Northern Circuit 9 Days trek to Uhuru Peak
The Northern Circuit Route is celebrated as one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s premier trekking trails, with a very high chance of making it to the summit of Kilimanjaro, offering an extraordinary journey to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 feet. This route stands out for its nearly 360-degree vistas, showcasing the mountain’s diverse and stunning landscapes, including the serene and seldom-visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, spanning approximately 88 kilometers (53 miles), it provides trekkers with extended acclimatization time, contributing to its impressive summit success rate of 95-98% over 9 days. Starting from the west with a drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, the trek winds through lush rainforests, crosses the expansive Shira Plateau, circles northward through remote wilderness, and culminates in a challenging summit ascent from the east, followed by a descent via the Mweka route. Below is a detailed, original 9-day itinerary crafted to guide you through this remarkable adventure.
Itinerary Overview
- Duration: 9 days
- Distance: ~88 km (53 miles)
- Difficulty: Challenging, with excellent acclimatization opportunities
- Main Theme: Trek to Uhuru Peak, emphasizing scenic beauty and summit success
9 days Northern Circuit Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Your adventure to the summit, Uhuru Peak, kicks off with a scenic 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll handle registration formalities. After a short transfer to the Lemosho trailhead, the trek begins through a vibrant rainforest teeming with towering trees and wildlife sounds. The gentle trail leads to Mti Mkubwa, your first campsite, nestled amid the forest’s embrace, offering a tranquil start to the 9-day trek using the Northern Circuit Route.
Day 1 Trek Overview
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the dense rainforest, you’ll transition into a savannah-like expanse of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks adorned with lichen. The path ascends through rolling hills, crossing babbling streams, and climbs to Shira Ridge. A gentle descent brings you to Shira 1 Camp, where the majestic Kibo peak looms into view across the vast Shira Plateau, hinting at the challenge ahead.
Day 2 Trek Overview
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
This day offers a leisurely exploration of the Shira Plateau, one of the world’s highest plateaus. Heading east across moorland dotted with wildflowers and distinctive Senecio trees, you’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp. The short trek allows time to soak in the plateau’s unique beauty and adjust to the increasing altitude in the heath zone.
Day 3 Trek Overview
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut (Acclimatization)
The trek intensifies as you ascend a ridge eastward, then veer southeast toward the striking Lava Tower, a 300-foot volcanic monolith piercing the alpine desert. After marveling at this geological wonder, you’ll detour to Moir Hut, a quiet campsite at the foot of Lent Hills. This strategic stop enhances acclimatization for this 9 day trek, with optional short walks available to explore the surrounding rugged terrain.
Day 4 Trek Overview
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles) per segment
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Departing Moir Valley, you’ll tackle a moderate climb to the top of Lent Hills, enjoying panoramic views before reconnecting with the main trail. The path weaves through rocky fields and rolling terrain, leading to Buffalo Camp. Positioned with sweeping vistas of the northern plains stretching toward the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, this campsite offers a sense of solitude in Kilimanjaro’s wild expanse.
Day 5 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 13,200 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Climbing Buffalo Ridge, the landscape grows stark and sparse, immersing you in the mountain’s untamed northern slopes. This rarely trodden route takes you through secluded valleys, evoking a true wilderness experience, before reaching Third Cave. The day’s trek highlights the Northern Circuit’s unique appeal—its quiet, pristine beauty.
Day 6 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
A steady ascent leads you across the “Saddle,” a high pass between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, offering stark, otherworldly views. Arriving at the basecamp for summiting Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak along the 9-day Northern Circuit Route, School Hut, you’ll settle in for an early dinner and rest, preparing for the gruelling summit push. This camp serves as your launchpad for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 7 Trek Overview
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Summit Day)
The summit day begins around midnight, launching the trek’s most demanding phase. Battling frigid temperatures and fierce winds, you’ll climb in darkness, pausing briefly to maintain stamina. Reaching Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak greets you, fueling the final push to Uhuru Peak. Standing atop Africa’s roof, you’ll savor the triumph before descending to Mweka Camp via a rocky trail, with a lunch stop at Barafu. Trekking poles are advised for the knee-jarring descent into the misty upper forest.
Day 8 Trek Overview
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles) ascent, 12 km (7 miles) descent
Habitat: Arctic (ascent), Rain Forest (descent)
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent winds through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where the trail may turn muddy and slick. After reaching the gate, a vehicle transports you back to Moshi, where you’ll receive your summit certificate—a testament to your incredible achievement.
Day 9 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Northern Circuit Highlights and Tips
Scenic Diversity: Experience rainforests, heath zones, alpine deserts, and arctic conditions, all framed by unparalleled views.
Acclimatization Advantage: The 9-day duration maximises altitude adaptation, boosting summit success.
Summit Challenge: Day 8’s longer distance and extreme conditions demand physical and mental resilience.
Gear Essentials: Trekking poles aid the descent, and sturdy footwear is vital for wet lower elevations.
This 9-day Northern Circuit itinerary to the summit of Kilimanjaro blends adventure, natural splendour, and strategic pacing, making it an ideal path to conquer Uhuru Peak while immersing yourself in Kilimanjaro’s majestic wilderness. That is why we love this route. For more information about the Northern Circuit Route, please visit www.northerncircuitroute.com
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