9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek to Uhuru Peak

• Meet your tour guide and depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, a drive of about 4 hours, where you will complete the entry formalities.
• Continue by vehicle to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival, begin hiking through the undisturbed forest as the trail winds to the first campsite.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

• Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As you ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, 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

• Explore the Shira Plateau on a gentle walk east across moorland meadow toward 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 east up a ridge, then head southeast toward Lava Tower, a tall volcanic rock formation.
• 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. The 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. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch 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

• Head up Buffalo Ridge, where the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled, and you will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel.
• Trek through remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until arriving 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 to School Hut camp. Once here, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day.

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

• Start at around midnight and walk steeply upward toward the summit glaciers. Climb the scree for 4 to 5 hours, gaining incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. You should reach 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 of the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking.
• Walk for another hour to the summit at Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Begin the descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending the 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

• Start a gentle trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will complete park formalities and receive certificates that you can hang up with pride.
• Continue to the vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can enjoy 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: Rainforest