Northern Circuit Route

9 Days | 8 Nights

From $2,585/ person

Your trip overview

The 9-day Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Northern Circuit route offers a remarkable journey to the summit of Africa, Uhuru Peak. Throughout this expedition, you’ll traverse diverse vegetation and climatic zones, encountering various animals and birds along scenic trails, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. This adventure promises an incredible exploration of different terrains, satisfying your thirst for adventure at the highest level.

The Northern Circuit route stands out as one of the premier routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, renowned for its stunning scenery, 360-degree panoramic vistas of the mountain, and remarkable summit success rate. Notably, this route offers a tranquil and less crowded experience, rarely traversed by climbers.

It meanders through the serene northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, providing ample time for proper acclimatization due to its extended duration.Embarking from the western side at Londorossi Gate, the Northern Circuit Route begins with transportation from your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

The initial two days are dedicated to navigating through the lush rainforest, ascending to Shira Ridge, and crossing the expansive Shira Plateau. The journey then progresses northward, following a clockwise path from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before culminating in the summit ascent from the eastern side of the mountain.

Duration: 9 or 10 days, Difficulty: Medium, Scenery: Excellent, Traffic: Low The Northern Circuit Route of Mount Kilimanjaro boasts the highest summit success rate, averaging between 90% and 95%.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Mti Mkubwa

Mount Kilimanjaro

Shira 1

Mount Kilimanjaro

Shira 2

Mount Kilimanjaro

Moir Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro

Pofu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Third Cave

Mount Kilimanjaro

School Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mweka Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mweka Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Kenya, especially to the Masai Mara, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa

Following breakfast, we commence our journey to the Londorossi Gate, the entry point for our climb. Here, registration formalities are completed, and our porters gather all necessary equipment and supplies. Our ascent begins through the lush montane forest, leading us to our first campsite, Mti Mkubwa, situated at an elevation of 2895m.

Elevation (m):
2360m to 2895m

Distance:
6km

Time:
3-4 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest

Where to stay

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1

Today’s trek leads us to the expansive Shira Plateau, a caldera formed by the collapse of Kilimanjaro’s third volcanic crater. Our journey culminates at Shira 1 camp, where we will set up camp for the night. Expect significantly colder temperatures compared to the previous night, given the higher elevation.

Elevation (m):
2895m to 3500m

Distance:
8 km,

Time:
5-6 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Shira 1 camp

Day 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2

Our journey today takes us to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a massive rock buttress encircled by steep spires and pinnacles. As we ascend, we’ll experience a palpable sense of wilderness, especially when afternoon mists envelop the surroundings.

Arriving at our campsite at Shira 2, we’re treated to unforgettable views of Mt. Meru in the distance.

Elevation (m):
3500m to 4200m

Distance:
7 km,

Time:
3-4 hours.

Habitat:
Moorland.

Where to stay

Shira 2 camp

Day 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut

Departing from Shira 2, we initially merge with climbers on the Machame route before veering northward onto a less-traveled path. This leads us to the Moir Hut campsite, situated below the Lent Hills. Tonight, we will set up camp in the semi-desert landscape.

Elevation (m):
3810m to 4200m

Distance:
14 km,

Time:
6-7 hours.

Habitat:
Semi-desert

Where to stay

Moir Hut camp

Day 5: Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

Today’s journey begins with a challenging ascent out of Moir Valley, followed by a brief detour to summit Lent Hills, offering breathtaking vistas. Upon descending, we resume our eastward trek along the northern perimeter of the mountain. The latter part of the day’s hike involves traversing several valleys, culminating in our arrival at Pofu Camp.

Elevation (m):
4200m to 4000m

Distance:
12 km,

Time:
7-8 hours.

Habitat:
Semi-desert

Where to stay

Pofu Camp

Day 6: Pofu Camp to Third Cave

Continuing our journey from Pofu Camp, we follow the trail along the northern periphery of the mountain, offering panoramic views extending into Kenya. Trekking through more small valleys, the path gradually leads eastward through a landscape with progressively sparse vegetation until we reach Third Cave Camp.

Elevation (m):
4020m to 3960m

Distance:
7 km

Time:
6 hours

Habitat:
Semi-desert

Where to stay

Third Cave Camp

Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Today’s trek involves a gradual ascent to reach the saddle, a barren landscape nestled between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Continuing upward, we arrive at School Hut by early afternoon. The remainder of the day is dedicated to resting and final preparations for the summit push.

Elevation (m):
3960m to 4790m

Distance:
6 km

Time:
5 hours

Habitat:
Alpine desert

Where to stay

School Hut camp

Day 8: School Hut to Summit to Mweka Camp

Our ascent begins around 1 am, navigating a challenging zig-zag trail towards the rim of the crater at Gillman’s Point. Upon reaching this point, we pause briefly to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi. Continuing along the crater rim, we proceed to Uhuru Peak, near the remaining glaciers atop Kilimanjaro.

After celebrating our achievement and capturing summit photos, we commence our descent towards the Mweka Hut campsite. This route leads us back to Barafu for lunch before descending further to Mweka Camp at 3100m. The descent involves traversing loose gravel, so trekking poles prove beneficial. As the day concludes, we enjoy our final dinner on Kilimanjaro and retire for a well-deserved rest after the day’s exertions.

Elevation (m):
4790m to 5895m to 3100m

Distance:
14 km

Time:
10 hours

Habitat:
Stone scree and moorland

Where to stay

Mweka Camp

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Our final day on the mountain begins with a descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where summit certificates are issued to commemorate our achievement. The trail leads us through the rainforest, which can be wet and muddy.

Gaiters may be useful for this section, and trekking poles provide stability on the descent. As the climate becomes warmer, shorts and t-shirts can be worn, but it’s advisable to keep waterproof and warmer clothing accessible. This marks the conclusion of our 9-day Northern Circuit Route adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Elevation (m):
3100m to 1800m

Distance:
8 km

Time:
3-4 hours

Habitat:
Montane Forest

Where to stay

Mweka Gate

Rates Per Person

Below are the prices for the 9-day Northern Circuit route package:

1PAX	2-5 PAX	6-10PAX	11+PAX
$3,235	$2,985 (per person)	$2,720 (per person)	$2,585 (per person)

Please contact us if you are interested in full moon Kilimanjaro climbs for this 8-day Lemosho route trip, and we will provide you with the dates for the years 2025-2026.

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after the climb)

Breakfast included at the hotel

1 Post-climb celebratory drink (beer, juice, or soda) on us

Group transport to and from Moshi to ALL Kilimanjaro park gates

No additional transport fees will be charged to the Northern or Western route gates

Kilimanjaro National Park permits

Camping/Hut fees

Mountain rescue fees

Guides/Porters salaries

Private toilet for the party on all climbs (except for Marangu)

All season mountain tents

Foam sleeping pad (unless you opt to bring your own instead)

Mess tents, tables, chairs for parties of two or more

All meals on the mountain

No small party supplement fees will be charged

No single supplement fees for Private Climbs will be charged

Exclusions

Airfare

Personal Gear

Tips for porters & Guides

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Tips and any items of personal nature.

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Northern Circuit Route

9 Days | 8 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Mti Mkubwa

Shira 1

Shira 2

Moir Hut

Pofu Camp

Third Cave

School Hut

Mweka Camp

Mweka Gate

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Where to stay

Rates Per Person

Trekking Route

Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

What our Client Say

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