Northern Circuit Route

Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.

Distance:~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On day two 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 (3,610 meters).

Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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).

Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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 acclimatisation process.

Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.

Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.

Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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

Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950
meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities,
who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made
it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to
give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.

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 gifts shop before heading to the
airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast Included