10 days Kilimanjaro Trekking Northern Circuit Route
Duration
Explore Tours
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest route, known for offering the highest summit success rate thanks to its gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile. The trail follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days before diverging north to circle around the mountain’s remote and quieter northern slopes.
This route provides a truly unique and less-crowded trekking experience, with breathtaking panoramic views across the plains of Kenya and Tanzania. The summit is approached via Gilman’s Point before descending along the Mweka Route, shared with Machame and Lemosho climbers. Ideal for those seeking a scenic, serene, and highly successful Kilimanjaro adventure.
Included/Exclude
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Sleeping Mattress
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Tanzania Visa
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tour Plan
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.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Park Gate. From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk 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
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards 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
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads 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
The climb to Lava Tower is challenging, with rocky terrain and minimal vegetation. At 4600m, it marks the transition to the alpine desert zone and serves as an important acclimatization point. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and enjoy the breathtaking views before descending to your next camp.
Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4600m/15,090ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After Lava Tower, descend to Buffalo Camp, which lies in a secluded area. The descent provides a much-needed break from the high altitude, and along the way, you'll pass unique
lava formations. Buffalo Camp offers a peaceful environment with beautiful views of the northern face of Kibo
Elevation: 4600m/15,090ft to 4020m/13,188ft
Distance: 7km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We start the day 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. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today the trek wil take you from the Third Cave to Tarn Hut. The trail is scenic, offering views of the surrounding terrain. The camp is situated near a small tarn (lake), providing a peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet night to prepare for the ascent ahead.
Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4150m/13,615ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today's hike takes you higher into the alpine desert zone as you make your way to Kibo Hut. The barren, rocky landscape offers dramatic views of the mountain. Once at Kibo Hut, take time to rest and hydrate in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Elevation: 4150m/13,615ft to 4700m/15,420ft
Distance: 6km/3.7mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You will be awoken around 11:30 pm 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.
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
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate 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
