Why Choose Northern Circuit Route?

Highest Success Rate

With 90-95% summit success due to excellent acclimatization profile and gradual ascent.

Least Crowded

The newest and least traveled route, offering solitude and pristine wilderness.

Most Scenic

Circles Kilimanjaro, offering 360-degree views and diverse landscapes unmatched by other routes.

Pricing Options

Choose the duration that fits your schedule and budget

8 Day Trek

Recommended

The full Northern Circuit experience with optimal acclimatization

Highest success rate (90-95%)
Complete circuit of the mountain
Most scenic and remote experience

Prices:

1 person: $2,500
2-5 persons: $2,000/person
6+ persons: $1,950/person

Route Overview

Days

90km

Distance

90-95%

Success Rate

Challenging

Difficulty

Route History

The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, developed to take advantage of the mountain's spectacular northern slopes while providing excellent acclimatization. It was established in the 2010s as an alternative to the more crowded southern routes.

This route combines elements of the Lemosho Route with a unique circuit around Kilimanjaro's northern side, offering trekkers unparalleled views and solitude. Its extended duration and gradual ascent profile make it the route with the highest summit success rate.

Why Northern Circuit Stands Out

What makes the Northern Circuit special is its complete circumnavigation of Kilimanjaro, offering views of all sides of the mountain. The route's extended duration allows for perfect acclimatization, while its remote location ensures a wilderness experience unmatched by other routes.

Pro Tip

The 8-day Northern Circuit itinerary includes crucial acclimatization time while traversing Kilimanjaro's remote northern slopes. The extra days make this the safest route with the highest success rate, despite being the longest route available.

Detailed Itinerary

8-day Northern Circuit Route schedule with elevation profile

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you'll meet your guide and have a pre-climb briefing to discuss the adventure ahead.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Moshi to Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, you'll drive to the Lemosho Gate. From there, you begin your trek through the rainforest, gradually ascending to Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Duration

3-4 hours

Distance

7 km

Elevation Gain

+650m

Camp Altitude

2,750m

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

The trek continues through the moorland zone to Shira 1 Camp. You will pass the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, with incredible views.

Duration

5-6 hours

Distance

8 km

Elevation Gain

+850m

Camp Altitude

3,600m

Shira 1 Camp

Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut

This day's hike leads through moorland terrain to Moir Hut. The trek provides amazing views of Kilimanjaro's summit and an excellent spot for acclimatization.

Duration

4-6 hours

Distance

10 km

Elevation Gain

+516m

Camp Altitude

4,116m

Moir Hut

Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Hike from Moir Hut through Lent Hills, with breathtaking views across the northern plains to Buffalo Camp, situated in an alpine desert zone.

Duration

5-7 hours

Distance

12 km

Elevation Gain

+514m

Camp Altitude

4,630m

Buffalo Camp

Buffalo Camp to Third Cave

The trail becomes more remote and wild as you traverse through sparse terrain to reach Third Cave, a quiet camp offering stunning views of the mountain.

Duration

5-7 hours

Distance

8 km

Elevation Loss

-595m

Camp Altitude

4,035m

Third Cave

Third Cave to School Hut

Ascend through alpine desert terrain to School Hut, located at the base of the "Saddle" between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This is a short but crucial day for acclimatization before summit night.

Duration

4-6 hours

Distance

5 km

Elevation Gain

+605m

Camp Altitude

4,640m

School Hut

Summit Day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Summit day begins with an early morning ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, followed by a descent to Mweka Camp. This challenging day includes breathtaking views and a variety of ecosystems as you descend.

Duration

12-16 hours

Distance

15 km

Elevation

4,640m → 5,895m → 3,100m

Camp Altitude

3,100m

Uhuru Peak - Highest Point in Africa

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest back to the Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates before transferring back to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration.

Duration

3-4 hours

Distance

10 km

Descent

-1,460m

Gate Altitude

1,640m

Mweka Gate - Journey's End

Trip Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Two nights accommodations in Moshi
Transfer to and from the mountain
18% VAT (Value Added Tax) on tour fees and service
Park fees
4-season mountain tent
Mess tents, lanterns, chairs, tables
Three hot meals daily on the mountain
Hot water for washing
Fair wages for the mountain crew: guides, cook, and porters
Emergency oxygen tank

Exclusions

Visa fees
Flights
Travel insurance
All items of personal nature
Lunch, dinner, and drinks at your hotel
Tips for the team: guides, cooks, and porters

Recommendation Tips:

Guide: $20-$25/day
Cook: $15-$20/day
Porters: $10/day

Additional Costs

Portable flash toilet: $100 for the entire trek
Extra hotel night in Moshi: Double room $100, Single $80
Extra porters for excess gear: $10/day

Requirements:

Good physical condition (for hiking and safaris)
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies
Visa
Appropriate clothing for hot and cold temperatures
Camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing (Optional)

Pricing Information

Our Kilimanjaro pricing is subject to availability and may change without notice. The price is only guaranteed once paid for in full or in installments. Prices quoted are subject to changes outside our control, which may increase the cost of the product or service.

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