gained: 781m

Today it 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 the 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, a headlamp, and a camera, before going to bed.

Distance: ~4.8km / 3miles

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone

Altitude gained: 1178m

Altitude lost: 2068m (descent)

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up to the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint 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 the incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours of 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. Retrace your steps around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), then turn south and descend Kibo's heavily forested slopes to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for their 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.

You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up to the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters)

Distance: ~5.9km / 3.7 miles ascent and 8.4km / 5.2 mile descent

Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent

Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones

Altitude lost: 2194m

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.

From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!

Distance: ~12.2km / 7.6 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Zone: Rainforest zone

Overnight Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4 stars B&B. before being transferred to your journey home, safari or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.