Explore the world with tourHQ
The journey
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering some of the best acclimatization time on the mountain and a high summit success rate. Beginning at Londorossi Gate on the western side, the route follows the scenic Lemosho approach through rainforest and across the Shira Plateau before circling the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. With nearly 360-degree scenery, an ascent via Gilman's Point to Uhuru Peak, and descent by the Mweka route, it is one of Kilimanjaro's most rewarding trekking routes.
At a glance
Day by day
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 time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
Trek Distance : 4 miles
Highest Altitude : 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft,
Trek Duration : 3-4 hours
After breakfast in your hotel you will be given an overall briefing from your guide. At 9am you will be met by our staff, who will drive you several hours to the Western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro and to the Londrossi Gate, where our guides and porters will prepare and pack the equipment and supplies Once at the gate you will be given a packed lunch and after registration with the Kilimanjaro Park office, we will drive for another 45mins to Lemosho Glades where your trek will begin with ascending into the rainforest.
You will ascend for approx. 3 hours in dense rain forest which could be very wet and muddy so be ready with your gaiters and trekking poles. During the trek we will have a break and you can enjoy the rest your packed lunch. We will reach the Mti Mkubwa Camp also known as ‘Big Tree’ Camp in late afternoon. After arrival, you will be taken to your camp and tent which has already been set up by the porters who ran ahead, where you will be greeted with boiled drinking water and hot washing water. Once you have freshened up and settled in, a hot dinner will be served in the mess-tent..
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 5 miles
Highest Altitude : 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Trek Duration : 5-6 hours
From the forested slopes of Lemosho you ascend through a podocarpus and juniper forest and then break out on to a zone of heather and lichen-draped volcanic rock and the Shira Plateau, which used to be Kilimanjaro’s third peak before it collapsed. Lunch is taken on the trail and you arrive in camp mid-afternoon. The view of Kibo (the peak of Kilimanjaro) is breathtaking from this vantage point. Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 4 miles
Highest Altitude : 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Trek Duration : 3-4 hours
After breakfast you will continue on your hike across and up the Shira plateau to Shira Camp 2 at 3,850 meters. Here you will join trekkers from the Machame Route whilst enjoying 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.
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 8 miles
Highest Altitude : 12,500 ft to 13,580 ft (Lava Tower), down to 15,190 ft
Trek Duration : 5-7 hours
We leave the forest behind now and a gentle grade walk takes you across the high altitude Shira Caldera to Shira Cave with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m.
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 7 miles
Highest Altitude : 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Trek Duration : 5-7 hours
We climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour to reach the summit of Lent Hills (15,400ft). After admiring the views we return to the trail and head eastwards around the northern circuit trail. The final section of today’s walk undulates until reaching the location of Pofu Camp.
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 5 miles
Highest Altitude : 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Trek Duration : 5-7 hours
From Pofu Camp we cross numerous small valleys as the trail continues eastwards through a landscape that has increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp.
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 3 miles
Highest Altitude : 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Trek Duration : 4-5 hours
There is a steady ascent to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here we continue upwards and reach School Hut in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the summit day.
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 4 miles ascent, 7 miles descent
Highest Altitude : 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065
Trek Duration : 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
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.
Kilimanjaro Camping
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek Distance : 6 miles
Highest Altitude : 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Trek Duration : 3-4 hours
Once again you will be woken for your final celebratory breakfast where our team will thank and congratulate you in their unique, special way! We will then set off for the final 3 hour scenic descent to Mweka Gate. After lunch you will dropped off at the hotel where you can relax under a long, well deserved hot shower.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with us a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.
The route
The fine print
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
Professional, experienced mountain guides
All park fees, airport transfers, and rescue fees
All meals while on the mountain
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Oximeter
Medical kit
Emergency oxygen
Crisis management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Accommodation in Arusha / Moshi
Portable toilet
Flights
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips and personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
Travel insurance
What is the Northern Circuit route Kilimanjaro? The Northern Circuit route is a Kilimanjaro route that starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro, passes via Shira Ridge and Plateau, traverses the northern slopes, ascends to Uhuru Peak, and descends via the southern Mweka route.
How long is the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route? The Northern Circuit is the longest route to climb Kilimanjaro. It is approximately 88 km or 53 miles long.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit route? The classic Northern Circuit route itinerary takes 8 days, not including the arrival or departure day. Additionally, we can organize 9-day Northern Circuit private expeditions with or without spending a night in the Crater. The 9-day trek may include an extra rest day, thus increasing your chances of summiting.
What is the success rate of the Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro? The summit success rate of the Northern Circuit route is between 80% and 90%. As with any Kilimanjaro route, this trail requires some preparation. Being the longest route on Kilimanjaro, it is more suitable for hikers who do not mind longer daily treks and the extended itinerary compared to other routes.
How much does it cost to do the Northern Circuit on Kilimanjaro? A Northern Circuit trek expedition typically costs upward of $2,700 per person, depending on the itinerary, season, number of hikers in the private expedition, additional premium services, and so on.
Logistics
Your 11 days run from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
When
Travellers
Total
—
