9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Connect with your tour guide in Moshi and transfer to Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities.
• Then, drive to the Lemosho trailhead.
• Upon arrival at the trailhead, begin hiking through an undisturbed forest that winds to the first campsite.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

• Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.
• Ascend through the lush rolling hills, cross several streams, and reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here, catch your first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

• Today, explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on the moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

• Continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower - a tall volcanic rock formation.
• Then, divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 9 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail.
• Cross a rock field and gently undulate before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers excellent views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• As you head up the Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled, and you will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel.
• Trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until you arrive at Third Cave.

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

• Climb steadily up and over the "Saddle," which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi.
• Continue on to your camp, School Hut.
• Once here, have some rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Start off at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. You will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours, but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should be on the crater rim at Gilman's Point, 5685 m, as the first rays of the sun hit. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround you, and the views to the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking.
• Walk for another hour to reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895 m).
• Begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on a scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long, well-earned rest.

Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

• Trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, complete the park formalities, and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride.
• Then, meet the drivers and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower and celebrate with cold drinks. Overnight at your arranged hotel.

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Elevation: 12,434 ft - 5,380 ft

Vegetation: Rain Forest