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8 Days Northern Circuit
Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Itinerary
Cost Include
Cost Exclude
Overview
Overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also the longest route on the mountain. Because of its extended length, it offers better time for acclimatization. This gives climbers a higher chance of reaching the summit.
The Northern Circuit is known for its high success rate. It allows the body to adjust slowly to the altitude. Fewer people suffer from altitude sickness on this route. As a result, more climbers make it to the top.
The route begins on the western side of the mountain. It follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. Climbers start by trekking through the lush rainforest. The trail then rises into heath and moorland zones.
After the second day, the route changes. The Northern Circuit veers off from Lemosho. It moves around the quieter northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. These areas are remote and less crowded than the southern trails. Climbers get a peaceful and scenic experience here.
The northern side of the mountain offers stunning views. You can see Kenya to the north and the vast plains below. The trail is quieter, which means more time to enjoy nature. You may also see wildlife such as colobus monkeys or birds of prey.
The route continues eastward around the mountain. It passes through alpine desert and rocky ridges. Climbers spend more days on the trail, which helps them adjust to high altitudes. This extra time is one of the reasons for its high summit success rate.
The final part of the climb starts near the School Hut. From there, climbers head toward Gilman’s Point. This is one of the three main points on the crater rim. The path to Gilman’s is steep and challenging. It usually begins around midnight to reach the summit by sunrise.
Once at Gilman’s Point, the trail follows the rim to Uhuru Peak. Uhuru is the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. Reaching it is a huge achievement. Many climbers find the sunrise from the summit to be unforgettable.
After reaching the summit, the descent begins. The return route goes down the southern side of the mountain. This part of the trail is shared with the Machame and Lemosho routes. The descent is quicker and passes through changing landscapes.
The Northern Circuit takes about nine days from start to finish. It is best for those who want to take their time. It’s ideal for people who want higher chances of reaching the top. The route combines beauty, challenge, and quiet trails.
For trekkers seeking a more remote experience with high success, the Northern Circuit is an excellent choice. It offers a full tour of Kilimanjaro’s diverse terrain and a rewarding climb to Africa’s highest peak.
Itinerary
Day-By-Day Tour Plan
Day 1: Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Moir Camp
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. We will continue with a trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone, then you will join the Northern Circuit heading down to Moir Camp.
Elevation: 3500m/11,500ft to 4200m/13780ft
Distance: 14km/8mi
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
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: 4200m/13,780ft to 4020m/13,188ft
Distance: 12km/7mi
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave
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: 4020m/13,188ft to 3800m/12,467ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: High Alpine
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Third Cave to School Hut
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: 3800m/12,467ft to 4800m/15,748ft
Distance: 15km/8mi
Climbing Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
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: 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
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
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).
Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).
Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Cost Include
Cost Included
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Cost Exclude
Cost Excluded
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Tanzania Visa
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
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