9 Days Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, offering the highest summit success rate. Its extended duration gives climbers more time to acclimatize, which significantly increases the chances of reaching the summit. This route is also less crowded, making it a more peaceful and immersive experience.

For the first two days, the Northern Circuit follows the same path as the Lemosho Route. However, after this, it veers off to explore the quieter northern slopes of the mountain. This part of the route offers stunning views and a sense of solitude that other, more popular routes do not provide.

The Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman’s Point and descends on the same path as the Machame and Lemosho Routes. This variation allows climbers to experience the mountain from multiple perspectives, offering diverse and breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. A pre-trek briefing will take place at your Moshi hotel. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the trek starts. Today we will go over important details of the trek, review your equipment, and rent any necessary gear.

Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, we will drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From there, a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle will lead us to Lemosho Glades. The day’s hike takes us along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

  • Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
  • Distance: 6km/4mi
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest
  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After crossing several streams, we continue over the Shira Ridge, descending gently to Shira 1 camp, located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

  • Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
  • Distance: 8km/5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads us to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

  • Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 3850m/12,600ft
  • Distance: 8km/5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp
This day is a long trek heading east, passing through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then entering the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where we’ll stop for lunch. Afterward, we’ll join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters. This day is key for acclimatization, as we experience high altitude but sleep lower.

  • Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4200m/13,780ft
  • Distance: 14km/8mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
Today, we’ll face a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Optionally, you can hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route then follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.

  • Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
  • Distance: 12km/7mi
  • Walking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: High Alpine
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp for lunch. Then, the route continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the previous day, and by now, you should be well acclimated to the altitude.

  • Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
  • Distance: 8km/5mi
  • Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: High Alpine
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle, which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Trekkers then continue walking southwest to School Hut. After arrival, you’ll be served an early dinner and should get some rest since you’ll be awakened before midnight for your summit attempt. Be sure to prepare your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera.

  • Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
  • Distance: 15km/8mi
  • Climbing Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
You’ll be woken around 11:30 PM for tea and biscuits, then begin the steep ascent under the cover of darkness. The first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave, where you’ll take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point at 5,681 meters, which takes about 5-6 hours.
Once at Gilman’s, take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and views of Mawenzi Peak. However, there’s still about 2 more hours to Uhuru Peak, so continue pushing forward. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim. You should reach the summit just after sunrise.
After a brief stay to take photos, you’ll retrace your steps to Stella Point and descend to Barafu Camp. Most trekkers then take a break before continuing down to Millennium Camp for the night.

  • Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
  • Down to: 3950m/12,959ft
  • Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast, we continue the descent to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Lower down, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts are usually fine (though keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
At Mweka gate, Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

  • Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
  • Distance: 10km/6mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Forest
  • Meals: Breakfast

Price Includes

  • Four-Season Sleeping Tents: Twin-sharing, waterproof mountain tents.
  • VAT (18%): Included in the package cost.
  • Rescue Fees: Covered as part of park fees.
  • Meals on the Mountain: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
  • Transfers: Round-trip from Moshi hotel to mountain gate.
  • Nutritious Food: Fresh, healthy meals prepared by mountain chefs.
  • Professional Guides: Experienced, licensed guides for a safe climb.
  • Purified Drinking Water: Provided daily.
  • Sleeping Mattress: Comfortable mats for restful sleep.
  • Conservation Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Mess Tents: Dining tents with tables and chairs.
  • Summit Certificate: Awarded to all who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
  • Camping Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder: For high-altitude safety.
  • Staff Salaries and Fees: Fair wages and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks.
  •  

Price not Includes

  • Alcoholic and Bottled Beverages: Not included.
  • Online Payment Surcharge: 5% on advance and balance payments.
  • Tanzania Visa: To be arranged by the traveler.
  • Travel Insurance: Not provided.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and other personal costs.
  • Flights: International and domestic airfare.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and staff.
  • Hotel Accommodation: Available as an optional add-on.
  • Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags, boots, and clothing (available for rent).
  • Unlisted Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional Transfers: Available upon request.