The Northern Circuit is the longest and newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Currently, only a limited number of trekkers have explored this trail, making it a peaceful and uncrowded experience.

This route is ideal for those who enjoy long trekking in remote wilderness, with minimal crowds around. It takes at least nine days to climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit, which contributes to its very high success rate. An extended 9-day climb with crater camping provides an incredible wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano.

Arrive in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later, your guide will brief you on the trek and perform an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Overnight at 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 begins at Londorossi Gate (2100m) in the west, the same starting point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to the gate takes about two hours from Moshi. After completing registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities, you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead. Along the way, you may spot large wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and buffalos, which sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path. 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 rainforest before entering the low alpine moorland zone leading 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 (4200m). This is a short day with excellent acclimatization benefits, as you trek close to the Shira Plateau and descend slightly before reaching Moir Hut 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, you’ll face a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill (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 stretching toward the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. Arrive at Pofu Camp just after midday for lunch, dinner, and overnight.

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

On day five, the trek starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and continues east along the northern slopes to Rongai Third Cave Camp (3800m). The trek is shorter than the previous day, and you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude by now. 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, a pass between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Afterward, continue to School Hut (4800m). Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and prepare for your summit attempt, which begins later that 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

You will wake up early around 5:00 AM and have a full breakfast before starting your summit attempt at approximately 6:00 AM. The first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5681m), which will take 4-5 hours. Take a moment to enjoy the sunrise and incredible views of Mawenzi Peak. From Gilman’s Point, push to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Kilimanjaro. After a brief stay at the summit, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp (4680m) for a short rest before continuing 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, who will provide you with your official certificate,  a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak.

Day 9 – Depart Tanzania/Other Destination in Tanzania
Later in the evening or the next day, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your home-bound flight. We can also organize an affordable safari trip to one of Tanzania’s best wildlife parks, such as Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or Serengeti National Park.

End of Tour