9 Days Northern Circuit

A 4WD transfer will take you to Londorossi Park Gate for registration, where the adventure begins. After our porters prepare and pack all necessary supplies and luggage, we start the ascent along the forest trail towards Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite, located at an altitude of 2895 meters. This campsite is nestled within the lush forest, providing an excellent spot to rest and acclimatize as we spend the night here.

Our journey continues eastward, crossing the expansive Shira Plateau, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the iconic Shira Cathedral. As we move across moorland meadows, we make our way to Shira 1 Camp, located at 3500 meters. Here, we'll enjoy a warm dinner and set up camp for the night. As the altitude increases, the temperatures will drop, and it may fall below freezing, making it a colder night compared to the previous one. From this vantage point, we will also begin to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach.

Today, we embark on an exciting trek to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a massive buttress of rock surrounded by dramatic spires and pinnacles. The sense of wilderness here is truly palpable, especially when the afternoon mists roll in, adding to the area's mysterious and untouched atmosphere. From our camp near Shira Hut, we are treated to unforgettable views of Mt. Meru, which adds to the awe-inspiring beauty of this remote part of the mountain. This trek offers both a physical challenge and an incredible chance to immerse ourselves in nature’s raw splendor.

Leaving the moorland behind, we embark on a gentle walk across the high-altitude Shira Caldera, taking in the breathtaking views along the way. Our destination is Shira Cave, a serene spot with incredible vistas of Arrow Glacier. The calm and stunning surroundings make this a memorable stop as we prepare to camp for the night at an altitude of 4200m. The night will be colder, but the beauty of the landscape will more than make up for the chill.

We begin by climbing out of the Moir Valley and take a brief detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills at 4700m. From here, we’ll pause to enjoy the panoramic views before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The trail continues eastward, with some undulating sections, leading us to the peaceful and scenic Pofu Camp, where we’ll set up for the night. It’s a serene spot, offering a great opportunity to relax and acclimatize.

From Pofu Camp, we cross several small valleys as we continue on the trail. The landscape becomes more rugged and sparse, with vegetation thinning out as we gain altitude. As we make our way through this remote terrain, we will eventually reach Third Cave Camp, which is situated at a higher elevation. This camp offers a peaceful setting for the night, providing a great chance to rest and prepare for the next stages of the trek.

Today’s trek involves a steady ascent as we make our way towards the Saddle, a barren, lunar-like landscape between the majestic peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The stark beauty of this area offers unique views, with the vast expanse creating a sense of otherworldliness. After crossing the Saddle, we continue upwards and arrive at School Hut by early afternoon. The remainder of the day will be spent resting, acclimatizing, and preparing mentally for the challenging summit climb ahead. This crucial rest time will help ensure that you're ready for the final push to the top.

The final and most demanding part of the climb begins around 1 a.m. We will follow a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree, gradually making our way to the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Here, we take a brief rest to catch our breath and witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi, marking a moment of triumph. From Gillman’s Point, we continue the ascent to Uhuru Peak, passing by the awe-inspiring glaciers and ice cliffs that dominate the summit area. After taking in the views and celebrating your achievement, we retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point. We then begin our descent through Barafu Camp, where our porters will meet us with a packed lunch. After refueling, we continue our descent, eventually reaching Millennium Camp to rest for the night.

On your final day of the trek, we depart after breakfast and begin our descent of 1300 meters to Mweka Park Gate. Upon arrival, you will receive your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters as a recognition of your achievement. Afterward, we will transfer you back to your hotel where you can enjoy a refreshing shower and celebrate your incredible accomplishment.

After a well-deserved night’s rest, we will bid you farewell. If you have arranged airport transfers or a safari/Zanzibar trip with us, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey. Safe travels!