The Northen Circuite Route

9-Day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

• Starting Altitude: 2,100m
• Ending Altitude: 2,750m
• Distance: ~8 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Vegetation: Rainforest
• Summary:
  Your adventure begins at Londorossi Gate, where you will start your hike through the lush rainforest. The trail is relatively easy, and you will be able to enjoy the rich biodiversity of the forest. You may spot wildlife such as monkeys and colorful birds along the way. Mti Mkubwa Camp is your first stop for the night, and it offers a peaceful setting surrounded by trees.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

• Starting Altitude: 2,750m
• Ending Altitude: 3,550m
• Distance: ~8 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Vegetation: Rainforest to Heathland
• Summary:
  On Day 2, the trail ascends into the heathland zone, where the vegetation becomes more sparse, with mosses and heathers replacing the dense rainforest. The hike is steady, and you will get your first glimpse of the expansive views across the valleys. Shira 1 Camp is situated on the western side of Kilimanjaro, offering stunning views of Kibo Peak.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

• Starting Altitude: 3,550m
• Ending Altitude: 3,900m
• Distance: ~8 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Vegetation: Heathland
• Summary:
  Day 3 takes you across the Shira Plateau, where the terrain is a combination of rocky outcrops and wild, open spaces. The hike is relatively easy, and you’ll pass through a number of small ridges and valleys. Shira 2 Camp is located at an altitude of 3,900m and offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

• Starting Altitude: 3,900m
• Ending Altitude: 3,950m
• Distance: ~10 km
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Vegetation: Moorland
• Summary:
  Day 4 is a scenic but challenging day as you will be hiking through the moorland zone. The route offers fantastic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. You will ascend and descend several ridges, passing through volcanic rocks and alpine vegetation. Barranco Camp, at an altitude of 3,950m, is located at the base of the Barranco Wall, which is one of the key features of the Northern Circuit.

Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Starting Altitude: 3,950m
• Ending Altitude: 4,035m
• Distance: ~5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Vegetation: Moorland to Alpine Desert
• Summary:
  Day 5 begins with the famous Barranco Wall climb, a steep but short section that is both physically and mentally engaging. Once you’ve conquered the wall, the trail continues to Karanga Camp, which is situated in a high-altitude desert environment. The camp offers great views of the mountain’s peaks, and you will begin to notice the harsher alpine desert landscape.

Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Starting Altitude: 4,035m
• Ending Altitude: 4,640m
• Distance: ~7 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Vegetation: Alpine Desert
• Summary:
  The route to Barafu Camp is a short but steep climb through the alpine desert. The landscape becomes more barren as you gain altitude, and the environment grows more desolate and rocky. Barafu Camp, at an altitude of 4,640m, is the base camp for the summit push. You will rest here, have an early dinner, and get some rest before your midnight departure for the summit.

Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Starting Altitude: 4,640m
• Summit Altitude: 5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
• Ending Altitude: 3,080m
• Distance: ~15 km (Round Trip)
• Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
• Vegetation: Arctic to Moorland
• Summary:
  Summit day begins at midnight with a steep climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The path takes you up through a barren, arctic environment, with high winds and low temperatures. You will pass through Stella Point before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you will begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Starting Altitude: 3,080m
• Ending Altitude: 1,640m
• Distance: ~10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Vegetation: Rainforest
• Summary:
  On the final day, you will descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The descent is much easier than the ascent, and you will have the chance to reflect on your journey. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificate and celebrate your accomplishment. From there, you will be transferred back to your hotel to rest and recover.