The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and least crowded route, offering excellent acclimatization and summit success rates. This 9-day itinerary concludes with a descent to Millennium Camp before ending at Mweka Gate.
What we expect to see
Full Itinerary
Day 1
Londorossi Gate (2385m) To Big Tree Camp (2708m)
Elevation:
2,100m to 2,650m
Total Distance:
6 km
Hiking Time (approx.):
3 - 4 hours
Habitat:
Rainforest
After breakfast in Moshi, you’ll drive to Londorosi Gate for registration, followed by a drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Your trek begins in lush rainforest, home to monkeys and exotic flora. You’ll spend your first night at Mti Mkubwa Camp, nestled in the forest.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation:
2,650m to 3,610m
Total Distance:
8 km
Hiking Time (approx.):
5 - 6 hours
Habitat:
Moorland
This day is always among the favourites from our trekkers as you leave the forested glades to emerge out into moorland with fantastic views to the Shira plateau, but more importantly the magnificent peak of Kibo. This day is when the climbing starts, with a 700m elevation gain. Your guide will make sure you are going at a slow pace, to ward off any altitude sickness.
The day starts with lots of small ups and downs, before climbing to the top of a ridge. You will head eastwards along this ridge with views over to Ngare Nairobi River and the emergency 4 x 4 track. Following your lunch stop you will be able to see your trekking path laid out ahead for the next couple of days across the Shira plateau. There is a nice slow descent down to Shira 1 campsite where your chef will be cooking up a storm to reward your hard efforts.
Day 3
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation:
3,610m to 3,850m
Total Distance:
7km
Hiking Time (approx.):
3 - 4 hours
Habitat:
Moorland
This day offers a relatively easy trek across the vast Shira Plateau, one of the oldest volcanic landscapes on Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp, perfectly positioned for breathtaking views of Kibo Peak.
Day 4
Shira 2 to Moir Hut
Elevation:
3,850m to 4,200m
Total Distance:
10 km
Hiking Time (approx.):
5 - 7 hours
Habitat:
Semi-desert
You’ll ascend steadily to Moir Hut, a remote camp ideal for acclimatization. In the afternoon, you can take an optional acclimatization hike to Lent Hills for elevated views and added altitude training.
Day 5
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp via Pofu Camp
Elevation:
4,200m to 4,020m
Total Distance:
12 km
Hiking Time (approx.):
6 - 7 hours
Habitat:
Alpine desert
Today you join the Northern Circuit proper, traversing the untouched northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The scenery is remote and wild, with wide horizons and possible views into Kenya. Overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Day 6
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Elevation:
4,020m to 3,870m
Total Distance:
8 km
Hiking Time (approx.):
5 - 6 hours
Habitat:
Alpine desert
A shorter, easier day as you move east across the mountain’s northern face. You’ll arrive early at Third Cave Camp, giving you plenty of time to rest and acclimatize ahead of your summit attempt.
Day 7
Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation:
3,870m to 4,750m
Total Distance:
5 km
Hiking Time (approx.):
4-5 hours
Habitat:
Alpine desert
Today’s hike is steep and gains significant elevation as you reach School Hut, your final base before summit night. You’ll have an early dinner and rest as much as possible in preparation for the long summit day ahead.
Day 8
Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then down to Millennium Camp
Elevation:
4,750m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,820m
Total Distance:
6 km ascent, 11 km descent
Hiking Time (approx.):
12 - 14 hours
Habitat:
Arctic to Moorland
If you haven’t chosen to summit the day earlier, your guide will give you a friendly wake up call in the early hours of the morning (normally around 5am). Your climb to the peak this morning is just over 200m but can take around 2 hours due to the steep ascent and lack of oxygen. Make sure to listen to your guide’s advice and take it slowly!
Upon reaching the top, hopefully to your most memorable sunrise, take your pictures and celebrate with your guide before heading back down. From the peak you will head down via Stella Point to reach Barafu Camp, where you will stop for lunch. From Barafu Camp you will make your way down to Mweka Camp, passing from desert to moorland terrain.
You will reach Mweka Camp at approximately 5pm. There’s always a great atmosphere at camp this night – the hard work is over and now you can pat yourself on the back! Celebrations won’t go on for too long as you will no doubt want to head into the tent early.
Day 9
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi
Elevation:
3,820m to 1,640m
Total Distance:
10km
Hiking Time (approx.):
3 - 4 hours
Hiking Time (apHabitat:prox.):
Rainforest
Enjoy your final walk through the vibrant montane forest, reflecting on your incredible achievement. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificate before returning to Moshi.
What's in the Price?
Inclusive
- Pick-ups and drop offs from the Airport
- Accommodations (One night Before Trekking and One night After Trekking) in Kili Kivuli
- Mountain guide(s)
- Personal chef(s)
- Porters
- All meals and drinking water
- Park entrance fees, all camping fees
- Camping equipment – tent, foam mattress (Not needed for the Marangu route)
- First aid kit
- Pulse oximeter
Exclusive
- Alcoholic beverages or sodas
- Sleeping bag (can arrange hire if necessary)
- Tipping gratuities.
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- International and domestic flights
Available supplements
- Flying Doctor’s Emergency rescue or Kili Made Air
- Portable toilet
- Oxygen cylinder
- Massage after the climb
Nice relaxing day at the Hotsprings
Coffee and waterfall tour to Materuni Village
Walking safari in Arusha National Park
Kayaking at Lake Chala
Walking tour in Rau Forest
Day trip to Ngorongoro or a full safari package
Other Trekking Packages
Machame Route
- 7 Days | 6 Nights
Lemosho Route
- 8 Days | 7 Nights
Londorosi Route
- 7 Days | 6 Nights
