Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Ascent to Uhuru Peak

9 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Kilimanjaro via the longer, less-travelled Northern Circuit Route
02 Traverse diverse landscapes from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and the ice-capped summit
03 Enjoy lower foot traffic on one of Kilimanjaro's most scenic routes
04 Benefit from gradual acclimatization over nine days for a strong summit success rate
05 Reach Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa," with breathtaking summit views

Embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure via the Northern Circuit Route, a longer, less-travelled path on Africa's highest mountain. Over nine days, traverse diverse landscapes from montane forest and moorland to alpine desert and the ice-capped summit, while acclimatizing gradually with experienced guides. This extended route offers lower foot traffic, excellent acclimatization, and a strong chance of reaching Uhuru Peak with breathtaking views across the mountain.

Embark on the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure via the Northern Circuit Route, a longer, less-travelled path on Africa's highest mountain.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hotel Transfer to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and a briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate, about a 3-hour journey.
From here, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Campsite.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone.
After crossing several streams, continue over the Shira Ridge and gently descend to Shira 1 Camp, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03

Shira Plateau Acclimatization to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.
Various hikes are available on the plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

Lava Tower and Shark's Tooth to Moir Camp

This day is a long trek heading east. You pass through the "Garden of the Senecios" and enter 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, 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 acclimatization.

Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft
Distance: 14km/8mi
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05

Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp via Little Lent Hill

Today, you encounter a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. You can optionally hike to 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.

Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
Distance: 12km/7mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06

Buffalo Ridge to Rongai Third Cave

Start the day by climbing up the Buffalo Ridge and descending into Porfu Camp, where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before, and you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude by now.
You will arrive at the Third Cave around mid-afternoon.

Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07

Third Cave to School Hut for Summit Preparation

Today, there is a steady incline up and over the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Trekkers then continue walking southwest up to School Hut. 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.
Before bed, remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera.

Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
Distance: 15km/8mi
Climbing Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Millennium Camp

You will be awakened around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the 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, 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 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), turning south and heading 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.
On day eight, you will be trekking for 14-16 hours, so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated, and keep your blood sugar levels up.

Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3950m/12,959ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

After breakfast, continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
Our vehicle will wait for you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately 60 minutes away.

Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Shark's Tooth, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 2 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced mountain guides
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a sharing basis)
Sleeping mattress
Emergency oxygen cylinder
All meals while on the mountain
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas

What to bring

Clothing:

Moisture-wicking base layers
Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
Waterproof and windproof outer shell
Trekking pants and shorts
Thermal underwear
Backpack (40-60 liters)
Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
Sleeping pad or mattress
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
Water bottles or hydration system
Portable water purification tablets or filter
Personal first aid kit and medications

Accessories:

Sunscreen (high SPF)
Lip balm with SPF
Personal toiletries and hygiene products
Wet wipes or hand sanitiser
Trekking towel
Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
Power bank or solar charger

Miscellaneous:

Passport and other travel documents
Travel insurance (including coverage for high-altitude trekking)
Cash (for tipping guides and porters, souvenirs, etc.)
Snacks and energy bars
Lightweight daypack for summit day essentials

Know before you go

Physical Fitness: Kilimanjaro is a strenuous trek, and being in good physical shape will greatly increase your chances of success. Cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and hiking on varied terrain are recommended to prepare your body for the challenge.
Altitude Acclimatization: Altitude sickness is a real risk when climbing Kilimanjaro. The Marangu Route offers a more gradual ascent, which can aid in acclimatization, but it is essential to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and follow your guide's advice.
Packing Essentials: Ensure you have all the necessary gear for the trek, including sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures, a headlamp, and plenty of snacks and water. Your tour operator will likely provide a detailed packing list.
Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes and medical evacuation in case of emergencies.
Permits and Guides: Climbing Kilimanjaro requires permits, and you must be accompanied by a certified guide. Ensure your tour operator handles all necessary permits and provides experienced guides.
Weather Conditions: Kilimanjaro's weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from hot at the base to freezing at the summit. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and dress accordingly in layers.
Environmental Considerations: Respect the natural environment by adhering to the "leave no trace" principles. Dispose of waste properly and follow your guide's instructions on environmental conservation.
Mental Preparedness: Climbing Kilimanjaro is not just a physical challenge but also a mental one. Stay positive, take each step at a time, and draw inspiration from the stunning landscapes and your fellow climbers.