Kilimanjaro 360 9-day Via Northern Circuit

We depart Moshi/Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then we will drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.

Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft.
Distance: 6 km/4 miles.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Rain Forest.

This will be our second day on the Kilimanjaro mountain, we will see us travel over the massive Shira Plateau, the eroded remains of the third and most ancient of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic vents.
We will continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards.
As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Your first day for acclimatization, spend the day exploring the Shira Plateau and becoming better accustomed to the mountain altitude.
An easy day of hiking, you’ll make your way to Shira 2 Camp through sun-dappled meadows and the otherworldly Senecio forest.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath

After breakfast, you will set off to climb the Lava Tower (4,640m). After ascending 700m to the Lava Tower, you’ll change your direction to the Moir Hut for overnight.

For those wanting some extra exercise and acclimatization, there are a number of short hikes that can be taken in the nearby Lent Hills.
DAY 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Lava Tower to Moir Hut.

Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
Distance: 7 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We will trek out of Moir Valle with a slightly steep climb, then we will hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.

Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

You’ll begin your day by heading up Buffalo Ridge. This is truly wild country, as you’ll feel like the only people on the mountain as you trek through this sparse terrain.
Trekking through remote valleys and windswept terrain, you’ll overnight on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. We will continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters).
After arriving at School Hut we will be served an early dinner and then you should get a rest before awoken up at midnight to start your summit attempt.

Note: Prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera before going to bed.

Climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. Then continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

You will your day early today, 1am just after midnight.

Your crew will wake you with a cup of hot tea and a light snack for energy as you get dressed and prepare your daypack for the adventure ahead.

Hike in utter darkness for the next 5-7 hours, so we advice you to take it slow and you’ll arrive at Stella Point a few hours before dawn. From here, there’s another two hours of intense hiking before you reach your ultimate goal: the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak.
Standing at 5,985m, you’ll be able to experience a spectacular sunrise and take in the panoramic view. You’ve done it! celebrate, take pictures and make memories.

After snapping your photos and soaking it all in, you’ll begin the descent back down towards Barafu Camp, where you’ll stop for lunch and some celebration.

After a bit of rest, you’ll continue down to Mweka Camp for overnight.

The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak.
Our vehicles will be waiting for drive us back to the Hotel in Arusha or Moshi.