This route is also known as the Northern Circuit or Alternative Lemosho Route. This route starts on the western side of the mountain then winds around the north side before ascending up to Uhuru Peak from the east. Climbers have a great chance to experience lots of things. The descent is down the Mweka Route. It can be done from 8+ days but best done in 8 or 9 days. This route gets increasingly popular because of the good acclimatization and it is quite scenic. Right now this route is not crowded at all.
Day 0 – Arrival in Arusha
Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport → transfer to hotel in Arusha.
Trek briefing & equipment check with guide.
Accommodation: The Charity Hotel (Standard)
Meals: Dinner.
Day 1 – Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 m)
Start at Londorossi Gate (2,100 m), same as Lemosho Route.
Registration with park authorities, drive to trailhead.
Trek through rainforest; possible wildlife sightings (elephants, giraffes, buffalos).
Hiking Time: ~5 hrs
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira Camp I (3,610 m)
Final stretch of rainforest, then into low alpine moorland.
Gradual ascent onto Shira Plateau.
Hiking Time: ~5 hrs
Accommodation: Shira Camp I
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3 – Shira Camp I → Moir Camp (4,200 m)
Cross Shira Plateau to Shira Camp II.
Continue east to Shira Ridge → Lava Tower (4,600 m) → descend to Moir Camp.
Hiking Time: ~4 hrs
Accommodation: Moir Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4 – Moir Camp → Pofu (Buffalo) Camp (4,020 m)
Steep climb out of Moir Valley (optional detour to Little Lent Hill – 4,375 m).
Follow the Grand Traverse trail along northern slopes of Kibo.
Panoramic views of the plains toward the Kenya/Tanzania border.
Hiking Time: ~7 hrs
Accommodation: Pofu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 5 – Pofu Camp → Rongai Third Cave (3,800 m)
Ascend Buffalo Ridge, traverse east along northern slopes.
Shorter day for acclimatization; arrive mid-afternoon.
Hiking Time: ~7 hrs
Accommodation: Rongai Third Cave
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6 – Third Cave → School Hut (4,800 m)
Steady climb over the Saddle (between Kibo & Mawenzi).
Continue to School Hut – early dinner, early rest before summit push.
Hiking Time: ~5 hrs
Accommodation: School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 7 – Summit Attempt: School Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Millennium Camp (3,950 m)
Midnight start with tea & biscuits.
Steep ascent via Hans Meyer Cave → Gilman’s Point (5,681 m).
Continue to Uhuru Peak – the roof of Africa.
Descend via Stella Point → Barafu Camp → Millennium Camp.
Hiking Time: ~12 hrs
Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 8 – Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
Short rainforest trek to exit gate.
Sign-out with park authorities, receive summit certificate:
Gold for Uhuru Peak, Green for Gilman’s Point.
Let KARIBU ZNZ transform your dream African holiday into reality. With our experienced team, modern fleet, and passion for excellence, your journey through Tanzania will be nothing short of extraordinary. Contact us today to begin planning your unforgettable African adventure.
Karibu – Welcome to Tanzania!
Receive travel ideas, destination guides, and inspiration directly in your inbox.
© 2025 KaribuZNZ by OWI. All rights reserved.
