Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route – 10 Days
The Ultimate Scenic Route — Circle Kilimanjaro, Summit Uhuru Peak
Navigation
Overview
The Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, offering the highest summit success rate due to excellent acclimatization. This 10-day trek approaches the mountain from the west and circles around the remote northern slopes, which see far fewer climbers than other routes. Trekkers enjoy breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a gradual ascent that greatly reduces the risk of altitude sickness. It is the best choice for those who want a quieter, more comfortable, and highly successful climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Highlights
- Highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro
- Longest and most scenic Kilimanjaro route
- Fewer crowds on the remote northern side
- Excellent acclimatization profile
- Summit Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point
Includes & Excludes
INCLUDES
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Camping fees and rescue fees
- Professional English-speaking mountain guides
- Assistant guides, porters, and cook
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs)
- Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro Airport)
- Hotel accommodation before and after the trek
EXCLUDES
- International flights
- Tips for guides, porters, and crew
- Personal trekking gear
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and snacks not provided on the mountain
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Pre-Trek Preparation
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After check-in, you will have time to rest from your journey.
Later in the day, you will meet your lead mountain guide for a comprehensive trek briefing. This includes an overview of the route, safety procedures, altitude awareness, and expectations for each trekking day. A full gear check will be conducted to ensure you have all necessary equipment. Any missing items can be rented locally.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp
After breakfast, drive approximately 3–4 hours to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. Continue to the trailhead, where the trekking crew prepares equipment and supplies.
The trek begins through lush montane rainforest, rich with giant trees, mosses, and ferns. The trail is gently ascending, allowing your body to begin adapting to altitude. You may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and colorful birdlife along the way.
Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp, located in a dense forest setting. Dinner is served, and your guides will check your health and acclimatization status.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Leaving the rainforest behind, the landscape gradually opens into heath and moorland vegetation. The trail climbs steadily as you gain altitude, offering the first expansive views of the Shira Plateau.
As you ascend, notice the dramatic change in flora, including giant lobelias and senecios. The air becomes cooler and drier.
Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, located on the western side of the plateau, with distant views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru on clear days.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Zone: Moorland
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
This is a relatively short trekking day designed for acclimatization. You will cross the Shira Plateau at a relaxed pace, allowing your body more time to adjust to altitude.
The terrain is mostly gentle, with wide-open landscapes and volcanic rock formations. Kibo Peak dominates the horizon, providing stunning photographic opportunities.
Arrive at Shira 2 Camp early in the afternoon, giving you time to rest, hydrate, and optionally take a short acclimatization walk.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Zone: Moorland
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
From this point, the route diverges from the more popular trails. You head north, entering the remote and less-visited section of Kilimanjaro.
The trail climbs gradually across alpine desert terrain, with dramatic views of the mountain’s northern slopes. The isolation and quiet of this area are one of the highlights of the Northern Circuit.
Arrive at Moir Hut, nestled beneath Lent Hills. In the afternoon, you may take an optional acclimatization hike up Lent Hills before returning to camp.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Today you continue circling the mountain’s northern side. The trail traverses ridges and valleys with panoramic views stretching toward Kenya.
The terrain is undulating, allowing excellent altitude adaptation. This day plays a critical role in the high success rate of the Northern Circuit route.
Arrive at Buffalo Camp, set on an exposed ridge with breathtaking views of the plains far below.
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
The trek continues eastward across the northern slopes, passing through a remote and rarely crowded section of the mountain.
The gradual ascent continues, and the pace remains steady and controlled. The environment is stark and beautiful, with vast open skies and volcanic terrain.
Arrive at Rongai Third Cave Camp, where temperatures begin to drop noticeably at night.
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Zone: Alpine Desert
Day 8: Rongai Third Cave to School Hut
This is a shorter but important day as you prepare for the summit attempt. The trail climbs steadily toward the base of Kibo’s summit cone.
The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you enter the high alpine zone. Upon arrival at School Hut, you will rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare gear for the summit push.
Your guide will give a detailed briefing for summit night.
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Zone: Alpine
Day 9: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
You begin the summit attempt around midnight, trekking slowly under the stars. The ascent is steep and demanding, but your guide maintains a slow, steady pace.
Reach Gilman’s Point at sunrise, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the highest point in Africa.
After photos and celebration, begin the long descent past School Hut and down to Mweka Camp, entering lower altitude and richer oxygen levels.
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Zone: Arctic → Rainforest
Day 10: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Departure
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you will receive your summit certificates and say farewell to your mountain crew.
Transfer back to your hotel or directly to the airport for departure.
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Tour Map
Tour Gallery
Group Discount
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 – 4 People | $3,050 |
| 5 – 7 People | $2,850 |
| 8+ People | Special Rate (On Request) |
Accommodation
Before & After Trek: Comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha
On the Mountain: Quality camping tents throughout the trek
Other Tour Details
Route: Northern Circuit
Best Time to Climb: January–March & June–October
Difficulty: Challenging (high altitude)
Summit Success Rate: Very high due to long acclimatization
Porter Welfare: Operated according to ethical porter standards
Tour FAQs
Why choose the Northern Circuit route?
It offers the best acclimatization, fewer crowds, and the highest success rate.
Is this route suitable for first-time climbers?
Yes, it is ideal for first-timers who want the best chance of reaching the summit.
Do I need technical climbing skills?
No technical skills are required, just good fitness and determination.
How cold does it get?
Temperatures can drop below freezing near the summit.
Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, extra acclimatization days or private climbs can be arranged.
