Lemosho Northern Circuit Route

The northern circuit route on Mount Kilimanjaro begins at Lemosho Gate and initially follows the same path as the Lemosho route. However, after crossing the Shira Plateau, it veers north near Lava Tower, taking the longer northern circuit instead of the more popular southern circuit via Barranco Valley. This route is known for its longer duration, allowing climbers more time for acclimatization and the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking scenic views. The northern circuit traverses the entire mountain and offers the highest acclimatization profile, resulting in a higher summit success rate. Considered one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, it is ideal for backpackers who prefer longer treks and desire a unique experience. Furthermore, the northern circuit is also favored by those who wish to escape the crowds and enjoy a more secluded Kilimanjaro adventure.

0 Day;Pre -Trekking Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha,Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1 - Lemosho Gate - Mti Mkubwa Camp

Your drive will pick you at 7:30 then you will drive for 3 hours to Lemosho Glades where we complete registration formalities.The Lemosho route offers a breathtaking experience right from the start. On the first day, trekkers are immersed in the pristine and exquisite beauty of the forest. This route, being less crowded, provides a higher chance of encountering wildlife compared to others. After a day of trekking, we reach Mti Mkubwa, the Big Tree Camp, Upon arrival, you will find your tent already set up and a delightful snack waiting for you. A delicious dinner is served, followed by a serene night's sleep surrounded by the sounds of the forest. Monkeys can be heard calling and the melodious chirping of the turaco bird fills the air, creating a peaceful ambiance. All of this takes place under the majestic branches of a magnificent old podocarpus tree.

Elevation; 2100m - 2820m
Habitat; Rain Forest
Distance; 5KM
Hiking Time; 3-4 hour

Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa Camp - Shira 1.

On the second day of the Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, the journey continues through the rainforest for a few hours. As the trail ascends, it leads out of the forest zone and into the moorland, also known as the low alpine zone. The landscape undergoes a transformation, with tall trees giving way to small, scrubby bushes and heather. Being at a higher altitude now, you are treated to your first glimpse of the breathtaking views that lie ahead. Your camp for the night is Shira 1, located on the western side of the Shira plateau at an elevation of 3500 meters. By this point, you will have covered approximately 13 kilometers on foot.

Elevation; 2820m - 3500m
Habitat; Rain Forest & Moorland
Distance; 8KM
Hiking Time; 5-6 hours

Day 3, Shira 1 - Moir Hut.

Today, as we leave Shira 1 camp, our journey takes us through the picturesque Shira Plateau. The initial part of our hike will be on level terrain, allowing us to appreciate the surrounding beauty at a leisurely pace. As we progress, the trail gradually inclines, offering us a mild uphill challenge. Along the way, we will encounter a variety of unique high-altitude plants, adding to the enchantment of our expedition. After approximately six hours of trekking, we will reach our destination, Moir Hut camp. If conditions permit and we still have enough energy, we may embark on a short evening hike to practice the principle of "climb high, sleep low". This technique allows us to acclimatize better to the altitude and enhances our overall climbing experience.

Elevation; 3500m - 4140m
Habitat; Health & Moorland
Distance; 9.4 KM
Hiking Time; 6 hours

Day 4,Moir Hut - Pofu Camp.

Today's trek involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Along the way, trekkers have the option to take a small detour and summit Little Lent Hill, reaching an elevation of 4,375 meters, before returning to the Northern Circuit Trail. The route then continues with a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo. As you make your way towards Pofu Camp at 4,020 meters, the trek offers stunning views of the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro, stretching all the way to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Arriving at Pofu Camp just after midday, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved lunch and rest after a long day of hiking.

Elevation; 4140 m- 4020m
Habitat; High Alpine
Distance; 7 KM
Hiking Time; 5 - 6 hours

Day 5, Pofu Camp - Rongai Third Cave.

After ascending the Pofu Camp Ridge, the trek continues eastward along the northern slopes until reaching the Rongai Third Cave, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters. This segment of the journey is shorter than the previous day, allowing for a more comfortable experience as you should now be acclimatized to the high altitude. By mid-afternoon, you will arrive at the Third Cave and spend the night there, taking advantage of the tranquil surroundings and the magnificent views.

Elevation; 4020m - 3800m
Habitat; High Alpine
Distance; 8 KM
Hiking Time; 2 - 3 hours

Day 6, Rongai Third Cave - School Hut.

Today's trek involves a gradual ascent up and over the saddle that lies between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. As you continue walking southwest, you will reach School Hut. Upon arrival, a hearty dinner will be served, followed by a well-deserved rest. However, don't get too comfortable as you will be awakened at midnight to begin your summit attempt. It's crucial to prepare all your equipment, such as warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera, before retiring for the night. Make sure you have everything you need to conquer the challenging summit ahead.

Elevation; 3800m - 4800m
Habitat; Alpine Desert
Distance; 5 KM
Hiking Time; 4 - 5 hours

Day 7, School Hut - Summit - Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning, around midnight, we embark on our challenging journey to reach the summit. This part of the trek is both mentally and physically demanding. The wind and cold at this altitude and time of day can be extreme. We climb in darkness for several hours, taking short breaks along the way. At Gilman's Point, located at 18,600 feet, a spectacular sunrise awaits, surpassing any other you have ever seen, as it emerges over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. From the summit, we begin our descent, going straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are recommended.

Elevation; Elevation; 4020m - 3800m
Habitat; Glacial Zone and all preceding zones
Distance; 6KM up - 11.5KM down
Hiking Time; 6-8 hours up - 5-8 hours down

Day 8, Mweka Hut - Mweka Gate

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we proceed with our descent towards Mweka Gate, where we take a moment to sign the official Kilimanjaro National Park register. With a sense of achievement, we are then treated to a refreshing cold drink and are proudly presented with our official Kilimanjaro certificates by our knowledgeable head guide. Excitement fills the air as we make our way to the bus that will transport us back to our hotel in Arusha. The two-hour drive back is filled with joyous anticipation of a long-awaited hot shower, a delicious dinner, and well-deserved celebrations. We reflect on the incredible journey we just completed, cherishing the memories and the sense of accomplishment that will forever be etched in our minds.