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- Tour Length: 8 Days /7 Nights
- Best Time to Travel: January to December
It’s the only route that circles the mountain
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest of the eight established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Unique in its design, it’s the only route that circles the mountain, allowing climbers to view Kilimanjaro from all four sides. Many tour operators promote it as the easiest route due to its extended itinerary and gradual ascent, offering excellent acclimatization. While this relaxed pace makes the trek more manageable for altitude adjustment, the 8-day journey may be physically demanding for those without experience in long-distance hiking.
What truly sets the Northern Circuit apart is its combination of a superb acclimatization profile, stunning panoramic views, and tranquil trails far from the crowds. As the least-traveled route on Kilimanjaro, it’s ideal for trekkers who seek a more private and immersive mountain experience.
Day 1: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
You’ll begin your journey with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration. Afterward, a short drive takes you to the trailhead where your trek begins through the lush rainforest. Look out for colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp)
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trail climbs out of the forest into the heather and moorland zone. The path offers stunning views of Shira Ridge and Mount Meru in the distance.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
A slow ascent across the Shira Plateau helps with acclimatization. Enjoy expansive views of the surrounding landscapes and Kilimanjaro’s snowy summit.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,600m (Lava Tower), then down to 4,200m
Distance: ~14 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
A challenging but important day for acclimatization. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower (acclimatization point) and then descend to Moir Hut for the night. The landscape is dry and dramatic.
Overnight: Moir Hut
Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,200m to 4,020m
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
This is where the Northern Circuit truly begins. You’ll head around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro with panoramic views of Kenya’s plains to the north.
Overnight: Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
A relatively short day helps the body continue acclimatizing. The route offers peaceful surroundings with few other trekkers in sight.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Day 7: Third Cave Camp – School Hut
Elevation: 3,870m to 4,750m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
You’ll ascend steadily to School Hut, your base camp for the summit push. You’ll arrive early enough to rest and prepare for a very early morning departure.
Overnight: School Hut
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) then down to 3,100m
Distance: ~15 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic zone to rainforest
Summit day! You’ll begin around midnight, trekking slowly in the dark to Gilman’s Point and then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend via Stella Point and Barafu Camp, eventually reaching Mweka Camp for your final overnight on the mountain.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 9 (Optional Descent Day): Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
A final descent through lush rainforest takes you to Mweka Gate. You’ll receive your summit certificate before heading back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
- Round trip transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfers to/from the base of the mountain
- Full board accommodation whilst on the trek
- 3 Meal plan as detailed: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
- Two nights at the hotel before and after trekking in Arusha
- Accommodation in hunts on the mountain as per the itinerary
- All park entrance fees including government taxes
- Service of a professional English-speaking Mountain guide
- Assistant Guide French Speaking (on Request)
- Porters and skilled cook
- Treated water and boiled water on the trek
- Oxygen tank
- Mobile toilet
- First aid kit
- Visas to Tanzania
- Tips
- Laundry
- Sleeping bags/mattress (available for hiring, though we recommend bringing your own)
- Drinks
- Climbing gear
- Items of a personal nature and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary