TOUR OVERVIEW
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.
Elevation:
- Start: Lemosho Gate at 2385 meters (7825 feet)
- Summit: Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet)
Key Features:
- The longest and most comprehensive route around the northern slopes.
- Circumnavigate the entire mountain, offering stunning panoramic views.
- Maximum acclimatization opportunities.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
- Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
- Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
- Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)
- Day 4: Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters) to Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters)
- Day 5: Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) to Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
- Day 6: Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
- Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
- Day 8: 3rd Cave (3,800 meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
- Day 9: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5895m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)
- Day 10: Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters)
- Day 10: Depart Tanzania
FULL TOUR ITINERARY
We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero. Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
- Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters 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 you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
- Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
- Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
- Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
- Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
- Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
- Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also 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. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
- Meals: Breakfast Included
The Northern Circuit Route provides a comprehensive and less-traveled journey around Mount Kilimanjaro, maximizing acclimatization and offering breathtaking views. Kiliblue Expeditions ensures a safe and memorable trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
INCLUDES / EXCLUDES
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what’s included and what’s not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 2 Nights’ accommodation in Moshi is or Arusha included
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
- Kilimanjaro National Park Entrance fees
- Clean purified drinking water
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Quality mess tents with table and chairs
- All meals while on the mountain
- Sleeping Mattress
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
