Mount Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit

Northern Circuit

Kilimanjaro's longest route. A demanding expedition through remote northern landscapes, diverse ecosystems and some of the mountain's most spectacular scenery, with exceptional opportunities for acclimatization.

Estimated From $3,149 / PERSON
Duration

09 DAYS

Distance

68 KM ↑

Summit

5,895 M

Route Profile

DEMANDING

Expedition Intelligence

Quick Facts

Starting Point

Londorossi Gate

Western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Tour Duration

9 Days

8 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Hiking Distance

68 KM ↑

22 KM descending.

Elevation Gain

3,645 M

From the starting point toward the summit.

Highest Point

5,895 M

Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa.

Difficulty Level

Demanding

Longer duration, steep ascents and remote, rugged terrain.

Popularity

Longest Route

Designed for trekkers seeking solitude and scenery.

Accommodation

Premium Tents

Two-person tents, mattresses and private portable toilets.

* ALL ESTIMATED PRICES ARE PER PERSON, BASED ON A 2 PERSON TREK.

Expedition Brief

The Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit is the longest route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a more remote and less crowded experience.

Its excellent acclimatization opportunities combine with spectacular views and a diverse range of ecosystems, making this a demanding but highly rewarding expedition.

Estimated Price
$3,149 USD / PERSON
01. WESTERN ENTRY

Londorossi Gate

Western gateway into Kilimanjaro National Park.

02. RAINFOREST

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Begin through lush rainforest with opportunities to spot colobus monkeys and exotic birds.

03. SHIRA

Shira I → Shira II

Cross the Shira Plateau and experience expansive views of Kibo and the surrounding plains.

04. ALPINE DESERT

Lava Tower → Moir Hut

Reach 4,600 m at Lava Tower before descending into the quieter Moir Hut region.

05. NORTHERN WILDERNESS

Buffalo Camp → Third Cave

Enter Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes, surrounded by remote wilderness and Kenyan plains.

06. FINAL CAMP

School Hut

At 4,800 m, prepare for the demanding final summit push.

07. SUMMIT

Gilman's Point → Uhuru Peak

5,685 m → 5,895 m — the Roof of Africa.

Expedition Log

Day-to-Day Itinerary

These itineraries are a starting point to help you plan your Kilimanjaro adventure. We specialize in creating tailor-made tours and personalized adventures and holidays, fully customized to match your personal preferences.

DAY 00

Arrival

The Start of the Ultimate Trekking Challenge

  • 01 Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
  • 02 In the evening, meet your experienced guide for a pre-climb briefing and thorough gear check.
  • 03 After dinner, take time to rest and recharge before beginning the Northern Circuit.
DAY 01

Mti Mkubwa

Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp

After an early breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate at 2,250 m on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After registration and permits, the trek begins through the lush rainforest zone.

Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and exotic birds while making your way toward Mti Mkubwa Camp at 2,650 m.

Altitude

2,250 → 2,650 M

Distance

8 KM

Duration

3–4 HRS

DAY 02

Shira I

Mti Mkubwa Camp → Shira I Camp

Leave the rainforest behind and transition into Kilimanjaro's unique moorland zone.

Upon reaching Shira I Camp at 3,610 m, take time to appreciate your first view of Kibo Peak.

The wide-open landscape offers breathtaking views across the Shira Plateau.

Altitude

2,650 → 3,610 M

Distance

7 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

DAY 03

Shira II

Shira I Camp → Shira II Camp

After breakfast, cross the Shira Plateau, an ancient volcanic caldera.

The terrain is relatively flat at approximately 3,800 m, making this an easier hiking day.

Arrive at Shira II Camp at 3,850 m and take an optional acclimatization hike to a nearby ridge.

Altitude

3,610 → 3,850 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

DAY 04

Lava Tower

Shira II → Lava Tower

Depart Shira II at 3,850 m and head toward the iconic Lava Tower at 4,600 m.

The landscape transitions into alpine desert as vegetation becomes scarcer and the terrain more rugged.

Take a break at Lava Tower to rest, recharge and enjoy lunch before continuing.

Altitude

3,850 → 4,600 M

Distance

8 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

Continued Moir Hut

Descending to Moir Hut

After the Lava Tower break, descend toward Moir Hut at 4,200 m. This quieter section offers a strong sense of tranquility and seclusion.

Altitude

4,600 → 4,200 M

Distance

5 KM

Duration

2–3 HRS

DAY 05

Buffalo Camp

Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp

Leave Moir Hut and venture toward Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes.

This section provides a unique sense of solitude and wilderness, with fewer climbers on the trail.

The trail gently climbs over ridges with expansive views of the Kenyan plains before reaching Buffalo Camp.

Altitude

4,200 → 4,020 M

Distance

12 KM

Duration

5–7 HRS

DAY 06

Third Cave

Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp

Today's trek takes you from Buffalo Camp at 4,020 m to Third Cave Camp at 3,800 m.

The trail remains relatively gentle, offering incredible views of Kilimanjaro's rugged northern landscapes.

Upon arrival, rest and continue acclimatizing ahead of the final stages of the expedition.

Altitude

4,020 → 3,800 M

Distance

8 KM

Duration

4–6 HRS

DAY 07

School Hut

Third Cave Camp → School Hut

As you climb higher, the air becomes thinner and the terrain increasingly barren.

The goal is School Hut at 4,800 m, the final camp before the summit push.

The trail becomes steeper, but the steady pace and acclimatization process help prepare you for the altitude.

Altitude

3,800 → 4,800 M

Distance

5 KM

Duration

4–5 HRS

Summit Preparation

Rest and prepare at School Hut for the challenging summit night ahead.

5895
Summit Operation

The Final Stage

5,895 METRES // UHURU PEAK

The Final Stage: Uhuru Peak

Your summit attempt begins around midnight from School Hut at 4,800 m.

The trail is steep and rocky, leading toward Gilman's Point at 5,685 m on the crater rim just as the sun rises.

From there, continue toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating your achievement and capturing summit photographs, begin the descent toward Barafu Camp.

Altitude

4,800 → 5,685 → 5,895 M

Distance

6 KM

Duration

6–8 HRS

5,895 M Highest Point
In Africa
FINAL DESCENT

Mweka

The Descent Back to Mweka Camp

After arriving at Barafu Camp at 4,673 m, take refreshments and enjoy a short break after the demanding summit morning.

Continue descending to Mweka Camp at 3,100 m, where dinner and overnight accommodation await.

The descent becomes faster, but the trail remains steep and strenuous after the long summit push. Maintain a controlled pace and conserve energy.

Altitude

5,895 → 4,673 → 3,100 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

6–7 HRS

2 HOURS OF REST AT BARAFU CAMP EXCLUDED

COMPLETION

Mweka Gate

The Final Descent to Mweka Gate

Your final day takes you through lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate at 1,640 m.

At the gate, you'll receive your official Kilimanjaro Certificate of Achievement.

From Mweka Gate, a transfer takes you back to your hotel in Arusha for a refreshing shower, celebratory dinner and well-deserved rest.

Altitude

3,100 → 1,640 M

Distance

10 KM

Duration

3–4 HRS

Included

Expedition Includes

  • + All entrance fees including government taxes.
  • + All activities unless indicated as optional.
  • + All accommodations mentioned in the itinerary.
  • + Professional driver and mountain guide.
  • + Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • + Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
  • + Transportation to and from the mountain.
  • + Airport pick-up and drop-off.
  • + Camping equipment and porter services.
  • + Official certificates issued by KINAPA.
Excluded

Not Included

  • × International and/or domestic flights.
  • × Tips.
  • × Tanzania visa — USD 50.
  • × Medical and/or travel insurance.
  • × Local SIM card.
  • × Personal expenses and souvenirs.
  • × Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and unspecified meals.
  • × Climbing gear unless rented upon request.
  • × Medical evacuation by helicopter.
  • × Government-initiated increases in taxes or park fees.
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