9 Days Northern Circuit Route – Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

After registration at Londorossi Gate, you drive to the trailhead and begin trekking through dense rainforest.

The forest is rich with biodiversity, including birds, monkeys, and giant trees. The trail is gentle and relatively easy, making it a good warm-up day.

• Trek time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: ~6–8 km
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Camp: Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

The trail gradually climbs out of the rainforest into heath and moorland zones. Vegetation becomes thinner, and views begin to open up toward the Shira Plateau.

The air becomes cooler and thinner as altitude increases.

• Trek time: 5–6 hours
• Distance: ~8 km
• Habitat: Moorland
• Camp: Shira 1 Camp

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

You cross the wide Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcanic landscapes.

Although the terrain is relatively flat, the altitude makes the hike more demanding than it appears.

• Trek time: 3–4 hours
• Distance: ~7 km
• Habitat: Moorland
• Camp: Shira 2 Camp

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

This is an important acclimatization day. You ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) before descending slightly to Moir Hut.

This “climb high, sleep low” approach significantly improves altitude adaptation.

The trail becomes quieter as you enter the northern circuit region.

• Trek time: 6–8 hours
• Distance: ~10 km
• High point: Lava Tower (4,600m+)
• Camp: Moir Hut

Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

You move into the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, an area rarely visited by other trekkers.

The landscape is dry, rocky, and open, with wide views extending toward Kenya.

• Trek time: 5–7 hours
• Distance: ~8 km
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Camp: Buffalo Camp

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

The trek continues along the northern circuit with gradual elevation gain.

This section offers peaceful hiking and panoramic views across the mountain’s vast slopes.

• Trek time: 4–5 hours
• Distance: ~8 km
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Camp: Third Cave Camp

Day 7: Third Cave Camp – School Hut

You begin moving back toward the main summit route. The terrain becomes more exposed and harsher as oxygen levels drop.

This is the final preparation stage before summit night.

• Trek time: 4–5 hours
• Distance: ~5–7 km
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Camp: School Hut

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

This is the summit attempt day.

You begin around midnight, climbing toward Gilman’s Point, then continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

After a short celebration at the summit, you descend back through Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp.

• Trek time: 12–15 hours
• Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
• Camp: Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest. Oxygen levels increase and walking becomes easier.

At Mweka Gate, you receive your official summit certificate.

• Trek time: 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Finish: Mweka Gate

Transfer back to Moshi or Arusha follows.