6 Nights
This 7-day itinerary combines the scenic and remote qualities of the Northern Circuit with a manageable timeline for a rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft | Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. Begin the hike through dense rainforest, with lush vegetation and wildlife like colobus monkeys and birds.Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for your first night on the mountain.
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft | Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Continue through the rainforest, transitioning into the moorland zone with its open landscapes and heather. Cross several ridges as you climb steadily towards the Shira Plateau. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll enjoy your first expansive views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft | Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Trek across the Shira Plateau, a vast, open expanse offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After a rest at Shira 2 Camp, continue ascending to Moir Hut, a less crowded camp situated near the base of Lent Hills. This is a great place for short acclimatization hikes in the afternoon.
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 13,200 ft | Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Begin the trek along the Northern Circuit, a remote and quieter route around Kilimanjaro. The trail gently undulates, offering stunning views of Kenya’s plains and Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. Arrive at Buffalo Camp, where you’ll overnight in the serene alpine desert environment.
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,800 ft |Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours |Habitat: Alpine Desert
Continue the trek along the northern slopes, with breathtaking views of the wilderness below. The trail has minor ups and downs, making it less demanding but still engaging. Arrive at Third Cave, where you’ll prepare for your summit push in the coming days.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 10,065 ft | Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-14 hours | Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
The summit day starts around midnight. The ascent is steep, but you’ll make steady progress through switchbacks. As dawn breaks, you’ll reach Stella Point (18,900 ft), where you can catch a glimpse of the sunrise before continuing the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before heading further down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 5,380 ft | Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Descend through the moorland and rainforest, enjoying your last views of the mountain. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, collect your summit certificate and drive back to Moshi for celebrations.
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