Northern Circuit Route
9 Days Northern Circuit Route - Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic trail, offering unmatched 360° views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes. Starting from the western slopes, this route follows the Lemosho Trail before circling around the northern flank near the Kenyan border, allowing for excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate.
At Precious Safaris, we recommend this route to trekkers who want the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience — more days on the mountain, fewer crowds, and a peaceful wilderness adventure culminating at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Day 1: Arrival Day
Welcome to Tanzania!
Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our skilled drivers will greet you and take you to the Green Mountain Hotel in Arusha. Once you have checked in, unwind for a while before your mountain guide comes by in the evening for a briefing and gear check before your trek
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,785m)
Distance: 6 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate for registration. Your trek begins in the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys and exotic birds. You’ll gradually ascend to Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for your first night on the mountain.
Highlights: Dense rainforest, wildlife sightings, first views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes.
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2,785m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,505m)
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
The trail leaves the forest and climbs into the open moorland zone. You’ll cross the Shira Ridge and enter the vast Shira Plateau, one of the most stunning landscapes on the mountain.
Highlights: Expansive views across the plateau, Shira Ridge, and Mount Meru.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
A relaxed day to help with acclimatization as you continue exploring the plateau. You’ll traverse gentle terrain with sweeping views of Kibo Peak ahead.
Highlights: Panoramic landscapes, acclimatization, and beautiful sunset views.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp.
Day 5: Shira 2 (3,850m) → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Moir Hut (4,200m)
Distance: 14 km | Hiking Time: 6–7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
A longer and more challenging day, designed for “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization. Trek east toward Lava Tower (4,630m) for lunch and rest before descending to the remote Moir Hut Camp, tucked beneath massive lava ridges.
Highlights: Lava Tower, high-altitude acclimatization, and dramatic alpine scenery.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp.
Day 6: Moir Hut (4,200m) → Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert / Moorland
Begin with a steep climb out of Moir Valley, where you can take an optional detour to Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for incredible views. The trail then turns north and follows a lesser-known path across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Highlights: Peaceful, remote environment with few other climbers; views of Kenya’s plains.
Overnight: Buffalo Camp.
Day 7: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) → Third Cave (3,870m)
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek is relatively short and gentle, giving you more time to rest and adjust to the altitude. Enjoy the serenity of the northern circuit as you make your way to Third Cave Camp.
Highlights: Northern wilderness, tranquil trail, good acclimatization day.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp.
Day 8: Third Cave (3,870m) → School Hut (4,800m)
Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
You’ll climb steadily to School Hut, your base camp before the summit push. The landscape becomes barren and lunar-like, offering incredible views of Mawenzi Peak. After an early dinner, rest before the midnight summit attempt.
Highlights: Final preparation, quiet evening under the stars.
Overnight: School Hut.
Day 9: School Hut (4,800m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 16 km | Hiking Time: 10–14 hours | Habitat: Arctic → Moorland
Your summit night begins around midnight. Trek slowly through the cold darkness, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim at sunrise. Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa!
After celebrating and taking photos, descend via Kibo Crater and Barafu to reach Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Highlights: Sunrise from the summit, breathtaking glaciers, incredible sense of achievement.
Overnight: Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp (3,100m) → Mweka Gate (1,640m)
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Celebrate your success with your team before driving back to Arusha for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
Highlights: Celebration with your crew, certificate ceremony, and return to civilization.
Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel
Day 11: Departure
Before heading to the airport, you have the option to undertake a day-trip tour to various destinations such as Arusha Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Napuru Waterfalls, or Ilkidinga Cultural Tourism. Alternatively, you may decide to prolong your stay and discover more of Tanzania’s attractions. Thank you for choosing Precious Safaris.
Enquire this Tour
PRICE FOR 9 DAYS NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
Mount Kilimanjaro-
1 Person = $2650
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2 People = $2550
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3 People = $2550
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4 People = $2450
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5 People = $2400
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6+ People = $2380
PRICE INCLUDE
– Airport pick-up and return transfers
– 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (Bed and Breakfast)
– Lunch box and drinking water
– Transfer from the hotel to Londros Gate
– Pick up from Mweka Gate to the hotel
– Conservation fees
– Camping fees, Forest fees, Rescue fees
– Enough food for all days on the mountain (Three meals per day)
– Quality Tents, Sleeping mats, Comfortable Chairs, and Tables
– Wages for Porters, Cooks and Guides
– Mountain Climbing Certificate
– First Aid Kit
– Pulse Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder
PRICE EXCLUDE
– Passport and Visa
– Mountaineering Insurance( cover up to 6000m is recommended)
– Lunch and dinner at the Hotel
– Domestic and International flights
– Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary
– Extra night at the Hotel
– Hiking Gear, Sleeping Bag (available on rental)
– Private Toilet
– Items of a personal nature
– Value Added Tax (VAT 18%)
– Tip