Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Pre-climb briefing and equipment check.
Overnight at the hotel.
Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most successful routes to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. This 9-day itinerary offers excellent acclimatization, breathtaking scenery, and a quieter trekking experience compared to other routes.
The route approaches the mountain from the west, circles around the remote northern slopes, and offers stunning panoramic views of Kenya and the vast African plains. With its gradual ascent profile and extra acclimatization days, the Northern Circuit has one of the highest summit success rates.
This route is ideal for climbers seeking a less crowded, scenic, and highly successful Kilimanjaro adventure.
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Arrival in Tanzania
Day 02 :
Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then begin trekking through rainforest to Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Elevation gain: Moderate
Habitat: Rainforest
Overnight at camp.
Day 03 :
Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
Trek out of the rainforest into the heath and moorland zone. Enjoy beautiful views of the Shira Plateau.
Overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Day 04 :
Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp
Gradual ascent across the Shira Plateau with spectacular scenery and acclimatization benefits.
Overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
Day 05 :
Shira 2 – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Trek toward Lava Tower for acclimatization before descending slightly to Moir Hut on the northern slopes.
Overnight at Moir Hut.
Day 06 :
Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Continue around the quieter northern side of the mountain with panoramic views toward Kenya.
Overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Day 07 :
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
Gradual ascent with excellent acclimatization as you approach the eastern side of the mountain.
Overnight at Third Cave Camp.
Early midnight start for summit attempt. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. Celebrate at the summit before descending to Mweka Camp.
Long and challenging day.
Overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 09 :
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive summit certificates and transfer back to hotel.
Overnight at hotel or airport transfer.
Includes
- Kilimanjaro park fees
- Professional mountain guides
- Assistant guides and porters
- All camping equipment
- All meals on the mountain
- Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
- Airport transfers
- Pre- and post-climb accommodation
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides and porters
- Alcoholic and soft drinks