Tour Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers excellent acclimatization, making it one of the routes with the highest summit success rates.
This 9-day itinerary is perfect for climbers who want a gradual ascent, fewer crowds, and breathtaking views from all sides of the mountain. The route approaches from the west, circles around the remote northern slopes, and joins the summit via the east.
The trek passes through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zones, ending at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (but highly recommended for success)
Itinerary
Elevation: 2,100 m → 2,650 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (tents)
Drive to Londorossi Gate for registration, then continue to the trailhead. Begin your trek through dense rainforest. Keep an eye out for monkeys and unique bird species. Arrive at camp and relax.
Activities
Trekking from Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,600 m → 3,450 m
Distance: 6–7 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Second Cave Camp (tents)
Leave the forest and enter moorland. The trail climbs gradually with wide views of Kibo Peak. Walk slowly and drink water. Arrive at Second Cave Camp and rest.
Activities
Trek from Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 3,500 m → 3,850 m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (tents)
A shorter hike across the Shira Plateau with stunning landscapes and unique vegetation. This is an important acclimatization day. You may take a short acclimatization walk in the afternoon.
Activities
Trek from Shira 1 Camp → Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,850 m → 4,630 m → 4,200 m
Distance: 14 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Moir Hut (tents)
Climb steadily toward Lava Tower for acclimatization (“climb high, sleep low”). After lunch, descend slightly to Moir Hut. This day helps your body adjust to altitude.
Activities
Trek from Shira 2 Camp → Lava Tower → Moir Hut
Elevation: 4,200 m → 4,020 m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (tents)
This is where the Northern Circuit becomes quieter. Trek through remote northern slopes with amazing panoramic views and fewer trekkers. Reach Buffalo Camp for an overnight.
Activities
Trek from Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,020 m → 3,800 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (tents)
A relatively shorter day for recovery and acclimatization. The trail gently descends with views of the Kenyan plains to the north.
Activities
Trek from Buffalo Camp → Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 3,800 m → 4,800 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: School Hut (tents)
Climb steadily to School Hut. Rest early, hydrate well, and prepare for the summit attempt. You will sleep early as the summit climb begins at midnight.
Activities
Trek from Third Cave Camp → School Hut
Elevation: 4,800 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents)
Start the summit push around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, at sunrise. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Activities
Descending from Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Description:
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to your hotel. End of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Activities
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.
