The longest and newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit, is known for excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro northern slopes. Currently, only a limited number of travelers have set foot on this trail, making it a peaceful and uncrowded route.

It is recommended for those who enjoy long trekking experiences in remote wilderness with minimal numbers of other trekkers.

Climbing Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit takes at least eight days, which is why it boasts a very high success rate. An extended 9-day Northern Circuit climb with crater camping is also available for an incredible wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano.

Arrive in Tanzania
Pickup at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi town. Afterward, your guide will brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 1 – Lemosho Gate (2100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m)
Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2100m) in the west, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi. After registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and buffalos that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner and overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m).

Day 2 – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m) to Shira I Camp (3600m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest/Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today, you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland zone, which leads to the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp I (3600m).

Day 3 – Shira I Camp (3600m) to Moir Hut Camp (4200m)
Distance covered: 8 km
Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Low alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

On day three, the trek crosses the Shira Plateau and heads directly to Moir Hut camp. This is a short day with great acclimatization benefits, as you trek close to the Shira Plateau and descend slightly before reaching Moir Hut camp for lunch and overnight.

Day 4 – Moir Hut Camp (4200m) to Pofu Camp (4000m)
Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today features a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4375m before returning to the Grand Traverse trail. The route continues around the northern slopes of Kibo to Pofu Camp (4000m), offering stunning vistas of the plains that extend toward the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at Pofu Camp.

Day 5 – Pofu Camp (4000m) to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800m)
Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Day five starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and continues east along the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3800 meters. The trek is shorter than the previous day, and by now, you should be well acclimatized to the altitude. Arrive at the Third Cave by mid-afternoon.

Day 6 – Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800m) to School Hut (4800m)
Distance covered: 7 km
Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours
Habitat: High alpine zone
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

On day six, you’ll experience a steady incline up and over the Saddle, which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue walking southwest to School Hut (4800m). After arriving, you’ll have an early dinner and prepare for your summit attempt, which begins in the middle of the night.

Day 7 – Summit Day – School Hut (4800m) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) and then down to Millennium Camp (3950m)
Distance covered: 16 km
Approximate time taken: 12 hours
Habitat: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Wake up at 5:00 AM and enjoy a full breakfast before beginning your summit attempt at around 6:00 AM. The first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you will take a brief rest. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5681m), which takes around 4-5 hours. Take a moment to enjoy the incredible views of Mawenzi Peak at sunrise. From Gilman’s Point, continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. After spending a short time at the summit, you will descend to Barafu Camp (4680m) for a break before heading down to Millennium Camp (3950m) for your final night on the mountain.

Day 8 – Millennium Camp (3950m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
Distance covered: 14 km
Approximate time taken: 5 hours
Habitat: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included

On the final day, you will descend through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3950m) to Mweka Gate (1630m). At the gate, you will sign out with the authorities and receive your official certificate, green for those who reached Gilman’s Point, and gold for those who reached Uhuru Peak.

Then – Depart Tanzania/Other Destination in Tanzania
In the evening or the next day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to board your home-bound flight. We can also organize an affordable safari trip to one of the best wildlife parks in Tanzania, such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.

End of the Trip