Tanzania · Trekking

10-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek via Lemosho to Uhuru Peak

10 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through the untouched rainforest from Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
02 Cross the scenic Shira Plateau and enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro's glaciers
03 Visit unique geological features such as Lava Tower and Shark's Tooth rock
04 Traverse the remote and quiet Northern Circuit for a more solitary experience
05 Ascend steadily toward School Hut across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
06 Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, via Stella Point
07 Descend through varied terrains from Arctic zones to lush forests

Embark on a 10-day Kilimanjaro trekking adventure via the breathtaking Northern Circuit Route, the longest and most scenic trail on the mountain. Begin your journey in Moshi with a detailed briefing and equipment check before ascending through lush rainforest, expansive moorlands, and rugged alpine deserts. Benefit from expert mountain guides, full porter support, and carefully planned acclimatization days that increase your chances of a successful summit. Reach the iconic Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters, and descend through stunning landscapes before returning to Moshi.

Begin the summit trek around midnight under torchlight.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Cities Moshi, Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Moshi

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Meet your guide and proceed with a private transfer to Moshi.
Gather at the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Confirm that you have the necessary travel and medical insurance.

Rest at your hotel in Moshi in preparation for the trek.

Day 02

Lemosho Gate Trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp

Drive to Londorossi Park Gate for registration.
Begin trekking from Lemosho Gate through the montane forest.
Trek for three to four hours to reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Set up camp and rest for the night.

Elevation: 2,100m to 2,895m

Distance: 6 km / 4 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane forest

Day 03

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Leave the forest and ascend into the moorland zone.
Continue hiking toward the Shira Plateau.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp and settle in for the evening.

Elevation: 2,895m to 3,505m

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Day 04

Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp

Cross the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp.
Experience significant altitude change and cooler temperatures.
Enjoy views of Kibo Peak from the plateau.

Elevation: 3,505m to 3,810m

Distance: 7 km / 4 miles

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Day 05

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut via Lava Tower

Continue hiking east across high alpine desert terrain.
Ascend towards Lava Tower and Shark's Tooth for acclimatization.
Descend slightly to Moir Hut for overnight rest.

Elevation: 3,810m to 4,206m

Distance: 14 km / 8 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 06

Northern Slopes Trek to Pofu Camp

Ascend a steep trail along the northern slopes of Kibo.
Traverse across dry alpine desert landscapes.
Reach Pofu Camp for overnight camping.

Elevation: 4,206m to 4,033m

Distance: 12 km / 7 miles

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 07

Valley Trek to Third Cave Camp

Trek through valleys with possible wildlife sightings.
Reach Third Cave Camp after a long hike.
Prepare for higher elevations the following day.

Elevation: 4,033m to 3,870m

Distance: Not specified

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Day 08

Across the Saddle to School Hut

Climb steadily across the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
Reach School Hut (Kibo Hut) in time for an early dinner and rest.
Prepare mentally and physically for summit day.

Elevation: 3,870m to 4,750m

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Day 09

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Begin the summit trek around midnight under torchlight.
Reach Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate briefly before beginning the descent.
Continue down to Mweka Camp for rest and celebration.

Part 1 Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m

Part 2 Elevation: 5,895m to 3,068m

Part 1 Distance: 6 km / 4 miles

Part 2 Distance: 12 km / 7 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours each part

Day 10

Descend to Mweka Gate and Depart

Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate.
Collect your summit certificates from park authorities.
Meet your driver for transfer back to Moshi.
Use the day for an optional safari, flight to Zanzibar, or airport departure.

Elevation: 3,068m to 1,640m

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

Where this trip takes you

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

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 3 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Private transportation to and from your selected route
Airport pick-up
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tent for the camp route
All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Government climbing taxes
All hot meals prepared by a professional mountain cook
Salaries for guides, porters, and cook
Sufficient number of porters to carry your luggage
Personal summit certificate signed by the national park and your guide

What's Not Included

Personal items and toiletries
Accommodation before and after the trek
Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
International airfares and departure taxes
All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, fax, email, etc.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Visa and international flight ticket fees

What to bring

Top base layer
Bottom base layer
4 to 5 pairs of underwear
3 to 4 short sleeve shirts
1 pair of insulated trekking pants
1 to 2 long sleeve hiking shirts
1 to 2 pairs of hiking trousers
1 insulated winter jacket

Know before you go

Confirm that you have the necessary travel and medical insurance before the trek.
Other guide languages are available on request at a supplement of $25 per day, subject to availability.

Logistics