Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most complete route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering the best acclimatization and highest summit success rate.
Starting from the western side, the route circles around the entire northern slopes of the mountain, providing a remote, quiet, and premium trekking experience.
This 9-day itinerary follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, significantly improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak safely while enjoying every stage of the journey.
Itinerary
● Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Your adventure begins at Lemosho Gate with registration and a full briefing from your mountain guide.
After entering the park, you start trekking through a lush tropical rainforest, one of the most beautiful sections of Mount Kilimanjaro.
The trail is gentle and shaded, allowing your body to gradually adjust to the altitude. Along the way, you may encounter colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
This is a short and comfortable first day designed to introduce you to the climb and set a relaxed pace.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
● Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
After breakfast, you continue your ascent and soon leave the rainforest behind, entering the moorland zone.
The landscape opens dramatically, offering wide panoramic views and unique high-altitude vegetation such as giant heathers and lobelias.
The air becomes cooler and drier as you gain elevation. The trail is steady and manageable, allowing for proper acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
● Distance: 7 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Today is a shorter trekking day focused on acclimatization.
You will cross the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
The relatively easy hike allows your body to adapt while enjoying the scenery. In the afternoon, you can take a short optional acclimatization walk.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp
● Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
This is one of the most important days for acclimatization.
You will climb steadily to Lava Tower, where altitude effects may begin to be felt. After spending some time at this higher elevation, you descend to Moir Hut.
This “climb high, sleep low” strategy is crucial in helping your body adjust to altitude and increases your chances of reaching the summit.
The landscape transitions into alpine desert, with dramatic and rugged scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Moir Hut
● Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Today you move into the remote northern side of the mountain, far from the busy southern routes.
This section is quiet and rarely crowded, offering a true wilderness experience.
You will enjoy incredible views across Kenya and the northern plains. The trail gently ascends and descends, helping further acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
● Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
The trek continues across the northern slopes with rolling terrain and expansive views.
This is a moderate trekking day designed to conserve energy while maintaining acclimatization.
You will notice the environment becoming drier and more rugged as you approach the alpine desert zone again.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
● Distance: 5 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Today is a shorter but important day as you move to your final base camp before the summit attempt.
The trail climbs steadily over rocky terrain. Upon arrival at School Hut, you will rest, hydrate, and prepare for the most challenging part of the climb.
You will have an early dinner and go to bed early in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: School Hut
● Distance: 17 km | Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your trek.
You will wake up around midnight and begin your ascent under the stars. The climb is slow and steady due to the altitude and cold conditions.
You will first reach Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Reaching the summit is an unforgettable moment, often rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds.
After celebrating, you will descend carefully to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
● Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Your final day involves a gentle descent through the rainforest zone.
The trail is easier, allowing you to reflect on your incredible achievement.
Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you will receive your summit certificate and be transferred back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All park entrance fees and government taxes
- Professional, English-speaking mountain guide(s) certified by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Experienced cook and porters to carry equipment and supplies
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with clean drinking water
- Accommodation in mountain tents with sleeping mats
- Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi/Arusha (one before and one after the trek)
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport ↔ hotel)
- Rescue fee (KINAPA requirement)
- Oximeters and first-aid kit for daily health monitoring
- Filtered water for refilling bottles throughout the trek
- Private chemical toilet tent for comfort and hygiene on the mountain
- Celebration meal and summit certificate after completing your climb
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania entry visa fees
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, hiking boots, etc.)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and cooks (recommended $15–$25 per day)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, and snacks
- Additional hotel nights beyond the included nights
- Optional single supplement for private tent accommodation
Route Map
