Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Starting at the Lemosho Gate, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route takes climbers on a clockwise circuit around the mountain, passing through dense rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert, before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. As the route progresses, trekkers are treated to breathtaking vistas, including views of the Shira Plateau, the vast savannah below, and the majestic glaciers that adorn the mountain’s summit. The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is known for its tranquil nature, with fewer climbers compared to other routes.
From $. 2,295 USD* / 24/7 service / 8 days on Mountain + 2 Hotel Nights.
"Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route"
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is one of the most scenic and unique paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its diverse landscapes and remote trekking experience, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route offers trekkers the opportunity to explore the quieter side of the mountain. This route, which is the longest on Kilimanjaro, provides panoramic views and an immersive journey through multiple ecosystems, making it a favorite for those looking for a more remote and less crowded climb.
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is ideal for those who prefer a longer trek that provides excellent acclimatization opportunities. With its slower ascent and extended itinerary, climbers have the chance to adjust to the altitude at a steady pace, improving the likelihood of a successful summit. The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route also offers the advantage of a more scenic and varied journey, taking trekkers to parts of the mountain that are often overlooked by those on other routes.
As the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is less frequented, climbers are more likely to enjoy solitude and the peace that comes with being surrounded by nature. The well-established campsites along the route offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, providing the perfect setting for a restful night before continuing the ascent.
For those seeking a challenging and scenic route with fewer crowds, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is an excellent choice. The remote nature of the trek, combined with its diverse ecosystems and gradual ascent, makes it one of the most rewarding ways to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a first-time trekker, the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route provides an unforgettable journey to the top of Africa’s highest peak.
Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town
You’ll meet our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
• Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
• Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
• Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Heath
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
• Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
Lava Tower to Moir Hut
• Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,580 ft
• Distance: 7 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
• Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
• Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Heath
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
• Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Departing Tanzania or Going to Safari or Beach Extension:
Depending on your flight details, our driver will pick you from the hotel in Moshi and drive you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight back home. / If you choose to extend your Kilimanjaro adventure with Safari or beach extension we will proceed with the plan as your itinerary suggested.
Arrival in Tanzania: Drive to Arusha town
You’ll meet our ground handling team at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to the delightful Accommodation in Arusha. Relax in your thatched cottage, savor the enchanting views of Mount Meru, and unwind on the private verandah. Located just outside the vibrant town of Arusha, and set in its own tropical gardens under the canopy of Mount Meru, the lodge provides a gentle introduction to the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Accommodations:
- Budget (1&2Stars): Nyumbani Hostel
- Standard (3stars): Planet Lodge.
- Semi-luxury (4stars): The Arusha hotel
- Luxury (5stars): Melia Arusha.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
• Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
• Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
• Distance: 8 km/ 5miles
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Heath
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp
• Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft
• Distance: 14km/8mi
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland.
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. We will continue with a trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone, then you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
• Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
• Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
• Distance: 8 km/5 miles
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Heath
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut
• Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak
• Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 6 km/4 miles
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us to the accommodation in Moshi or Arusha.
Departing Tanzania or Going to Safari or Beach Extension:
Depending on your flight details, our driver will pick you from the hotel in Moshi and drive you to Kilimanjaro International airport for your flight back home. / If you choose to extend your Kilimanjaro adventure with Safari or beach extension we will proceed with the plan as your itinerary suggested.
Price per Person in Us Dollars:
Group Size | 9 Days Northern Circuit Route | 8 Days Northern Circuit Route |
2 – 3Pax | $. 2,979 | $. 2,680 |
4 – 5 pax | $. 2,657 | $. 2,377 |
6 – 7 pax | $. 2,550 | $. 2,293 |
8 – 10 pax | $. 2,468 | $. 2,218 |
Number of Crew team based on group size
Crew | 2 – 3 pax | 4 – 5 pax | 6 – 7 pax | 8 – 10 pax |
Guides | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Porters | 9 | 18 | 24 | 28 |
Chef | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Total Crew | 12 | 21 | 28 | 33 |
Price Item Includes:
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at the hotel.(3-stars)
- Return transfers between the hotel to the start / finish point of a climb.
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping / hut fees and climbing permits.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team).
- Chief guide carries a Pulse Oximeter.
- Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summiting aid).
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only).
- All mentioned activities unless labeled optional.
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF) during the Climb.
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks on the mountain.
- Well maintained Camping equipment’s.
- Water for washing up daily.
- Porter to carry your duffel bag, with maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next camp.
- Accommodation after Trekking
- Kilimanjaro National Park certificate for your successful summit attempt.
- All Airport Transfers.
Price Item Excludes:
- International and airport taxes.
- Travel Insurance.
- Passport and travel visa requirements (Tanzania visa is required).
- Customary tips for crew/day from group not from person (average tip is anything from USD $20/Chief guide | USD $15/assistance guide | USD $10/Chef | USD $5/@porter.)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Accommodation after Trekking
- Visa fees.- USD. 50/person
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Personal hiking/trekking gear – you could rent some of the gear in Tanzania.
- Optional but highly recommended travel and medical insurance.
- Additional Private portable toilet on mountain – $100/group.
Practical information’s
- Children under 10 years are not allowed to Summit Kilimanjaro.
- The duration of transfers/walking are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions and customers fitness.
- A Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory when enters Tanzania.
- Visas are available on arrival. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
What to Pack:
Communal equipment (tents, food, utensils, etc.) is provided. You are responsible for bringing the required, recommended and optional personal gear and equipment listed below. The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack. Be selective in what you take with you. Our porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs. (15 kgs) of your personal belongings.
Technical Clothing
- Waterproof Jacket, breathable with hood
- Insulated Jacket, synthetic or down, warm
- Soft Jacket, fleece or soft-shell
- Long Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Short Sleeve Shirt, moisture-wicking fabric
- Waterproof Pants, breathable (side zipper
- Hiking Pants
- Fleece Pants
- Shorts (optional)
- Long Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Underwear, moisture-wicking fabric
- Sport Bra (women)
Equipment
- Sleeping Bag, warm, four seasons*
- Camp Pillow, inflatable (optional)
- Trekking Poles, collapsible (highly recommended)*
- Head lamp, with extra batteries
- Duffel Bag, 70L-90L, for porters to carry your equipment
- Daypack, 30L-35L, for you to carry your personal gear (recommended)
Other
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent, containing DEET
- First Aid Kit
- Hand Sanitizer (REQUIRED)
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes (recommended)
- Snacks, lightweight, high calorie (optional)
- Electrolytes, powder or tablets (optional)
- Camera, with extra batteries (optional)
Headwear
- Face Mask (REQUIRED)
- Brimmed Hat, for sun protection
- Knit Hat, for warmth
- Balaclava or Buff (recommended)
Headwear
- Gloves, warm (waterproof recommended)
- Gloves, light
Footwear
- Hiking Boots or Shoes, warm, waterproof
- Socks, wool or synthetic
- Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Paperwork
- Trip Receipt
- Passport
- Visa (available to JRO)
- Immunization Papers
- Insurance Documents
Accessories
- Sunglasses or Goggles
- Backpack Cover, waterproof (optional)
- Water Bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
- Water Bladder (Camelbak type, 3 liters)
- Pee Bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (highly recommended)
- Stuff Sacks, Dry Bags or Ziploc-Type Plastic Bags^ to keep gear dry and separate
*These items can be rented on location – payable in USD cash only.
^There is a general ban on plastic bags in Tanzania, but Ziploc-type bags are permitted for tourists.
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