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

• Elevation: 2,100 m to 2,650 m
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Begin with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Lemosho Gate. After completing park registration, enjoy lunch before starting the trek through lush rainforest. Walk along a gentle forest trail rich with flora and fauna, and reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp by mid-afternoon.

• Elevation: 2,650 m to 3,550 m
• Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 6-7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest to Moorland

Leave the forest zone and ascend into the heath and moorland, where giant heather and volcanic rock formations begin to appear. Climb steadily to reach the Shira Plateau, then camp at Shira One with stunning views across the valley.

• Elevation: 3,550 m to 3,840 m
• Distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland to High Alpine

Trek to the Shira Cathedral and continue onward to Shira Two Camp. This site offers breathtaking panoramas, including views of Mount Meru floating above the clouds. Acclimatize while enjoying a scenic day on the Shira Plateau.

• Elevation: 3,840 m to 4,200 m
• Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: High Alpine

Ascend gradually towards Lava Tower, with an optional climb to Arrow Glacier (4,800 m). Continue east to the secluded Moir Hut Camp, an excellent site for further acclimatization, surrounded by expansive alpine wilderness.

• Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,150 m
• Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 4-7 hours
• Habitat: High Alpine to Moorland

Climb out of Moir Valley and take a detour to Little Lent Hill (4,375 m). Proceed along the northern circuit, walking across rock slab fields and open ridges to reach Buffalo Camp. Enjoy views of the Kenyan plains to the north.

• Elevation: 4,150 m to 3,900 m
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Ascend Buffalo Ridge and descend into Pofu Camp. The trail leads east across a barren and beautiful alpine desert, reaching Third Cave Camp by late afternoon. Rest and prepare for the climb to the base of Kibo.

• Elevation: 3,900 m to 4,700 m
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Continue ascending to The Saddle, a stark and lunar-like expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo. Reach School Hut in the early afternoon. Spend the remainder of the day hydrating, eating, and resting in preparation for summit night.

• Elevation: 4,700 m to 5,895 m, then to 3,800 m
• Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles up, 12 km / 7.5 miles down
• Estimated Walking Time: 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic to High Alpine

Begin the final ascent at midnight by torchlight. Reach Gilman's Point (5,685 m) by sunrise, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend past Stella Point to Barafu, then continue to Millenium Camp for overnight rest.

• Elevation: 3,800 m to 1,650 m
• Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
• Estimated Walking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Descend through rainforest alive with birdsong and rich vegetation. Arrive at Mweka Gate, sign out from the park, and walk to Mweka Village. Meet your vehicle and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and celebrate your achievement.