Northern Circuit
The longest way around. Remote valleys on the north side, and more time to acclimatize.
$2,400per person
Itinerary
Mountain tents — four-season, double occupancy.
These are examples. We change the days to fit your pace.
Day 01
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
- Distance
- 6 km
- Time
- 3–4 hrs
About four hours to Londorossi Gate for entry formalities, then the Lemosho trailhead. Undisturbed forest to the first camp.
TonightMti Mkubwa Camp
Day 02
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1
- Distance
- 8 km
- Time
- 5–6 hrs
Out of the rainforest into savannah — tall grasses, heather, volcanic rock with lichen. Over Shira Ridge, then gently down to Shira 1. First glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
TonightShira 1 Camp
Day 03
Shira 1 to Shira 2
- Distance
- 7 km
- Time
- 3–4 hrs
A gentle walk east across the moorland meadow. Wildflowers and senecio trees.
TonightShira 2 Camp
Day 04
Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
- Distance
- 14 km
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
A ridge, then southeast to Lava Tower — a 300-foot volcanic rock. Off the main trail to Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills. Quiet, good for acclimatization. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest on earth.
TonightMoir Hut
Day 05
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Distance
- 12 km
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
Out of Moir Valley, up Lent Hills, back to the main trail. Across a rock field to Buffalo Camp. Views north across the plains to the Kenyan border.
TonightBuffalo Camp
Day 06
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
- Distance
- 8 km
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
Buffalo Ridge, then sparse ground. This part is rarely walked. Remote valleys on the northern slopes to Third Cave.
TonightThird Cave
Day 07
Third Cave to School Hut
- Distance
- 5 km
- Time
- 4–5 hrs
Steadily over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. Rest and an early dinner. Summit night next.
TonightSchool Hut
Day 08
Summit — School Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Distance
- 6 km up, 12 km down
- Time
- 10–14 hrs
- Altitude
- 5,895 m
Midnight. Wind and cold. Gilman’s Point for the sunrise over Mawenzi, then Uhuru Peak. Straight down to Mweka, with lunch at Barafu. Rocky on the knees. Last dinner on the mountain.
TonightMweka Camp
Day 09
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Distance
- 10 km
- Time
- 3–4 hrs
Down to Mweka Gate for the certificates. It can be wet and muddy. A vehicle from Mweka Village back to Janibichi.
Other routes
Marangu Route
The traditional route. Huts, good views of Mawenzi, and the one you can join as a solo traveller.
Starts from
$1,400
Per person
Machame Route
The most beautiful route. Forest, then the Shira Plateau, Kibo and the western breach.
Starts from
$1,650
Per person
Lemosho Route
A quieter start on the west side. More time on the Shira Plateau, and a better chance at the summit.
Starts from
$1,880
Per person