8 Days Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100m), sharing its start with the Lemosho Route. After registration, drive through the forest to the trailhead. Trek through pristine montane forest on Kilimanjaro's remote western slopes. The forest is rich with wildlife including monkeys, birds, and occasional elephant tracks. The atmosphere is peaceful and untouched compared to busier routes. Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) sits among giant camphor trees in a beautiful forest clearing, perfect for your first night on the mountain.

Climb out of the forest into moorland and heather zones. The trail becomes more open with expanding views as you gain altitude. Cross the Shira Ridge and emerge onto the spectacular Shira Plateau. The landscape transformation is dramatic - from dense forest to open high-altitude plateau in a few hours. Wildlife sightings are possible on this remote trail. Shira Camp 1 (3,500m) offers spectacular sunset views across the plateau toward Kibo Peak, giving you a sense of the journey ahead.

Trek northward across and around the Shira Plateau, taking a different path than other routes. The trail gradually climbs toward the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, an area few climbers visit. Pass through unique rock formations and ancient lava flows. The landscape is wild and remote with panoramic views. Moir Hut (4,200m) sits in a beautiful valley beneath dramatic cliffs on the northern slopes. This camp offers excellent acclimatization opportunities with optional afternoon hikes to view points.

Continue the northern traverse around Kilimanjaro, a section unique to this route. Trek through stark alpine desert with views north to Kenya and west across vast plains. The trail is remote and quiet, offering a true wilderness experience. You cross several small ridges and valleys as you work eastward. Pofu Camp (4,020m) sits in a sheltered valley on the northern flank. The camp is basic but the solitude and views are spectacular. This continued gradual acclimatization contributes to the route's high success rate.

Continue the traverse around the northern slopes, passing through more remote alpine desert. The landscape is austere and beautiful with volcanic rock formations. You may see interesting plant adaptations to the extreme environment. Begin to approach the junction with the Rongai Route. Third Cave Camp (3,936m) sits in a relatively protected location. The camp offers good shelter and the slightly lower altitude aids acclimatization before the final push to School Hut.

Trek across the high-altitude desert known as the "Saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape is lunar-like, covered in volcanic scree with no vegetation. Views of both peaks are spectacular. The altitude is very noticeable and slow walking is essential. School Hut (4,750m), also called Kibo Hut, sits at the base of the summit cone. This is your final camp before the summit attempt. Rest, hydrate well, check all equipment, eat early dinner, and sleep before the midnight summit push. The anticipation builds as you prepare for the ultimate challenge.

Begin around midnight for the summit push. Climb slowly through darkness toward Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. The scree path is steep and each step is laborious in the thin air. Reaching Gilman's Point at sunrise is magical as light illuminates the glaciers and crater. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa's highest point. The achievement is overwhelming - you've conquered the Roof of Africa via its longest route! After summit photos, begin the long descent past School Hut to Barafu briefly, then continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m) in the forest zone. This extremely long day requires all your reserves but the success feels incredible.

The final descent through montane rainforest to Mweka Gate. The lush vegetation and bird life are a welcome change from the barren summit zone. The trail winds downward through beautiful forest, potentially muddy but manageable. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and oxygen-rich - breathing feels easy again. At Mweka Gate (1,640m), sign out and receive your summit certificate - gold for Uhuru Peak. Your transport awaits to return you to your hotel. Celebrate your incredible achievement - you've completed the longest and most remote route on Kilimanjaro!