Northern Circuit Route
About this Tour
- 9 Days
- 8 Nights
Area to Visit
Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Moir Hut, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave Camp, School Hut, Uhuru Peak
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route, the longest and most comprehensive trail on the mountain. Approaching from the remote western side, this route offers exceptional acclimatization, fewer crowds, and some of the most varied scenery on Kilimanjaro.
The 9-day Northern Circuit provides a slow and steady ascent around the rarely visited northern slopes, allowing the body ample time to adapt to altitude. With expansive views, quiet trails, and the highest summit success rate, this route is ideal for trekkers who prioritize safety, comfort, and a complete Kilimanjaro experience. The climb concludes at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. All nights are spent in tents with full support from an experienced mountain crew.
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Full Itinerary
- Arrival Day – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. You will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing, equipment check, and safety review. The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for the climb ahead.
Meal Plan: Dinner
- Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 650 m (2,100 m to 2,750 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration before continuing to the trailhead. The trek begins through lush rainforest, where tall trees, ferns, and hanging moss create a rich and quiet atmosphere. The trail is gentle, allowing your body to begin adapting to altitude. You arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in the afternoon for rest and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,050 m (2,750 m to 3,800 m)
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
The trail climbs steadily out of the rainforest onto the open Shira Plateau. Vegetation thins as giant heathers and volcanic rock formations replace the forest. The scenery opens dramatically, with distant views of Kibo Peak. By afternoon, you reach Shira 1 Camp, where the remainder of the day is spent resting and hydrating.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 350 m (3,800 m to 4,150 m)
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
A shorter trekking day allows for further acclimatization. You cross the expansive Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, with wide open views and volcanic features. The pace is relaxed, and the afternoon at Shira 2 Camp is dedicated to rest and optional acclimatization walks.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Moir Hut
Distance: ~14 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 m (4,150 m to 4,550 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s route turns north, marking the beginning of the Northern Circuit proper. The trail passes remote alpine terrain with very few trekkers, offering a true sense of wilderness. You climb gradually toward Moir Hut, set in a quiet valley beneath Lent Hills. The afternoon is ideal for rest and acclimatization.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Gain: 200 m (4,550 m to 4,720 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail continues across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic views toward Kenya and the vast plains below. The terrain is gently undulating, allowing a steady walking rhythm. You arrive at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon, where the quiet setting and open skies enhance the feeling of isolation and altitude adaptation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 180 m (4,720 m to 4,900 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek is shorter and focused on acclimatization. The trail crosses high alpine desert with sparse vegetation and wide horizons. As altitude increases, the air becomes noticeably thinner. You reach Third Cave Camp by early afternoon, allowing ample time for rest and preparation for the summit phase.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: Third Cave Camp – School Hut
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 300 m (4,900 m to 5,200 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A steady ascent leads you to School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The hike is short but deliberately slow to conserve energy. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Distance: ~18 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Gain: 695 m ascent / 2,700 m descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic Zone
Shortly after midnight, you begin the summit ascent toward Gilman’s Point, moving slowly through the cold and darkness. From here, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), reaching the summit around sunrise. After photos and celebration, descend carefully past Barafu Camp and onward to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,600 m (3,100 m to 1,500 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, complete park formalities and receive your summit certificate. You are then transferred back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
- Departure – Transfer from Hotel to Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price Includes
Price Excludes
The quoted price includes the following:
Professional English-speaking mountain guide
Porters for luggage (1 porter per 2 climbers)
4×4 transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel and back
Bottled mineral water during the trek
All park and camping fees, including Kilimanjaro National Park entry
Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Summit certificates upon successful climb
All Tanzanian government taxes and service charges
Trekking equipment guidance and assistance (maps, route briefing, safety support)
The quoted price does not include the following:
International flights to / from Tanzania
Visas and airport departure taxes
Personal items (snacks, toiletries, clothing)
Laundry service on the mountain or at the hotel
Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
Alcoholic or soft drinks not listed in the itinerary
Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
Optional activities (e.g., cultural visits, extra day excursions)
Any last-minute changes requested by the client
Price Includes
From the moment you arrive until your departure, we make sure you are free to relax and enjoy your safari.
- English-speaking chauffeur/guide
- 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicle
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to /from airport / airstrip upon arrival/departure
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- All park entrance fees
- Activities as specified in the itinerary
- All Tanzanian government taxes & service charges
Price Excludes
The quoted price does not include the following:
- All International flights to / from Tanzania
- Visas
- All items of a personal nature
- Laundry service at your lodges
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks while on safari
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti).
- Last-minute changes made by you
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