8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek from Moshi to Uhuru Peak

• After breakfast, you will be picked up at the lodge and taken to Londorossi Gate at an altitude of 2,250 m.
• Complete the necessary registration and continue on a bumpy road into the dense rainforest.
• Trek through the rainforest to Big Tree Camp (2,780 m).
  • An armed ranger will accompany you for the first two days of your trek, as wild game can be found in this area.
• Spend the night in tents at Big Tree Camp.

Elevation (ft): 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft

Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Habitat: Rainforest

• Continue on the trail out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.
• Ascend through lush rolling hills and cross several streams.
• Reach the Shira Ridge and descend to Shira 1 Camp.
• Catch your first glimpse of Kibo, one of Mount Kilimanjaro's peaks, across the plateau.
• Stay overnight at Shira 1 Camp.

Elevation (ft): 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Habitat: Heath

• Trek east through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and enter the high alpine desert zone.
• Ascend to Lava Tower and have lunch at the iconic Shark's Tooth rock formation at 4,600 m.
• Join the Northern Circuit and continue to Moir Camp (4,161 m).
  • This is an important day on your trek, as you will experience high altitude and then sleep lower, which is beneficial for acclimatization.

Elevation: 3504 m/11296 ft to 4161 m/1365 ft
Distance: 9.8 km/6.1 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
Habitat: Alpine zone

• Climb out of the Moir Valley and reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375 m).
• Return to the trail and continue eastward along the Northern Circuit trail.
• Pass through a field of rock slabs that clink as they are walked on and reach Buffalo Camp (4,020 m).
  • The camp has a huge sense of space, as the Kenyan plains stretch far below to the north.

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp

• Climb the 'Buffalo Ridge' from Buffalo Camp and cross numerous ridges and gullies.
• Continue eastward through a landscape of sparse vegetation.
• Reach Third Cave Camp (3,800 m).

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Habitat: Heath

• Trek over the 'saddle,' a lava flow connecting Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
  • This stretch of rock was formed when Mount Kilimanjaro erupted.
  • It has now solidified and connects two of Mount Kilimanjaro's three peaks.
• Arrive at School Hut (4,673 m) in approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.
• Rest and prepare for the summit push, which starts early, around 11 p.m.

Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• Begin the summit push in the early morning, around midnight.
  • This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
  • The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme.
• Ascend in darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks.
• Reach Gilman's Point (18,600 ft) and witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak.
• Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and on the continent of Africa.
• Descend to Kibo and stop to rest.
• Continue to the Horombo Hut encampment for a well-earned sleep.
  • You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the descent.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

• After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
• Take part in a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew.
• Descend for 2 to 3 hours and meet your driver at Mweka Gate.
• Return to your accommodation for a warm shower and free time to relax or celebrate your achievement.
• Remember to tip your guides and porters.

Altitude: 3,080 m to 1,630 m
Distance covered: 9.3 km down
Time to be used: 2-3 hrs
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Habitat: Rainforest