Northern Circuit RouteKilimanjaro

We keep moving along the trail that exits the rain forest and enters a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock covered in lichen beards. We reach the Shira Ridge before descending gently to Shira 1 Camp as we ascend through the verdant rolling hills and cross several streams. Here, across the plateau, we catch our first glimpse of Kibo.

We go hiking on the Shira Plateau. A leisurely stroll through moorland meadows leads to Shira 2 Camp. In the heath zone, there are numerous wildflowers and distinctive Senecio trees.

We continue eastward along a ridge before turning southeastward in the direction of the 300-foot-tall Lava Tower, a volcanic rock formation. Then we leave the main trail and head off to Moir Hut, a remote location at the foot of Lent Hills. Lent Hills offers a wide range of walks, making this a fantastic chance to acclimate. One of the highest plateaus on the planet is the Shira Plateau.

Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

Lava Tower to Moir Hut

We climb out of Moir Valley before continuing on to the top of Lent Hills and then returning to the main trail. Before arriving at Buffalo Camp, the path passes through a field of rocks and gently sways. Great views of the plains that extend to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border and are located north of Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen from this part of the trail.

The terrain becomes more sparse as we climb Buffalo Ridge. We will enjoy the feeling of being in a mountain wilderness along this rarely traveled route. Up until we reach Third Cave, we hike through isolated valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.

Our ascent is steady as we cross the “Saddle,” which separates Kibo and Mawenzi. We proceed to School Hut, where we will camp. After arriving, we take a nap and eat a light dinner to get ready for the summit day.

We start the ascent very early in the morning (around midnight). The hardest part of the trek both physically and mentally is this section. At this altitude and time of day, the wind and cold can be very strong. We climb in the dark for several hours, stopping frequently but only briefly. You will be rewarded with the most breathtaking sunrise you are ever likely to see approaching Mawenzi Peak at Gilman’s Point (18,600 feet). Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, which is both Mount Kilimanjaro’s and Africa’s highest point.

We now begin our descent from the summit, going straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite while stopping at Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles are helpful because the trail is very rocky and can be quite taxing on the knees. Due to its location in the upper forest, Mweka Camp may experience late-afternoon mist or rain. We have our final meal on the mountain later in the evening before a well-earned rest.

School Hut to Uhuru Peak

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

We continue the descent to Mweka Gate on our final day, where we pick up the summit certificates. It might be muddy and wet at lower altitudes. We travel another hour to Mweka Village from the gate. We’ll be picked up by a car at Mweka Village and taken back to our Moshi hotel.