Northern Circuit Route – An Unparalleled Kilimanjaro Experience

The Northern Circuit Route stands as one of Kilimanjaro's most comprehensive and less-traveled paths, offering an immersive trekking experience that encircles the mountain's northern slopes. Starting from the western side at Londorossi Gate, the trail traverses through pristine rainforests, expansive moorlands, and arid alpine deserts, providing trekkers with ever-changing landscapes and panoramic vistas. The extended itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, significantly enhancing summit success rates. Camping accommodations throughout the trek offer an authentic wilderness experience, while two comfortable hotel nights before and after the climb ensure you are well-rested and prepared for the adventure.​

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Karibu Tanzania - Moshi

Arrive at the airport, where our friendly team will be waiting to welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. After a long journey, take this time to relax, settle into your accommodation, and recover from your travels. Once you’re refreshed, meet your guide for a comprehensive trek briefing, covering essential details about your chosen route, daily expectations, safety protocols, altitude acclimatization strategies, and any necessary park regulations. You’ll also have the opportunity to do a final gear check, ensuring you have everything needed for a successful climb. If you need any last-minute equipment, we can assist with rentals or purchases.

Enjoy a leisurely evening, fuel up with a good meal, and get plenty of rest your trekking adventure begins tomorrow!

Day 2: Londorosi Gate To Mti Mkubwa Camp

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Highlights: Rainforest hike, wildlife sightings including monkeys and exotic birds

After breakfast, a scenic drive brings you to Londorossi Gate, where you’ll register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. A short journey in a 4WD vehicle leads to the Lemosho trailhead, marking the start of your trek.

Today’s gentle hike leads you through Kilimanjaro’s lush and vibrant rainforest, famous for its diverse flora and fauna. As you navigate winding paths beneath towering trees, look out for playful colobus monkeys and vibrant birdlife.

Arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp in the afternoon, relax and savor a freshly prepared meal before resting under the forest canopy, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp To Shira 1 Camp

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Highlights: Transition into moorland zone, spectacular views of Shira Plateau

Following breakfast, depart from the rainforest and ascend into Kilimanjaro’s picturesque moorland zone. Here, dense forests yield to expansive landscapes, featuring giant heather and striking plant life unique to the mountain.

Enjoy impressive views of the expansive Shira Plateau, stretching beautifully towards the distant volcanic peaks. As you hike, the air becomes cooler, providing refreshing conditions as you gradually gain altitude.

Arriving at Shira 1 Camp, settle into camp and enjoy panoramic sunset views before dinner. Rest well under the starry skies, preparing for the days ahead.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Highlights: Scenic trek across Shira Plateau, optional acclimatization hike

Today’s trek traverses the spectacular Shira Plateau, offering expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s western slopes and glaciers. This scenic route gradually ascends toward Moir Hut, situated in a secluded valley.

Upon reaching camp, you have the option of an additional short acclimatization hike to nearby ridges, which further aids your adaptation to altitude. The surrounding landscapes are captivating, featuring dramatic rock formations and serene alpine scenery.

Enjoy dinner at camp and a restful night, surrounded by Kilimanjaro’s peaceful and rugged beauty.

Day 5: Moir Hut To Buffalo Camp

Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Highlights: Remote northern circuit trail, panoramic views across Kenyan plains

Begin your morning trek heading toward Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, entering one of the mountain's quietest and most remote regions. This unique section of the Northern Circuit rewards trekkers with solitude and magnificent panoramic views stretching toward the Kenyan plains.

The path gently ascends and descends, aiding acclimatization, before arriving at the scenic and remote Buffalo Camp. Named after the buffalo that once roamed here, the area provides stunning views and a chance to experience Kilimanjaro’s tranquil wilderness.

Enjoy dinner and rest peacefully, fully immersed in this remote alpine landscape.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp To Rongai Third Cave Camp 

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Highlights: Scenic northern circuit trek, excellent acclimatization day

Today's moderate hike continues along Kilimanjaro’s isolated northern circuit, winding around the mountain with continuous panoramic views. Your journey includes crossing several ridges and valleys, providing varied terrain and plenty of opportunities for acclimatization.

Arriving at Rongai Third Cave, you’ll find yourself in a secluded campsite with breathtaking scenery. Use the afternoon to rest, acclimate, and enjoy the serene mountain atmosphere.

Savor another warm, nutritious dinner prepared by your team, resting early for tomorrow’s ascent towards base camp.

Day 7: Rongai Third Cave Camp To School Hut

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Highlights: Alpine desert landscape, final preparations for summit ascent

Departing camp after breakfast, your route ascends through Kilimanjaro’s stark and beautiful alpine desert zone. The terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with sparse vegetation and expansive vistas.

You’ll soon reach School Hut, your final base camp before the summit attempt. After arriving in early afternoon, spend the rest of the day hydrating, resting, and mentally preparing for tonight’s summit push.

Enjoy an early dinner, finalize your gear, and sleep briefly—your midnight summit adventure awaits!

Day 8: School Hut To Uhuru Peak, Descend To Millennium Camp

Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Highlights: Midnight ascent, breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak, spectacular glacier views

Awake shortly before midnight and prepare for the challenging ascent toward Kilimanjaro’s summit. Illuminated by your headlamp, ascend steep slopes under starry skies, pausing briefly for short rests as altitude increases.

Arriving at Gilman's Point near sunrise, enjoy spectacular views of glaciers illuminated by the morning’s first light. With renewed determination, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)—the highest point in Africa. Capture memorable photographs and celebrate your extraordinary achievement atop the "Roof of Africa."

Afterward, descend carefully, passing back through base camp and onward to Millennium Camp. Rest, hydrate, and relish your accomplishment with a hearty dinner before a restful night’s sleep.

Day 9: Millennium Camp To Mweka Gate, Transfer To Hotel

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Highlights: Final rainforest descent, summit certificate ceremony

Enjoy breakfast in camp, surrounded by Kilimanjaro’s tranquil beauty one last time. Descend gently through lush rainforest, savoring your final moments on the mountain.

At Mweka Gate, celebrate your successful climb by receiving your official summit certificate. A comfortable transfer back to your Moshi hotel awaits, where you can indulge in a rejuvenating shower, a delicious celebratory meal, and rest comfortably, reflecting on your incredible journey.

Day 10: Departure - Last Day Of Your Adventure

After breakfast, relax at your hotel and reflect on your unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.

For travelers wishing to extend their African journey, consider a thrilling safari in iconic parks such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, or unwind on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor your perfect adventure.

Depart Tanzania filled with lasting memories, new friendships, and immense pride in your accomplishment of conquering Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain!

‍

Inclusions:

Exclusions: