9 Days Kilimanjaro Climb | Northern Circuit Route

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site. 

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft 
Distance:  6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest 
Meals included:  Half Board

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau. 

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance:  8 km | 5 miles
Habitat:  Heath
Meals included:  Half Board

We continue across the Shira Plateau, following a gentle eastward trail through rolling moorland meadows. The landscape is open and expansive, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes and distant volcanic formations. The heath zone comes alive with colorful wildflowers and the striking silhouettes of giant Senecio and lobelia plants, creating a truly otherworldly atmosphere. This easy-paced walk to Shira 2 Camp is both scenic and relaxing, making it ideal for acclimatization while enjoying one of the mountain’s most unique ecosystems.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 
Elevation:  11,500 ft to 12,500 ft 
Distance:  7 km | 4 miles 
Habitat:  Heath
Meals included: Full board

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation:  12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance:  7 km | 4 miles
Habitat:  Alpine Desert
Meals included: Full board

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. 

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation:  13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance:  12 km | 7 miles
Habitat:  Alpine Desert
Meals included: Full board

We climb steadily along Buffalo Ridge, where the landscape grows increasingly barren and the air feels crisp and thin. This seldom-used path immerses us in the mountain’s true wilderness, far from the crowds, with rugged valleys and rocky outcrops stretching as far as the eye can see. Trekking across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, we are surrounded by a sense of solitude and raw natural beauty. By late afternoon, we reach Third Cave, our camp for the night. 

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation:  13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance:  8 km | 5 miles
Habitat:  Heath
Meals included: Full board

We climb steadily across the Saddle, a wide and desolate stretch of land lying between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The terrain here is stark and windswept, creating a dramatic high-altitude atmosphere that highlights the mountain’s immense scale. As we continue onward, the air becomes thinner and the path more demanding, encouraging a slow and measured pace. Eventually, we reach School Hut, our final camp before the summit attempt.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation:  12,700 ft to 15,600 ft 
Distance:  5 km | 3 miles 
Habitat:  Alpine Desert 
Meals included: Full board

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep. 

Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation:  15,600 ft - 19,341 ft
Habitat:  Arctic
Meals included: Full board

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Hiking Time:  3-4 hours
Elevation:   10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance:   10 km | 6 miles
Habitat:  Rain Forest
Meals included: Full board