
The 9 day Northern Circuit “daytime summit” route is a variation of the 8 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.
The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. It also has one of the longest acclimatization times. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended.
9 DAY NORTHERN CIRCUIT (DAYTIME SUMMIT) ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
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 Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Heath
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. 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 4 – Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 13,200 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 5 – Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
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 6 – Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 make camp, rest and enjoy dinner while preparing for the summit day.
DAY 7 – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Uhuru Peak to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
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Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Arctic
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Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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 8 – Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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 9 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
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.
Daytime Summit Routes vs. Standard Routes
On standard Kilimanjaro routes, climbers usually begin their hike to the summit around midnight. For several hours, they ascend in the dark throughout the night. After 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) of elevation gain, climbers reach the top typically between 7AM and 9AM. Then, they descend 9,000 feet (2,740 meters) to the final campsite, typically located at an elevation of about 10,000 feet (3,050 meters). This entire day is very long and potentially exhausting. For most, it’s a 15-17 hour day on the trail, including breaks and meals.
In contrast, the daytime summit routes begin in the morning. Climbers ascend during normal daylight hours and typically summit by early afternoon. Then, they descend only 4,000 feet (1,220 meters) to high camp, or approximately 15,000 feet (4,570 meters). This is the key adjustment that makes the daylight summit possible, as less time is needed for the descent. Overall, the hiking time on summit day is shorter, about 9-12 hours.
However, to make up for the shorter summit day, an extra day is needed to complete the descent. Therefore, the daytime summit variants are one day longer than the standard itinerary.