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The journey
The 8-Day Lemosho Northern Circuit Route is one of the most scenic and successful routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the western side of the mountain, it circles the quieter northern slopes before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The longer itinerary allows for excellent acclimatization, improving your chances of a successful summit while taking you through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial landscapes. This route is also less crowded than many other Kilimanjaro trails, offering spectacular views from multiple sides of the mountain.
At a glance
Day by day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After registration at Londorossi Gate, you will drive to the trailhead and begin your trek through the lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for monkeys and a variety of bird species as you make your way to Mti Mkubwa Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira Camp 1
Elevation: 2650 m to 3610 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
We will follow a trail that leads out of the forest and into a savannah giant heather moorland zone. As we ascend through scenic rolling hills, we will cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before descending to Shira 1 Camp. The view of Kibo from the plateau is spectacular.
Day 3: Shira Camp 1 to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3610 m to 5895 m- 4,114 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
Today we follow an easy path to the summit of Shira Cathedral before reaching Moir Hut in the alpine zone. For extra acclimatization, you can take a walk around the higher lands surrounding the camp, where the views are superb. Lunch will be served at Fisher Camp. In the afternoon, there will be an acclimatization walk up onto the Lent Hills, with the summit at 4700 m.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,114 m to 3995 m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today we take a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. You will have the opportunity for a small detour to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4375 m before returning to the Northern Circuit path. 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 offers great vistas across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and time to rest after a long day of hiking.
Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 3995 m to 3930 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine zone
As we head up Buffalo Ridge and down to Pofu Camp, lunch will be served along the way. This route is rarely travelled, and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave in the afternoon.
Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation: 3930 m to 5895 m- 4710 m
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: High Alpine zone
Today we take a steady ascent over the Saddle, nestled between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The path leads further south-west toward School Hut, where you will be served an early dinner, after which you should get some sleep because 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.
Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Elevation: 4710 m to 5895 m
Distance: 6 km (Descend distance 11 km)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent and 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
You will be awoken around midnight and served hot tea and biscuits. After the refreshment, we will begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of night. The first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you will take a short break, and then continue the steep climb to Gilman's Point (5681 m). Take a moment to enjoy the incredible view of Mawenzi Peak before we start the final 2 hours of trekking to Uhuru Peak.
The slope flattens as we head west around the crater rim, and we should arrive at the summit at dawn. We will stay briefly at the top so you can get as many photos as possible of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. We will then retrace our steps around the crater rim to Stella Point, where we turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp. After a short break here, we continue down to Millennium Camp 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.
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3810 m to 1640 m
Distance: 6 km (Descend distance 11 km)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent and 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Rainforest zone
Today the path descends steeply through the lush Mweka Rain Forest. The route follows the crest of a broad ridge separating two river valleys until it meets a road that leads us for the last 40 minutes to the Mweka Park gates, where we stop for a well-deserved picnic lunch. Successful hikers will receive their summit certificates (gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point) from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. A vehicle will meet you at the gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
The route
The fine print
✓ 2 nights' accommodation in Moshi is included.
✓ Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi.
✓ Park entry fees.
✓ Hut fees.
✓ Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate.
✓ Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees.
✓ 18% VAT on tour fees and services.
✓ Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters.
✓ 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain.
✓ Enough treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek.
✓ Hot water for washing.
✓ Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO).
✓ Government taxes.
✓ Ox meter.
✓ Emergency first-aid kit.
✘ Airfare.
✘ Tips for porters, guide, cook, and assistant guide.
✘ Flights.
✘ Visas.
✘ Meals other than breakfast while in Arusha or Moshi.
✘ Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included.
✘ Hotel upgrade costs if you decide to request an alternative hotel to the standard.
✘ Items considered to be non-essential, such as alcohol, beverages, cigarettes, snacks, etc.
Clothing
Sleeping Gear
Personal Equipment
Health & Hygiene
Snacks & Energy Foods
Important Documents
Optional Items
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Londorossi gate -Mti mkubwa.
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