The Lemosho Northern Circuit is widely regarded as the most remote and scenic trail on
Kilimanjaro, offering exceptional acclimatisation, panoramic views, and the highest
summit success rate. Beginning in the lush rainforest of the western slopes, it crosses the
Shira Plateau before veering north — away from the crowds — to explore the quieter
northern side of the mountain. With more time to adjust to altitude and fewer trekkers on
the trail, this route provides a deeper connection to the mountain and the best conditions
for a successful summit.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by a Kilimanjaro Mavens representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
In the afternoon, your lead guide will conduct a detailed pre-trek briefing covering the Pole Pole philosophy, safety procedures, altitude awareness, and a full gear inspection. Missing equipment can be rented locally. The day ends with a welcome dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Your adventure begins after breakfast, when your guide collects you from your hotel for
the drive of about 113km/70.5 miles through the western slopes of the mountain to
Lemosho Gate.
After registration and lunch at Lemosho Gate, we begin trekking through dense rainforest.
Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys.
This short trek takes us to Mti Mkubwa, the Big Tree Camp, where we will find the tents
already erected and dinner being prepared in the kitchen tent. A full dinner follows before
we sleep
Elevation: 2,389m to 2,785m | Distance: 4.8km | Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
This second day starts in a rather similar fashion as the first day – a scenic walk beneath
the dense forest canopy. This peaceful forest trek is soon replaced by heath and
moorland as the trail ascends steadily. A moderately steep climb through the forest leads
onto the northern slopes of the Shira Plateau, where expansive views of the mountain
begin to unfold.
On arrival at Shira 1 Camp, we will find our tents erected and lunch awaiting.
Elevation: 2,785m to 3,504m | Distance: 7.19km | Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We cross the Shira Plateau with panoramic views toward Kibo. The trail is gentle but
steadily gains altitude. We pass the Fischer’s picnic area, named after Scott Fischer
who pioneered this route. Moir Hut Camp sits beneath the Moir Ridge, offering a quiet
and remote base for the night.
Optional acclimatisation hikes to the Moir Ridge are available after lunch depending on
the weather and how everyone is feeling at this point.
Elevation: 3,504m to 4,161m | Distance: 10km | Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, a 30-45 minutes uphill trek to
Moir Ridge which gives us a great start of the day. The path crosses a rock field which
takes us to the highest point of today’s hike which is 4402m and gently navigates across
a good number of valleys before reaching Pofu Campsite, located on top of exposed hills
giving you perfect views of the Northern Kilimanjaro and stretching toward Kenya.
From here, it is a gentle trek across remote valleys on the northern slopes of
Kilimanjaro, with views of the rugged terrain and distant plains to Third Cave.
Third Cave Camp lies in a quiet, open area with views of the eastern crater rim.
Elevation: 4,161m to 3,963m | Distance: 17 km | Time: 10 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi,
ascending to School Hut — our base camp for the summit push. The terrain becomes
more barren and lunar as we enter the high alpine zone. Today is a short but steep hike
with a lot of altitude gain which gives us a good taste of tonight’s hike to the summit.
Dinner is served early, and rest is essential before the midnight ascent.
Elevation: 3,936m to 4,717m | Distance: 4.9km | Time: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Night 5: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
We begin the final push around midnight. We ascend in the darkness for several hours
while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Taking about 5-6 hours we will arrive at Gilman’s
Point, right at the edge of the crater rim, and if you started the trek at midnight you will be
able to watch the beautiful sunrise over the Mawenzi Peak.
We continue to Stella Point (5,745m) on the rim of the Kibo crater and from there, we
continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa!
Elevation: 4,717m to 5,895m | Distance: 6km | Time: 7-8 hours
After celebrating at the summit and a brief rest, we continue back down to Barafu Camp
– a tough walk given that you’ve used up almost your entire energy reserves going up. At
Barafu we take breakfast and relax for an hour, before continuing our walk down the
mountain, this time on the Mweka Trail to Mweka Camp. Note that, judging from your
condition after a long and brutal walk to the summit and down to Barafu, your guide will
decide on the final stop of the day between Millennium and Mweka Campsite.
Elevation: 5,895m to 3,106m | Distance: 11.5km | Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A gentle descent through the rainforest to the gate, where we celebrate with your
certificate and a well-earned rest. A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory
lunch and then back to your hotel for you to treat yourselves with warm showers and
cold beers. Your trek is at an end. Your guide will tell you what to do and you will have a
chance to say thanks to the whole team before you part ways.
Elevation: 3,106m to 1,633m | Distance: 9.1km | Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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