9-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Climb to Uhuru Peak

1

Day 01

Drive to Lemosho Gate and Trek to Big Tree Camp

• Drive from Moshi or Arusha through farmland with wide views over the plains.
• Complete registration formalities at Lemosho Gate (2,100 m).
• Begin trekking through beautiful montane forest with ancient trees and rich biodiversity.
• Walk for 3 to 4 hours to reach Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa) at 2,650 m.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in the lush rainforest setting.
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

2

Day 02

Ascend to Shira One Camp Across Forest and Moorland

• Ascend steadily through forest and enter moorland with giant heather.
• Hike across ridges to reach the Shira Plateau and continue to Shira One Camp.
• Experience stunning views, especially if afternoon mists roll in.
• Camp on the open plateau with views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness.
• Distance: 7 km
• Hiking Time: 6 to 7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest and Moorland

3

Day 03

Cross Shira Plateau to Shira Two Camp

• Climb to the summit of Shira Cathedral for panoramic views.
• Continue along the trail across open moorland and volcanic formations.
• Reach Shira Two Camp with close views of Kibo's glaciated dome.
• Take in vistas of Mt. Meru floating above the clouds.
• Distance: 14 km
• Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
• Habitat: Moorland to High Alpine

4

Day 04

Trek to Remote Moir Hut via High Alpine Terrain

• Begin the day with an optional climb to Lava Tower or Arrow Glacier (4,800 m).
• Descend to the secluded Moir Hut campsite for the night.
• Explore the base of Lent Hills for additional acclimatization.
• Enjoy a quiet and remote location away from the main trail.
• Distance: 12 km
• Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
• Habitat: High Alpine

5

Day 05

Follow the Northern Circuit to Buffalo Camp

• Climb out of Moir Valley and ascend Little Lent Hill at 4,375 m.
• Traverse along the northern circuit trail, passing unique rock slabs.
• Reach Buffalo Camp with stunning views of the expansive Kenyan plains.
• Settle into camp and rest for the evening.
• Distance: 8 km
• Hiking Time: 4 to 7 hours
• Habitat: High Alpine to Moorland

6

Day 06

Trek Through Pofu Valley to Third Cave Camp

• Ascend Buffalo Ridge and descend into Pofu Valley.
• Follow the trail through an increasingly barren alpine desert landscape.
• Reach Third Cave Camp, offering a more remote and tranquil environment.
• Prepare for the next day's climb to the high camp.
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

7

Day 07

Cross The Saddle to School Hut High Camp

• Begin the gradual ascent through The Saddle, a vast alpine desert.
• Continue between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi toward School Hut.
• Reach high camp in the early afternoon and rest for the summit attempt.
• Finalize your gear and hydrate well before sleeping early.
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

8

Day 08

Summit Uhuru Peak at Sunrise and Descend to Millennium Camp

• Begin the final ascent at midnight under moonlight and stars.
• Reach Gilmans Point (5,685 m) to view the sunrise over Mawenzi.
• Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
• Take photos and enjoy views of the glaciers and crater rim.
• Descend to Barafu for a short break, then continue to Millennium Camp.
• Distance: 18 km (6 km ascent, 12 km descent)
• Hiking Time: 11 to 15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to High Alpine

9

Day 09

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

• Continue descending through lush montane forest rich in birdlife.
• Arrive at Mweka Gate (1,650 m) and sign out from the park.
• Walk briefly through banana and coffee farms to Mweka Village.
• Meet the transfer vehicle and return to Moshi or Arusha for celebration.
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest