Northern Circuit Route

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Start your trek at Londorossi Gate (2,100m) and hike through dense rainforest, enjoying the rich biodiversity. Look out for monkeys and exotic birds. Camp overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m).

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes less steep as you cross open fields and rocky landscapes. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), with stunning views of the Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Enjoy a gradual ascent across the plateau, with opportunities to explore the unique plant life and dramatic scenery. Acclimatize as you hike to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), where you’ll get excellent views of Kibo Peak.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Hut
Climb to Moir Hut (4,200m), passing through rugged terrain with fewer crowds. This is a great day for acclimatization and exploration, as optional short hikes around Moir Hut offer excellent vantage points.

Day 5: Moir Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m) for acclimatization, then descend into the Barranco Valley. Enjoy views of the stunning Barranco Wall and camp overnight at Barranco Camp (3,950m).

Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Climb the famous Barranco Wall, a fun scramble that rewards you with breathtaking views at the top. Continue through alpine desert to Karanga Camp (4,200m), where you’ll spend the night.

Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Make your way to Barafu Camp (4,600m) over rocky terrain. Take in the glaciers and prepare for your final ascent. Rest early as the summit attempt begins just before midnight.

Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Gate
Start your climb around midnight under the stars. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) by sunrise and celebrate your incredible achievement. Descend past Barafu to Mweka Gate (1,640m), where you’ll receive your summit certificate and bid farewell to Kilimanjaro.

This 8-day Northern Circuit offers an unforgettable adventure with stunning views, gradual acclimatization, and a less crowded experience.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Begin your trek at Londorossi Gate (2,100m). Hike through the lush rainforest, spotting wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds. Set up camp for the night at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m).

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Leave the rainforest behind as you ascend into the moorland zone. Trek through open terrain with expansive views of the Shira Plateau. Camp overnight at Shira 1 Camp (3,610m).

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Enjoy a leisurely hike across the Shira Plateau, taking in its unique vegetation and stunning scenery. Spend the night at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), acclimatizing further and enjoying the serene surroundings.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Hut
Trek to Moir Hut (4,200m), passing through rugged, rocky landscapes. This is a great spot for acclimatization, with optional side hikes offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 5: Moir Hut – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), an iconic feature of Kilimanjaro, for further acclimatization. Afterward, descend into the scenic Barranco Valley. Spend the night at Barranco Camp (3,950m), with the Barranco Wall towering above you.

Day 6: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Climb the impressive Barranco Wall, a fun and rewarding scramble with incredible views. Traverse through alpine desert to Karanga Camp (4,200m), where you’ll rest and acclimatize.

Day 7: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Make your way to Barafu Camp (4,600m), the final base camp before the summit attempt. Prepare for the challenging climb ahead and get an early night’s rest.

Day 8: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp
Begin your summit push around midnight, climbing under a star-lit sky. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) by sunrise and celebrate your achievement at the top of Africa. Descend to Millennium Camp (3,820m) for a well-deserved rest.

Day 9: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate
Trek through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Reflect on your incredible journey as you receive your summit certificate and bid farewell to the mountain.

This 9-day Northern Circuit provides ample time for acclimatization, a less crowded experience, and breathtaking scenery, ensuring a successful and memorable climb.