Kilimandjaro NORTHEN CIRCUIT Route

Service Description

Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2360m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895m) Distance: 6km Hiking: 3-4h Elevation Gain: +535m Begins with a drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, followed by another drive to the trailhead. Start through the rainforest zone, with lush vegetation and wildlife to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp. Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2895m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m) Distance: 8km Hiking: 5-6h Elevation Gain: +605m Continues through the forest zone before transitioning into the heathland and crossing the Shira Ridge. The landscape opens up, offering views of the Shira Plateau. Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3850m) Distance: 7km Hiking: 3-4h Elevation Gain: +350m Trek across the Shira Plateau. Pass through heather and moorland zones, with views of Kibo Peak. Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3850m) to Moir Hut (4200m) Distance: 10km Hiking: 5-7h Elevation Gain: +350m Continues across the plateau and then head north towards Moir Hut. This route is less traveled, providing a more remote experience. The Moir Hut area is great for an acclimatization hike in the afternoon. Day 5: Moir Hut (4200m) to Buffalo Camp (4020m) Distance: 12km Hiking: 5-7h Elevation Gain: +420m (up to the Lava Tower) and -600m (descent to Buffalo Camp) Ascends to Lava Tower (4600m) for excellent acclimatization, then descends to Buffalo Camp. The route offers stunning views and the chance to see unique alpine desert flora. Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4020m) to Third Cave Camp (3870m) Distance: 8km Hiking: 5-7h Elevation Gain: -150m Trek around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with expansive views over the Kenyan plains. The trail is less crowded and offers a serene hiking experience. Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3870m) to School Hut (4800m) Distance: 10km Hiking: 5-7h Elevation Gain: +930m Ascends steadily towards School Hut, positioned closer to the summit. This camp provides an excellent staging point for the final ascent. You rest and prepare for the summit attempt the next day. Day 8: School Hut (4800m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and descent to Mweka Camp (3100m) Distance: 15km (6 km ascent and 9 km descent) Hiking: 10-15h Elevation Gain: +1095m (ascent), -2795m (descent) The summit push begins around midnight. The trail to the summit passes through Gilman’s Point (5681m) before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Day 9: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1630m) Distance: 10km Hiking: 3-4h Elevation Loss: -1470m The final descent takes you through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.