Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek to Uhuru Peak at Sunrise

9 Days Round trip from Moshi Challenging pace
Northern Circuit
Northern Circuit
Northern Circuit

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Experience Kilimanjaro's longest route with excellent acclimatisation and high summit success
  • 02 Traverse rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones on one climb
  • 03 Explore the remote northern slopes with minimal crowds and sweeping 360-degree views
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise after crossing the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit on a challenging 9-day trekking adventure with an excellent acclimatisation profile and high summit success. Traverse rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zones while circling the remote northern slopes of the mountain. Cross the Shira Plateau, explore Lava Tower, Moir Valley, and Buffalo Ridge, and reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise before descending through lush forest landscapes on this scenic and rewarding route.

Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise for panoramic summit views.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Register at Londorossi Gate before starting the trek.
  • Walk through dense rainforest with chances to spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds.
  • Trek steadily along forest trails towards the first campsite.
  • Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Big Tree Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Hiking time ranges between 3 and 4 hours.
  • Habitat consists of rainforest.
2
Day 02

Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

  • Leave the rainforest zone and begin ascending towards higher ground.
  • Enter the moorland landscape of the Shira Plateau.
  • Enjoy wide-open views and expansive scenery during the climb.
  • Arrive at Shira 1 Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Hiking time ranges between 5 and 6 hours.
  • Habitat consists of moorland.
3
Day 03

Shira 2 Camp Acclimatisation Trek

  • Undertake a gentle trek around the Shira Plateau.
  • Complete acclimatisation hikes near the camp area.
  • Enjoy panoramic views and allow the body to adjust to altitude.
  • Return to Shira 2 Camp for rest, dinner, and an overnight stay.
  • Hiking time ranges between 3 and 4 hours.
4
Day 04

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower and Moir Hut

  • Trek from Shira 2 Camp towards Lava Tower.
  • Reach a maximum altitude of approximately 4,630 metres.
  • Follow the climb-high, sleep-low acclimatisation principle.
  • Descend from Lava Tower to Moir Hut in a remote valley.
  • Arrive at Moir Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Hiking time ranges between 6 and 7 hours.
5
Day 05

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

  • Traverse the Northern Circuit Trail along the quieter northern slopes.
  • Walk across ridges and valleys with sweeping views towards Kenya.
  • Continue trekking through a remote and rarely visited section of the mountain.
  • Arrive at Buffalo Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Hiking time ranges between 5 and 6 hours.
6
Day 06

Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave Camp

  • Continue trekking across the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • Enjoy minimal crowds and a strong sense of isolation.
  • Walk through high-altitude terrain with expansive views.
  • Arrive at Rongai Third Cave Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Hiking time ranges between 5 and 7 hours.
7
Day 07

Rongai Third Cave to School Hut

  • Ascend gradually towards the alpine desert zone.
  • Position at School Hut in preparation for the summit attempt.
  • Rest, hydrate, and enjoy an early dinner.
  • Prepare gear for the midnight summit climb.
  • Hiking time ranges between 4 and 5 hours.
8
Day 08

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Begin the summit ascent around midnight.
  • Climb steadily towards the crater rim in cold arctic conditions.
  • Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise for panoramic summit views.
  • Descend via the Barafu route after summiting.
  • Continue descending to Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
  • Hiking time ranges between 12 and 16 hours.
  • Habitat includes the arctic summit zone and alpine terrain.
9
Day 09

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Hotel Transfer

  • Descend through lush rainforest from Mweka Camp.
  • Reach Mweka Gate and collect summit certificates.
  • Transfer to the hotel after completing the trek.
  • Hiking time ranges between 3 and 5 hours.
Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak at sunrise

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak at sunrise

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional certified mountain guides
  • All park fees, rescue fees, and government taxes
  • High-quality four-season mountain tents
  • All meals during the trek
  • Porters and cooks
  • Clean drinking water
  • Pulse oximeter health monitoring

What's Not Included

  • Tanzania visa
  • International and domestic flights
  • Hotel accommodation unless booked as an optional add-on
  • Transfers unless booked as an optional add-on
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, and clothing
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, and beverages
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages

What to bring

  • Thermal layers, fleece, and a waterproof shell
  • Sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots
  • Warm head and hand protection
  • Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
  • Headlamp, water bottles, and trekking poles
  • Sun protection and personal toiletries
  • Pee bottle for summit night
  • Anti-malarial medication for lower altitudes

Know before you go

  • Designed for high summit success due to excellent acclimatisation.
  • Circles the quieter northern slopes with minimal crowds.
  • Starts from the west via Lemosho and descends via Mweka.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania
Tour start
Moshi, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Moshi.

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