Tanzania · Trekking

9-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek to Uhuru Peak

9 Days Round trip from Tanzania Moderate pace
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro
Camp

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Summit Mount Kilimanjaro at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres above sea level
  • 02 Trek the scenic Northern Circuit across six ecological zones
  • 03 Pass iconic landmarks including Shira Plateau and Lava Tower
  • 04 Cross the remote northern slopes with sweeping panoramic views

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on this 9-day Northern Circuit trek from Moshi, Tanzania. Hike through lush rainforest, traverse the Shira Plateau, ascend to Lava Tower, cross high alpine desert, and summit Uhuru Peak. Along the way, camp under the stars and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across six diverse ecological zones. This adventure is ideal for travellers seeking a challenging and rewarding high-altitude trekking experience.

Wake up at 11:30 pm and begin the summit climb.

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

1
Day 01

From Moshi to Mti Mkubwa Camp

  • Drive from your hotel to Londorossi Park Gate, approximately 3 hours.
  • Continue on a forest track by 4WD to Lemosho Glades.
  • Hike along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa campsite.

Elevation: 1830m to 2650m. Distance: 6 km. Hiking time: 2-3 hours.

2
Day 02

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

  • Hike through the giant heather moorland zone.
  • Cross several streams and traverse Shira Ridge.
  • Arrive at Shira 1 Camp by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2650m to 3500m. Distance: 8 km. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

3
Day 03

Across Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp

  • Enjoy a gentle hike across the Shira Plateau.
  • Spend the day acclimatizing, with optional short hikes available.

Overnight at Shira 2 Camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Elevation: 3500m to 3850m. Distance: 8 km. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

4
Day 04

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp via Lava Tower

  • Trek through the Garden of the Senecios into the high alpine desert.
  • Stop for lunch at Lava Tower (4,600m), then descend to Moir Camp (4,200m).

Elevation: 3850m to 4200m. Distance: 14 km. Hiking time: 5-7 hours.

5
Day 05

Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp

  • Make a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley.
  • Take an optional hike to Little Lent Hill (4,375m).
  • Continue along the northern slopes to Buffalo Camp.

Elevation: 4200m to 4020m. Distance: 12 km. Hiking time: 5-6 hours.

6
Day 06

Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

  • Climb Buffalo Ridge and descend to Porfu Camp for lunch.
  • Continue east around the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave.

Elevation: 4020m to 3800m. Distance: 8 km. Hiking time: 5-7 hours.

7
Day 07

Third Cave to School Hut

  • Follow a steady incline over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks.
  • Arrive at School Hut and prepare for your summit attempt.

Elevation: 3800m to 4800m. Distance: 15 km. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

8
Day 08

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Millennium Camp

  • Wake up at 11:30 pm and begin the summit climb.
  • Reach Hans Meyer Cave, then Gilman's Point (5,681m).
  • Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) for sunrise views.
  • Descend via Stella Point to Barafu Camp and continue to Millennium Camp (3,950m).

Elevation: 4800m to 5895m up / 3950m down. Distance: 6 km up / 11 km down. Hiking time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down.

9
Day 09

Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

  • Descend through the forest to Mweka Park Gate.
  • Receive your summit certificates and drive back to your Moshi hotel, approximately 1 hour.

Elevation: 3950m to 1680m. Distance: 10 km. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Tanzania 2 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transport to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi on a full-board basis
  • Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
  • Park entry fees
  • Camping fees
  • Crater fee, if applicable
  • 18% VAT on tour fees and services
  • Mountain tents
  • Double-layered sleeping mats, 10 cm thick
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain
  • Enough treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks
  • Oximeter
  • Emergency first-aid kit
  • Stethoscope
  • Portable flush toilet with tent
  • Mountain climbing certificates

What's Not Included

  • Drinks at your hotel before and after the climb
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Laundry (available at the hotel)
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hotel
Tour start
Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Tanzania.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,575.00 — $2,850.00
Double Sharing $2,575.00

When

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