Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft) · Longest route with the best acclimatization
Trip Info
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Accommodation
Mountain tents
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Departure City
Moshi / Arusha
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Arrival City
Moshi / Arusha
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Best Season
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
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Guide
Guided mountain crew
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Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
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Group Size
1 – 12 guests
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Stay Category
Camping
Overview
The Northern Circuit is the longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro. After crossing the Shira Plateau it circles the remote northern slopes, giving the best acclimatization of any route, outstanding views and very few other climbers.
This 9-day itinerary is led by our professional mountain crew of guides, cooks and porters. Every day is paced to help you acclimatize, with daily health checks, hot meals and a carefully planned summit night to give you the best chance of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Longest route with the best acclimatization
- Highest summit success rate
- Remote northern slopes with few climbers
- Views north over Kenya and Amboseli
- Summit from School Hut
Places You’ll See
Northern Circuit Route
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides & porters
- Camping equipment & tents
- All meals on the mountain
- Rescue fees
- Airport transfers (Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport)
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal trekking gear rental
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
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Day 01: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, continue to the Lemosho trailhead and hike through pristine rainforest to Mti Mkubwa ("Big Tree") Camp.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Starting Altitude: 2,100 m / 6,890 ft
- Ending Altitude: 2,820 m / 9,252 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
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Day 02: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Climb out of the forest into giant heather and moorland, crossing the Shira Ridge before dropping onto the plateau to Shira 1 Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Starting Altitude: 2,820 m / 9,252 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,610 m / 11,844 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
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Day 03: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
An easy walk east across the Shira Plateau with constant views of Kibo, arriving at Shira 2 Camp in time for lunch and an afternoon acclimatization stroll.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 7 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,610 m / 11,844 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
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Day 04: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Climb towards Lava Tower, then leave the crowds and turn north to the remote Moir Hut beneath the Northern Icefield.
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Distance: 14 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,845 m / 12,615 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Moir Hut
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Day 05: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Begin the circuit of the quiet northern slopes, with views north over the Kenyan plains, to Buffalo Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Distance: 12 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,020 m / 13,189 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
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Day 06: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
Continue east around the mountain through the alpine desert to Third Cave Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,020 m / 13,189 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,870 m / 12,697 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
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Day 07: Third Cave Camp – School Hut
Climb steadily onto the Saddle to School Hut. Early dinner and rest before the summit night.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,870 m / 12,697 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: School Hut
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Day 08: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Leave around midnight, climb to Gilman's Point and follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak for sunrise, then descend the southern slopes to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
- Distance: 17 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,750 m / 15,584 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
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Day 09: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
A final walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Ending Altitude: 1,640 m / 5,381 ft
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This package is specifically the Northern Circuit Route for 9 days. Other day options are listed as separate packages.
No technical climbing is required, but good fitness and preparation help a lot.
Dry seasons January–March and June–October are the most popular.
