Northern Circuit Route
9 Days
Duration
Simb Camp, Second Cave,Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Horombo Hut and Marangu Gate
Tour Destination
The 9-Day Northern Circuit is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering unparalleled panoramic views and a quiet, less-traveled path. Beginning from the western Lemosho Glades, it circles around the northern slopes, providing excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate. This diverse trail takes climbers through lush rainforests, vast moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Tour overview
Day by Day Program
Day 1
Elevation: 1,830m (6,000ft) to 2,650m (8,700ft)
Distance: 6km (4mi)
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Your adventure begins with a morning breakfast and a comprehensive briefing from your guides. After final gear checks, you embark on a scenic three-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where registration and permit formalities take place. From there, a 4WD vehicle will take you through the Lemosho Glades to the trailhead.
The trek starts with a gentle hike through the lush montane forest, home to Colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. After a few hours, you will reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, your first campsite on the mountain.
Moshi to Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 2
Elevation: 2,650m (8,700ft) to 3,500m (11,500ft)
Distance: 8km (5mi)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The day begins with a gradual but steady climb as you leave the dense rainforest behind. The trail steepens as you ascend into the moorland zone, where giant heather and lobelias dot the landscape.
After crossing several small streams, you climb over the Shira Ridge and descend slightly onto the vast Shira Plateau. Your campsite, Shira 1, sits beside a stream, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Day 3
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,500m (11,500ft) to 3,850m (12,600ft)
Distance: 8km (5mi)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A relatively easy day of trekking across the expansive Shira Plateau awaits you. The route gradually gains altitude, allowing for further acclimatization.
Along the way, you’ll have spectacular views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape. You arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the afternoon, with time to explore or take optional short hikes to further aid in acclimatization.
Day 4
Elevation: 3,850m (12,600ft) to 4,200m (13,780ft) (via 4,600m at Lava Tower)
Distance: 14km (8mi)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
This challenging day takes you higher into the alpine desert zone as you trek eastward through the “Garden of the Senecios.” The route leads up to the iconic Lava Tower at 4,600 meters (15,100 feet),
where you stop for lunch and an acclimatization break. Afterward, the trail descends toward Moir Camp, located in a remote valley, ensuring you sleep at a lower altitude for optimal acclimatization.
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp via Lava Tower
Day 5
Elevation: 4,200m (13,780ft) to 4,020m (13,188ft)
Distance: 12km (7mi)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone
Leaving Moir Camp, you begin with a steep ascent out of the valley. An optional short detour to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters provides rewarding panoramic views.
Rejoining the Northern Circuit route, the path takes you around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, away from the busier routes. The terrain consists of rolling hills and rocky ridges, leading to Buffalo Camp, where you settle for the night.
Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
Day 6
Elevation: 4,020m (13,188ft) to 3,800m (12,467ft)
Distance: 8km (5mi)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine Zone
After a morning ascent up Buffalo Ridge, the trail descends slightly into Porfu Camp, where lunch is served. The path continues to contour around the northern slopes of Kibo, eventually reaching Rongai Third Cave. By this point, your body should be well acclimatized, making the final push towards the summit more manageable.
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
Day 7
Elevation: 3,800m (12,467ft) to 4,800m (15,748ft)
Distance: 15km (8mi)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek crosses the Saddle, the vast barren plateau that separates Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The gradual ascent leads you to School Hut, your final base camp before the summit attempt.
Arriving early in the afternoon, you will have time to rest and prepare for the demanding summit night ahead. Your guide will conduct a final briefing, ensuring all your gear is ready.
Rongai Third Cave to School Hut
Day 8
Elevation: 4,800m (15,748ft) to 5,895m (19,340ft) (Uhuru Peak)
Descend to 3,950m (12,959ft)
Distance: 6km (3.5mi) up / 11km (6mi) down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
The most challenging and rewarding day of your climb begins around midnight. Equipped with headlamps, you start the steep ascent toward Gilman’s Point (5,681m), taking breaks at Hans Meyer Cave. The journey is grueling, but witnessing the sunrise from the crater rim is an unforgettable experience. A final push leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating at the summit, you begin the long descent, retracing your steps to Stella Point and continuing down the scree slopes to Barafu Camp. A short break here is followed by a further descent to Millennium Camp, where you rest for the night.
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Day 9
Elevation: 3,950m (12,959ft) to 1,680m (5,500ft)
Distance: 10km (6mi)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your final day on Kilimanjaro involves a descent through lush rainforest, where you may spot monkeys and exotic birds. The path leads to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. A vehicle awaits to transfer you back to Moshi, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and celebratory meal await.
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
Book this Tour
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
- Park Fees
- Game Drives
- Drinking Water
- Airport Transfers
Tour Exclusions
- International flights
- personal Items
- Travel insurance
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Tips
- 6 Days /5 Nights
The Marangu Route is the easiest and most popular way to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
- 7 Days /6 Nights
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most scenic and popular paths
- 8 Days /7 Nights
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
Tanzania
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