10-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the west, the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately 3 hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities will take place at the gate, and then you will be driven to the starting point.

You will have lunch here before the short first-day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) 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 at Mti Mkubwa Camp.

After breakfast and a medical check-up today, you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone, which continues up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

On day three, the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 via Shira Rock Peak. Nine-day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route.

At Shira Camp 2, it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed, so be prepared for a cold night below zero.

Note: Trekkers on an eight-day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters), then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).

Today, you will head east, passing through the 'Garden of the Senecios' and then 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 heading to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This is an important day in your trek, as you will experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.

This day is moderately challenging, involving the steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small 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 and stretches out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, with lunch and time to rest after hiking.

This day begins with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Poffu Camp, where lunch is usually served. The route continues east around the northern slopes to the 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 the Third Cave around mid-afternoon.

This day involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle, 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 shut-eye as you will be awakened 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.

After breakfast, you will leave your things with a few porters and start your steep hike to the crater bowl of Mt Kilimanjaro. On your way to Crater Camp, you will meet people coming down from the summit. 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 4-5 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy an incredible view out across to Mawenzi Peak before you head down to the crater. After lunch, you will walk around to explore the crater and ash pit area.

You will be awakened around 5:00 am with hot tea and biscuits. Start your summit ascent in 1 hour, and you should reach the summit at sunrise or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief, so get 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), where you will turn south and head down 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 important 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.

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 you with 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.

Giving your guide and porter tips is customary before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.