🌍 Northern Circuit Route
If you're looking for maximum acclimatization time, incredible panoramic views, and a high chance of reaching the summit, the Northern Circuit is your perfect route.
.
“Best decision I ever made! The Northern Circuit was peaceful, challenging, and stunningly beautiful.”
🌟 Quick Facts About the Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, taking 8 to 9 days to complete. Approaching from the west, it circles around the northern slopes of the mountain before approaching Uhuru Peak via the quieter summit path.
🧭 Route Length: 8 to 9 Days – Longest route on Kilimanjaro
🌄 Scenery: Unmatched 360° views of the mountain
🌿 Crowd Level: Very Low – Peaceful and less-traveled
⛰️ Summit Success Rate: Extremely High – Over 90% with 9 days
🏕️ Accommodation: Full-service camping with pro crew
🌍 Route Start Point: Londorossi Gate (Western Approach)
🎯 Best For: First-time hikers, photographers, scenic lovers
🧗 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (Great acclimatization time)
☀️ Best Months to Go:
January–March & June–October
🧠 Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?
🌍 Ultimate Kilimanjaro Journey
Take the road less traveled and most rewarding. This is Kilimanjaro's most scenic and peaceful route.
🏕️ Longest Route = Best Acclimatization
More days on the mountain means your body adjusts better, giving you the best shot at reaching the summit with confidence.
🌄 Breathtaking 360° Panoramas
Circle the entire northern face of Kilimanjaro with constantly changing landscapes from lush rainforests to vast alpine deserts.
🚶♀️ Fewer Crowds, More Nature
Escape the busy trails and enjoy the wild serenity of this secluded path. It’s just you, your team, and the mountain.
📈 Success Rates Over 90%
Because of gradual altitude gain, this route boasts one of the highest summit success rates perfect for first-timers.
📸 Photographer’s Dream
Capture stunning shots every day sunrises, cloudscapes, and surreal scenery you won't find on other routes.
🔥 High-Value Adventure
More days, more views, more memories. It’s the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience for those who want the best of everything.
🧭 Itinerary Highlights – 9 Days on the Northern Circuit Route
An epic, scenic loop around Kilimanjaro with maximum acclimatization and ultimate summit success.
Arrival in Moshi
📍 Welcome to Tanzania! You’ll be picked up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Meet your guide for a full briefing and gear check.
Londorossi Gate ➝ Mti Mkubwa Camp
🌿 Drive to the western entrance of the park. Begin your trek through lush rainforest teeming with monkeys and exotic birds.
Elevation: 2,100m to 2,650m | Time: ~3-4 hrs
Mti Mkubwa ➝ Shira 1 Camp
⛰️ Enter the heather zone and cross into the Shira Plateau — one of the oldest volcanic formations on Kilimanjaro.
Elevation: 2,650m to 3,610m | Time: ~5-6 hrs
Shira 1 ➝ Shira 2 Camp
🌌 Trek across the dramatic open expanse of the plateau. Fantastic views of Kibo Peak ahead.
Elevation: 3,610m to 3,850m | Time: ~3-4 hrs
Shira 2 ➝ Moir Hut ➝ Buffalo Camp
🏕️ Climb to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend into the rarely visited northern slopes.
Elevation: 3,850m to 4,020m | Time: ~6-8 hrs .
Buffalo Camp ➝ Third Cave
🌄 Trek through alpine terrain with endless views of Kenya to your right. Peaceful and remote.
Elevation: 4,020m to 3,870m | Time: ~5-6 hr
Third Cave ➝ School Hut (Base Camp)
🥾 Rest and prep for summit night. Early dinner and sleep. Big day ahead!
Elevation: 3,870m to 4,750m | Time: ~4-5 hrs
School Hut ➝ Uhuru Peak ➝ Mweka Cam
🏔️ Start summit push at midnight! Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Celebrate and descend to lower altitude for recovery.
Elevation: 4,750m to 5,895m to 3,100m | Time: ~13-15 hrs
Mweka Camp ➝ Mweka Gate ➝ Transfer to Hotel
🎉 Final hike through the rainforest. Receive your summit certificate and head back for a well-deserved rest.
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m | Time: ~3-4 hrs
What Included and Not
Relax and focus on your adventure we handle all the details before you hit the trail:
🌍 Before You Climb: We've Got You Covered
- 2 Nights Hotel Stay in Moshi or Marangu ✅ Enjoy a cozy bed-and-breakfast stay to rest, recover, and prepare. Perfectly located for acclimatization and last-minute gear checks!
- Secure Luggage Storage ✅ Worried about excess bags? We offer safe, free storage at your hotel while you're on the mountain.
-
Round-Trip Transfers to the Trail
✅
No stress about transportation—we’ll drive you to the starting gate and pick you up at the finish line.
-
Altitude Sickness Survival Guide
✅
Get our exclusive 15-page printable guide packed with expert tips to beat altitude sickness and boost summit success.
-
Essential Travel Info Pack
✅
All your questions answered in one place—what to pack, how to train, currency tips, and more.
- Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off ✅ Seamless transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your hotel. We’ll be there waiting for you.
-
❌ What’s Not Included in Your Trek Package
- Flights & Airport Taxes 🚫
-
🧳 Personal Items
🚫 -
💵 Tips for Crew (Required)
🚫Appreciation for your amazing team:💰 Average: $200–$350 per hiker (covers guides, porters & cooks).
-
🛂 Entry Visa for Tanzania
🚫 -
💉 Vaccinations
🚫 -
🧾 Travel Insurance (Required)
🚫 -
🥾 Personal Gear
🚫 -
🚻 Portable Toilet Rental (Optional)
🚫
🏔️ What’s Included During Your Kilimanjaro Trek
- All Climbing Fees Handled ✅ Park entrance, camping/hut permits, and rescue team fees are fully included.
- Professional Mountain Team ✅ English-speaking, certified guides lead your trek—trained in safety, first aid, and mountain leadership.
-
Health Monitoring & Safety Gea
✅
• Chief guide carries a pulse oximeter for twice-daily health checks.
• Emergency oxygen and medical kits available on all hikes your safety is our top priority.
- Fair & Ethical Porter ✅ All staff are paid fairly under KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) guidelines.
-
Daily Meals & Hot Beverages
✅
Enjoy nourishing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus warm drinks every day on the mountain.
-
Water Provided
✅
• 3L of bottled water on Day 1
• Safe, boiled drinking water from Night 1 onward
• Morning & evening water for washing up
- Top-Quality Camping Gear ✅ Four-season tents, comfy mats, mess tent, tables, chairs, and all cutlery provided. (For Marangu route, meals are served in huts.)
- Duffel Bag Porter Service ✅ One porter per hiker to carry up to 15kg (32 lbs)—focus on the trail, not your pack!
-
Summit Success Certificate
✅
Celebrate your climb with an official certificate of achievement.
- Private Climb at No Extra Cost ✅ Enjoy your adventure exclusively, no matter your group size we never mix groups.
🙋♂️ Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about Northern Circuit Route
Absolutely! The Northern Circuit is one of the best options for beginners looking to conquer Kilimanjaro. It offers the longest acclimatization time of all the routes, which significantly reduces the risk of altitude sickness and increases your chances of reaching the summit. While it’s a longer trek, the gradual ascent gives your body time to adjust making it a safe and scenic path for first-time climbers with moderate fitness.
The Northern Circuit stands out because it circles around the quiet, remote northern side of the mountain, offering a unique and tranquil experience. Compared to the more popular Lemosho and Machame routes, the Northern Circuit is less crowded, offers panoramic views, and boasts the highest summit success rate due to its gradual altitude gain. It combines the beauty of Lemosho’s start with an exclusive trail that most climbers never see.
Preparation is key for an enjoyable and successful trek. We recommend:
- Training 2–3 months in advance with hikes, cardio, and endurance exercises
- Testing your gear during practice hikes to avoid surprises
- Mental readiness – this is as much a mindset challenge as a physical one
- Packing smart – bring proper layered clothing, worn-in hiking boots, and essentials
- Understanding altitude – educate yourself on symptoms of altitude sickness and trust your guide’s advice
Don’t worry our team will provide you with a complete pre-departure guide and support at every step!
What to Pack
Pack smart, trek strong! 🎒 Get ready for Kilimanjaro with essential gear, cozy layers, and mountain-tested equipment for ultimate success. 🏔️
🔹 Broken-in hiking boots
- 🔹 Warm layers (night temps can drop to -12°C)
- 🔹 Waterproof gear
- 🔹 Broken-in hiking boots
-
🔹 Trekking poles (highly recommended)
Trust & Safety
- 24/7 Mountain Medical Support ✅ Professional health monitoring, including daily checks by certified guides trained in high-altitude care.
- Emergency Rescue Protocols ✅ Fully prepared for any situation, with oxygen, first aid kits, and evacuation plans in place.
- 95% Client Satisfaction Rate ✅ Real stories, real people, real success. Our track record speaks volumes—read our glowing reviews!
-
Locally Owned & Operated
✅ Born and raised at the foot of Kilimanjaro. No one knows this mountain like we do.
Our Trek Packages
🗺️ Carefully Crafted Treks for Every Adventurer.