- Kilimanjaro
- 6 Days
- Trekking: Experienced Climbers
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
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Booking Form
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Description
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of stunning scenery, including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit provides the most acclimatization time, resulting in the highest summit success rate. This makes it a highly recommended route for trekkers looking for a rewarding and scenic journey to the top of Africa.
Include /Exclude
- Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the mountain
- National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- A clean and private portable toilet
- High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
- International flights and visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Personal Snacks
- Meals and drinks not on the mountain (Alcohol)
- Tips for the mountain crew
Treak Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival and Pre-Trek Orientation
Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our dedicated team will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha (if you have opted for airport transfers). We highly recommend arriving at least one day before your trek to allow time for rest and final preparations.
In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel, where our expert guides will review your gear, discuss the climb itinerary, and arrange any necessary equipment rentals to ensure you’re fully prepared for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 720m
Habitat: Rainforest
The trek begins at Londorossi Gate, where registration and permits are completed. The trail leads through lush rainforest, home to Colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and diverse flora. The first campsite, Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp), is reached in the late afternoon.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 685m
Habitat: Moorland
The trail ascends through heath and moorland, offering stunning views of the Shira Plateau. Trekkers cross volcanic formations before arriving at Shira 1 Camp, where Kibo Peak is visible in the distance.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 345m
Habitat: Moorland
A shorter trek today allows for further acclimatization. Trekkers explore the Shira Plateau, an expansive volcanic caldera with dramatic landscapes and stunning sunsets at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Lava Tower (4,630m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 780m (to Lava Tower), then descent of 430m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekkers ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m), an important acclimatization stop. After lunch, the route descends slightly to Moir Hut, located on Kilimanjaro’s remote northern slopes.
Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Elevation Loss: 180m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trekkers follow a rarely traveled path, crossing rocky ridges and desolate landscapes. The journey to Buffalo Camp offers breathtaking views of Kenya’s lowlands.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Loss: 150m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A gradual descent leads to Third Cave Camp, a peaceful site on the northern route. Trekkers enjoy clear night skies with unobstructed views of the Milky Way.
Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) to School Hut (4,800m)
Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 930m
Habitat: Arctic Desert
The final approach to the summit begins with a steep ascent to School Hut, the last campsite before the summit push. Trekkers rest early for the midnight ascent.
Day 8: School Hut (4,800m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) (Ascent & Descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,095m
Elevation Loss: 2,795m
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
The summit attempt begins at midnight. Trekkers ascend steep slopes to Gilman’s Point (5,756m) before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) at sunrise. After celebrating, trekkers descend through Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Habitat: Rainforest
The final descent leads back into lush rainforests, with a chance to see monkeys and tropical birds before reaching Mweka Gate, where trekkers receive summit certificates.
FAQ Northern Circuit Route
Is the Northern Circuit Route suitable for beginners?
Yes, the longer itinerary allows for better acclimatization, making it ideal for first-time trekkers.
How difficult is the Northern Circuit Route?
It is a moderate to challenging trek, but its gradual ascent makes altitude sickness less likely.
What is the summit success rate for the Northern Circuit Route?
With proper acclimatization, success rates exceed 90%, making it one of the best options for reaching Uhuru Peak.
When is the best time to trek the Northern Circuit?
The best months are January-March and June-October, December when weather conditions are most favorable.
How does the Northern Circuit compare to other routes?
It is the longest and most scenic route, with the highest success rate and lowest crowd levels.
