OVERVIEW
The Northern Circuit is the longest, most gradual, and most scenic Kilimanjaro route. It encircles almost the entire peak, offering fantastic acclimatization and remote wilderness before joining the summit approach from the east.
DAY TO DAY ACTIVITIES
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
-After registration at Londorossi Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro, you’ll drive through lush farmland and enter the montane rainforest. Look for blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and exotic birdlife as you trek under a thick canopy dripping with moss and vines. The path is often muddy but wonderfully atmospheric. You’ll reach Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp in time to settle in, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night surrounded by forest sounds.
-Elevation: 7,742 ft / 2,360 m → 9,498 ft / 2,895 m
-Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Montane Forest
-Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
-Leave the rainforest behind as you climb steeply onto the Shira Plateau, crossing ridges and valleys carpeted in heather. The views open up spectacularly, with Kibo’s snowy peak visible ahead and the Shira Ridge to the west. Giant lobelias dot the landscape. By the time you reach Shira 1 Camp, you’ll be high on the broad plateau with wide horizons and the chance for a truly spectacular sunset.
-Elevation: 9,498 ft / 2,895 m → 11,500 ft / 3,505 m
-Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
-Habitat: Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
-Today is a gentle crossing of the Shira Plateau. The trail offers sweeping views of Kilimanjaro’s southern ice fields and strange volcanic formations. You’ll pass ancient lava flows and beautiful high-altitude flowers. This gradual, easy day is perfect for acclimatization. Shira 2 Camp offers excellent sunset views with Kibo in dramatic relief against the sky.
-Elevation: 11,500 ft / 3,505 m → 12,500 ft / 3,810 m
-Distance: ~7 km / 4.3 miles
-Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
-Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Heath
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
Leave the busier southern trail and turn north toward the remote Moir Hut. Ascend steadily through high desert terrain, with stunning views back across the Shira Plateau and up to Kibo’s glaciers. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and otherworldly. Moir Hut sits in a secluded valley beneath Lent Hills, offering optional acclimatization hikes in the afternoon for those with energy.
-Elevation: 12,500 ft / 3,810 m → 13,800 ft / 4,206 m
-Distance: ~9 km / 5.6 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Moir Hut.
Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Start the day with an optional scramble up Lent Hills for panoramic views. Then trek across the northern slopes, a remote and less-traveled region of Kilimanjaro with dramatic vistas over the Kenyan plains. The trail rises and falls over ridges and valleys with sparse vegetation and endless skies. Buffalo Camp is a quiet, remote site with beautiful sunsets and brilliant stars.
-Elevation: 13,800 ft / 4,206 m → 13,580 ft / 4,140 m
-Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert / Heath
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Buffalo Camp.
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Continue across Kilimanjaro’s vast northern flanks, with steady ascents and descents that help with acclimatization. The trail is quiet and wild, with sweeping views of the vast wilderness below and the looming cone of Mawenzi rising to the southeast. Arrive at Third Cave Camp in time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the big climb to high camp tomorrow.
-Elevation: 13,580 ft / 4,140 m → 12,700 ft / 3,870 m
-Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
-Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
-Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Third Cave Camp.
Day 7: Third Cave Camp to Kibo Hut
Climb steadily toward the eastern base of Kibo. The air grows thinner as you ascend, and the stark alpine desert surrounds you with endless scree slopes and volcanic rock. Kibo Hut serves as your final high camp before the summit attempt, positioned directly beneath the towering peak. The afternoon is reserved for rest and an early dinner to conserve energy. Your guides will provide a detailed briefing for the midnight summit push, ensuring you are fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
-Elevation: 12,700 ft / 3,870 m → 15,600 ft / 4,750 m
-Distance: ~5 km / 3.1 miles
-Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Kibo Hut.
Day 8: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin your summit bid around midnight, climbing slowly on steep switchbacks of scree and volcanic ash. The demanding ascent leads you to Gilman’s Point (18,640 ft / 5,685 m) on the crater rim, where sunrise over Mawenzi and the plains below is unforgettable. Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 ft / 5,895 m, with breathtaking views of glaciers and vast horizons. After photos and celebrations, descend carefully back past Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue the long descent to Mweka Camp. The thicker air and green surroundings provide welcome relief after your summit triumph.
-Elevation: 15,600 ft / 4,750 m → 19,341 ft / 5,895 m → 10,065 ft / 3,070 m
-Distance: ~15 km / 9.3 miles
-Hiking Time: 12–16 hours
-Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
-Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
-Accommodation: Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A final celebratory morning on Kilimanjaro. Descend through lush rainforest with singing birds and towering ancient trees. Watch for monkeys in the canopy as you make your way to Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your well-earned summit certificates, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha for hot showers, cold drinks, and the satisfaction of conquering Africa’s tallest mountain on its longest and most scenic route.
-Elevation: 10,065 ft / 3,070 m → 5,380 ft / 1,640 m
-Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
-Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
-Habitat: Montane Forest
-Meals: Breakfast
PRICE
| Group Size | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,850 |
| 2–4 People | $2,750 |
| 5–7 People | $2,650 |
| 8+ People | $2,550 |
WHAT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
-Bed and Breakfast, Airport pick up and drop off, Transport to the mountain and back to your hotel after trek.
-Professional, experienced, mountain guides.
-Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees.
-All meals while on the Mountain (Breakfast lunch and dinner).
WHAT NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
-Tanzania Visa.
-International and domestic flights.
-Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting).
-Travel insurance.
-Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
-Meals not listed in the itinerary.
-Liquors, beers and bottled beverages.
