Northern Circuit – 9 Days (Longest & quietest)
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 → Shira 2 → Moir Hut → Buffalo (Pofu) Camp → Third Cave → School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Mweka/Millennium → Mweka Gate
Trek Types: Private • Small-Group on request • Photographic
Starting Point/End: Moshi or Arusha (hotel pickup/drop-off)
Overview
Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit makes a full 360° traverse around Kibo. It’s the longest and quietest standard route, with the best acclimatization profile and sweeping views of the Shira Plateau, northern valleys, and Mawenzi’s jagged ridges. Extra nights at altitude and “walk high, sleep low” pacing give excellent summit success while keeping daily distances manageable.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa (Rainforest)
Registration and picnic lunch at the west-side gate. Gentle forest hike to Mti Mkubwa; watch for colobus and blue monkeys.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 (Moorland & Plateau Views)
Climb out of forest into heather and moorland. Wide panoramas across the Shira Plateau; camp at Shira 1.
Hike: ~5–6 hrs
Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2 (Acclimatization walk optional)
Easy plateau traverse to Shira 2. Optional afternoon hike toward Cathedral Point to add altitude and aid acclimatization.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs (+1–2 hrs optional)
Day 4: Shira 2 → Moir Hut (Alpine Desert)
Gradual ascent to the lesser-visited Moir Hut nestled below Lent Hills. Optional acclimatization loop on nearby ridges for golden-hour views.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs (+1 hr optional)
Day 5: Moir Hut → Buffalo (Pofu) Camp (Northern Slopes)
Short, steep pull to a ridge, then undulating traverse into the quiet northern valleys. Camp at Buffalo/Pofu with big skies and solitude.
Hike: ~5–6 hrs
Day 6: Buffalo (Pofu) → Third Cave
Continue along the northern traverse with steady gains and losses, ending at Third Cave—a calm, high camp ideal for acclimatization.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs
Day 7: Third Cave → School Hut (Summit Base)
Cross barren alpine desert to School Hut (≈4,750 m). Early dinner, summit briefing, gear check, and rest before the night ascent.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs
Day 8: Summit Day – School Hut → Uhuru Peak → Mweka/Millennium Camp
Midnight start via Gilman’s Point and Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise. Celebrate, descend to Barafu/School Hut area for a hot drink, then continue down the Mweka route to Mweka or Millennium Camp for recovery.
Hike: 13–16 hrs total (ascent + descent)
Day 9: Mweka/Millennium → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha
Final descent through heather and rainforest to Mweka Gate for summit certificates. Private transfer to your hotel—hot shower and celebration.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Safari Booking
Professional mountain team: lead guide(s), assistant guides, cook, and porter crew
Kilimanjaro park/conservation fees and mountain camping fees
Quality camping gear: sleeping tents, dining tent with tables/chairs, sleeping mats
All meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, packed or hot lunches, hot dinners) plus hot drinks
Treated drinking water throughout the trek
Basic medical kit on the mountain (pulse oximeter; supplemental oxygen for emergencies)
Pre-trek briefing and gear check in Moshi/Arusha
Private transfers: hotel ↔ park gates (start and finish)
Summit certificates
International flights and Tanzania visa
Pre/post-trek hotels in Moshi/Arusha (available on request)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, down jacket; rentals available)
Travel insurance (recommended for high-altitude trekking)
Optional upgrades (private toilet tent, single-tent supplement)
Snacks/energy gels, bottled drinks, and personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for the mountain crew
Any services not mentioned as included