8 DAYS NORTERN CIRCUIT ROUTE

Tour Overview

The Northern Circuit Route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers an unforgettable trekking experience. This relatively new and less-traveled route climbs the mountain’s scenic and tranquil western slopes, providing trekkers with the opportunity to experience nearly the entire mountain before reaching the summit. Known for its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, the Northern Circuit is one of the most picturesque routes on Kilimanjaro, with very few other groups on the northern face.
The 8-day Northern Circuit Route is the long and most scenic path to the summit, offering exceptional 360-degree views and ample time for acclimatization, which contributes to a higher summit success rate. Starting at Londorossi Gate, the route follows a counterclockwise path around the mountain, taking climbers through diverse landscapes that range from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts.
As the least crowded route, the Northern Circuit provides a tranquil and immersive trekking experience, with stunning vistas of the northern slopes—sights that are rarely seen from other routes. The extended duration and gradual ascent make this route ideal for those seeking a more relaxed climb with a high success rate, as well as those who want to truly immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of Kilimanjaro.

8 DAYS NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE KILIMANJARO TREKS

Offering exceptional 360-degree views

Allow acclimatization day

Varied Temperature Zones

Peaceful, scenic, and rewarding trek

ITINERARY

Upon your arrival, our driver from Kilimanjaro Select will be waiting to meet you. You will be escorted to the vehicle, where your luggage will be loaded, and then driven to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After checking in, you will receive a detailed briefing about your trek. Your mountain guide will also conduct an inspection of your equipment. If any items are missing, you will have the opportunity to rent them on this day.

• Elevation: 2389m – 2785m
• Distance: 5km
• Hours:3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain forest.
Meals: Full Board

Our driver will get you up from the hotel in the morning and take you to the Londorossi gate. You will be registered at the gate and have to sign a few documents. Following registration, you will be driven to the start of your journey, which is a rocky road that leads into the thick rainforest. To get to Mkubwa Camp, you will travel a somewhat steep path through a breathtaking, pristine natural forest. During the first two days of your journey, you will be followed by an armed ranger because this area is also home to wild game.

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Heath

We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadow towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Elevation: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
Distance: 12km/7mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, we encountered a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. We can do an optional hike to the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp.

Elevation: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
Distance: 15km/8mi
Climbing Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut. After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.

Elevation: 4800m/15,748ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3950m/12,959ft
Distance: 6km/3.5mi up / 11km/6mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.
Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.
Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).
Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.

Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).


PRICE INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

All airport transfers

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi/Arusha hotel

Hotel 2 nights in Moshi/Arusha

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Sleeping Mattress

Emergency Oxygen Cylinder

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Kilimanjaro summit certificate

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

• Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc
• Tanzania Visa
• International and domestic flights
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Liquors, beers and bottled beverage
• Alls not listed in the itinerary

Related Tour