Northern Circuit Route

Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (2-3 hours) for registration. Continue by 4x4 to the trailhead. Begin trekking through pristine montane rainforest. Look for colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds. Gentle first day allows you to ease into the trek. Camp at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp).

Leave the rainforest and enter heath and moorland. Climb onto the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth. Spectacular views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru. Camp on the western edge of the plateau. The landscape opens up dramatically.

Easy acclimatization day crossing the Shira Plateau west to east. Otherworldly landscape of vast moorland and volcanic rock formations. Optional afternoon hike to Shira Cathedral (3,900m). Excellent views of Kibo's glaciated summit.

Leave the main trail and head north toward the remote northern slopes. Gradual ascent through alpine desert. Arrive at Moir Hut, a rarely visited camp with stunning views. Optional afternoon acclimatization hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill (4,375m). From here, you'll have the northern circuit almost entirely to yourself.

Traverse the northern slopes with incredible views of the Kenyan plains below. The trail undulates through alpine desert with minimal vegetation. Complete solitude - you may not see another person all day. Buffalo Camp is named for the buffalo that occasionally wander up from the lower slopes. Spectacular sunset views.

Continue traversing the northern slopes, gradually descending. The landscape is wild and pristine. Excellent views of Mawenzi Peak's dramatic spires. Third Cave Camp is situated in a sheltered valley. This descent day aids acclimatization before the final push to base camp.

Climb steadily to School Hut, the base camp for summit attempts via the northern circuit. The landscape is barren, lunar-like alpine desert. Arrive early afternoon. Rest, hydrate, and eat an early dinner. Prepare gear for summit night. Try to sleep. Wake around 11pm for summit attempt. You're now perfectly acclimatized after 7 days.

Summit day! Begin around 11pm. Climb steadily through scree to Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim at sunrise. Continue along the crater rim for 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - the Roof of Africa! Thanks to excellent acclimatization, you have a 98% chance of success. Descend to School Hut for brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the rainforest. Long but rewarding day.

Final descent through lush rainforest. Muddy and slippery - trekking poles recommended. Arrive at Mweka Gate for registration and summit certificate. Celebrate with your crew and distribute tips. Transfer back to Moshi for hot shower, massage, and celebration dinner. Reflect on your incredible 9-day journey around Africa's highest peak.