There is a circuit that contours around the base of Kibo Crater. The trail varies in altitude about 3700 m to 4600 m. The circuit connects the following huts: Horombo (370 Barranco (3900 m), Shira (3800 m) and Moir (4200 m). Side trails lead to Kibo Hut (4700 m), Lava Tower Hut (4600 m), Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4330 m) or Mawenzi Hut (4600 m).
A hut is planned for the north-east side of the circuit, but at present one must camp there. On the northwest side, in the Lent Valley, is the Moir Hut. This is built of wood and sleeps 10 comfortably. There is water in the stream about 100 m below the hut.
One can join and leave the circuit at a number of points on the south side, but not on the north side. There are too many combinations to mention here. One example would be: Shira-Barranco-Horombo-N. Bivouac-Moir-Shira.
Many hikers like to take the southern part of the circuit only, which is spectacular. You travel across moorland, cutting in and out of valleys and under the glaciers. You can climb to the summit from Kibo, Barafu or Lava Tower huts and return to the circuit by crossing the Crater floor and descending another route. Allow 6 to 7 days on the mountain.
Special Thanks to Thomson Safaris and Tanzania National Parks for contributing Tanzanian information.
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