9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek with Uhuru Peak

1

Day 01

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp Through Rainforest

• After breakfast, the driver will pick you up from the hotel early in the morning. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha.
• Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities takes place at the gate, after which you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point.
• Your first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) then begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife such as elephants and buffalo, which sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp.
• Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

2

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira Camp 1

• On day two, you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone, which leads onto the Shira Plateau.
• The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

3

Day 03

Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira Camp 2

• On day three, the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch.
• Here, nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they join trekkers from the Machame Route. For eight-day trekkers, the route continues east through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and then enters the high alpine desert zone before joining the northern circuit and heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.

4

Day 04

Shira Camp 2 to Moir Camp via Lava Tower

• Day four is a long trek heading east, passing through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and entering the high alpine desert zone.
• The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark's Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch.
• After lunch, you will join the northern circuit and continue to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters.
• This is an important day in your trek because you will experience high altitude and then sleep lower, which is beneficial for acclimatization.

5

Day 05

Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp on the Northern Slopes

• Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a slight detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail.
• 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 north of Kilimanjaro, stretching to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
• You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, with lunch and time to rest after hiking.

6

Day 06

Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

• Day six starts with a climb up Buffalo Ridge and down into Porfu Camp, where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters.
• The trek is shorter than the day before, and by now, you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude.
• You will arrive at Third Cave around mid-afternoon.

7

Day 07

Rongai Third Cave to School Hut

• Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle, which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak.
• Trekkers then continue walking southwest up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut, you will be served an early dinner, and then you should get some rest, as you will be awakened before midnight to begin your summit attempt.
• Before bed, remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera.

8

Day 08

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Millennium Camp

• You will be awakened around 11:30 pm with hot tea and biscuits and begin the steep climb up the slopes of Kibo under cover of darkness.
• Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you will take a short break.
• The climb steepens as you approach Gilman's Point (5,681 meters), around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.
• Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and the incredible view out across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember that you still have two hours of trekking to reach Uhuru Peak, so dig deep for the energy.
• The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim, and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.
• Your stay here will be brief, so take as many pictures as possible of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers.
• You will then retrace your steps around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters), turn south, and descend the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
• Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for their final night on the mountain.
• You will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight, so it is essential to pace yourself, remain hydrated, and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman's Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.

9

Day 09

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

• The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters).
• At the gate, you must sign out with the authorities, who will also provide your official certificate - a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman's Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak.
• Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, as you will be leaving them here.
• A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi, where it is time for a celebration!