Londorossi Gate — Big Tree Camp
- Elevation
- ~7,742 ft / 2,360 m → ~9,121 ft / 2,780 m
- Distance
- 6 km
- Hiking time
- 3–4 hours
Same western forest start as Lemosho.
Summit crown · Longest route, maximum acclimatization
Overview
The Northern Circuit is the longest route and offers the best acclimatization with the highest summit success rate.
Highlights
- Longest and most scenic route
- Excellent acclimatization
- Very quiet and remote trails
- Highest summit success rates
Day-by-day itinerary
Circles Kibo on quiet northern trails before the summit push — excellent time at altitude. Camp names can vary slightly; distances are approximate.
Big Tree — Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation
- ~9,121 ft / 2,780 m → ~11,499 ft / 3,505 m
- Distance
- 8 km
- Hiking time
- 5–6 hours
Emerging onto the plateau.
Shira 1 — Shira 2 Camp
- Elevation
- 11,499 ft / 3,505 m → 12,631 ft / 3,850 m
- Distance
- 10 km
- Hiking time
- 5–6 hours
Wide skies and acclimatization on Shira.
Shira 2 — Moir Hut
- Elevation
- 12,631 ft / 3,850 m → ~13,800 ft / 4,200 m
- Distance
- 12 km
- Hiking time
- 6–7 hours
Branch north toward the quieter circuit (via Lava Tower zone).
Moir — Buffalo / Pofu Camp
- Elevation
- ~13,800 ft / 4,200 m → ~13,200 ft / 4,020 m
- Distance
- 12 km
- Hiking time
- 5–7 hours
Traverse the northern slopes with panoramic views.
Buffalo — Third Cave Camp
- Elevation
- ~13,200 ft / 4,020 m → ~12,700 ft / 3,870 m
- Distance
- 8 km
- Hiking time
- 5 hours
Rounding toward the northeast side of the cone.
Third Cave — School Hut
- Elevation
- ~12,700 ft / 3,870 m → ~15,466 ft / 4,715 m
- Distance
- 5 km
- Hiking time
- 4–5 hours
High camp on the north side before the summit bid.
School Hut — Uhuru Peak — Mweka Camp
- Elevation
- 19,341 ft / 5,895 m; sleep ~10,171 ft / 3,100 m
- Distance
- ~18 km
- Hiking time
- 14–16 hours
Summit from the north; descent to Mweka forest.
Mweka Camp — Mweka Gate
- Elevation
- 10,171 ft / 3,100 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
- Distance
- 10 km
- Hiking time
- 3–4 hours
Last rainforest miles to the gate.