The 10 day Northern Circuit “daytime summit” route is a variation of the 9 day Northern Circuit route with the following change. It shortens the summit day by beginning the summit bid in the daytime and descending and staying at Barafu Camp (instead of Mweka Camp). This variation eliminates the midnight summit attempt, which is typically very cold and windy, but uses an additional day to complete the descent.

As the longest Kilimanjaro route, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended.

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10 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT (DAYTIME SUMMIT) ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

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

DAY 2 – Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp

We 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.

DAY 3 – Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.

DAY 4 – Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut

We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 5 – Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then 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.

DAY 6 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.

DAY 7 – Third Cave to School Hut

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

DAY 8 – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp

In the morning light, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We ascend for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Upon reaching the crater rim, you arrive at Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), with the summit within striking distance. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we make our descent to Barafu Camp, where we celebrate our achievement and enjoy a well-earned sleep.

DAY 9 – Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp

We make our descent going straight down to Mweka Camp, which is situated in the upper forest. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Later in the evening, we have our last dinner on the mountain.

DAY 10 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle takes us back to the hotel in Moshi, where we receive our summit certificates.