9-Day Northern Circuit Itinerary

“The Ultimate Acclimatization Route” — The longest route with the highest success rate 🗓️ 9 Days / 8 Nights 📈 Challenging 🏕️ Camping 🎯 97%

$2,650 per person

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Day 1

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

📍 Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)

Distance: 6 km Walking Time: 3–4 hours Elevation Gain: +550m Habitat: Montane Forest

Your journey begins at the Londorossi Gate, where you’ll complete park registration. The trail winds through pristine montane forest, with towering trees and abundant birdlife. The path is gentle and shaded, making for a pleasant introduction to the mountain. You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”) in the afternoon, surrounded by giant forest trees.

🌟 Highlight: Trekking through pristine montane forest with the famous “Big Tree.”

Day 2

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

📍 Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)

Distance: 8 km Walking Time: 5–6 hours Elevation Gain: +1,200m Habitat: Montane Forest / Moorland

The trail climbs steadily out of the forest and onto the Shira Plateau. The vegetation changes dramatically, with giant groundsels and lobelias appearing. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Meru and the expansive Shira Plateau. Shira 2 Camp is set on the plateau with incredible views of Kibo Peak.

🌟 Highlight: Emerging from the forest onto the vast Shira Plateau with views of Mount Meru.

Day 3

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

📍 Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) → Moir Hut (4,200m)

Distance: 7 km Walking Time: 4–5 hours Elevation Gain: +350m Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today you continue across the Shira Plateau, heading towards the Northern Circuit. The trail passes through the Lent Hills and reaches Moir Hut, a remote camp on the northern slopes of Kibo. This is the beginning of the less-traveled northern circuit, offering solitude and stunning views. The camp is perched on a ridge with views over the northern plains.

🌟 Highlight: Entering the remote northern circuit with views over the northern plains.

Day 4

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

📍 Moir Hut (4,200m) → Buffalo Camp (4,020m)

Distance: 12 km Walking Time: 6–7 hours Elevation Gain: -180m (with significant ups and downs) Habitat: Alpine Desert

A long day traversing the northern slopes of Kibo. The trail passes through the scenic Pofu Valley and climbs to Buffalo Ridge, offering spectacular views of the northern landscape. You’ll see the Kibo summit from a completely different perspective. Buffalo Camp is a wild and remote campsite with incredible views.

🌟 Highlight: Traversing Buffalo Ridge with panoramic views of Kibo’s northern face.

Day 5

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp

📍 Buffalo Camp (4,020m) → Third Cave Camp (3,950m)

Distance: 8 km Walking Time: 4–5 hours Elevation Gain: -70m Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today you continue along the northern circuit, passing through the beautiful Rongai Valley. The trail is less steep, allowing you to enjoy the unique landscape of the northern side of the mountain. You’ll have great views of the summit and the Kibo massif. Third Cave Camp is a peaceful campsite with views of the summit.

🌟 Highlight: The peaceful Rongai Valley with views of Kibo’s northern face.

Day 6

Third Cave Camp to School Hut

📍 Third Cave Camp (3,950m) → School Hut (4,800m)

Distance: 5 km Walking Time: 4–5 hours Elevation Gain: +850m Habitat: Alpine Desert

A steady climb up the northern slopes to School Hut, the final camp before summit night. The trail offers incredible views and is less crowded than the southern routes. You’ll cross the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, arriving at School Hut in the afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt.

🌟 Highlight: Crossing the Saddle with views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Day 7

School Hut → Summit → Mweka Camp

📍 School Hut (4,800m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Distance: 9 km (up) + 15 km (down) Walking Time: 6–8 hours up, 4–6 hours down Elevation Gain: +1,095m to peak Habitat: Alpine Desert / Ice Cap

Summit day! You’ll wake around midnight and begin the ascent to the crater rim. From School Hut, you’ll follow the northern approach to the summit, which offers stunning views and is less steep than other routes. After reaching the crater rim at Gilman’s Point, you’ll continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa! After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll descend back to School Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp through the rainforest.

🌟 Highlight: Standing at Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa — watching the sunrise over the continent.

Day 8

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

📍 Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,650m)

Distance: 10 km Walking Time: 3–4 hours Elevation Loss: -1,450m Habitat: Montane Forest

Your final day is a descent through the lush rainforest. The trail can be slippery and muddy, but it’s a joyful walk celebrating your achievement. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and enjoy a well-deserved celebration with your team.

🌟 Highlight: Receiving your summit certificate and celebrating your incredible achievement!

✅ Included

✓ Park fees and permits
✓ All accommodations in mountain tents
✓ All meals during the trek
✓ Experienced mountain guide
✓ Porters for luggage and camping equipment
✓ Tents, sleeping mats, and camping furniture
✓ Drinking water (boiled/filtered)
✓ Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
✓ Summit certificate

❌ Not Included

✗ International flights
✗ Visa fees
✗ Travel insurance (mandatory)
✗ Personal gear (sleeping bag, clothing)
✗ Tips for guide and porters
✗ Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
✗ Hotel stays before/after the trek

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