The Northern Circuit Route is one of the newest and most scenic routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a longer and more gradual trek than some of the other routes, offering trekkers plenty of time to acclimatize and enjoy the stunning scenery of Kilimanjaro.
The Northern Circuit Route starts at the Lemosho Gate, located on the western side of the mountain, and follows a circular path around the northern slopes of the mountain. The route passes through several distinct ecological zones, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows and barren lunar landscapes.
The trek begins with a gentle hike through the rainforest, where trekkers will have a chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and small mammals. The trail then ascends up to the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert landscape that offers stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding plains.
The summit push begins in the early hours of the morning, with trekkers hiking for several hours in the darkness to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The trail is steep and challenging, requiring trekkers to take regular breaks to catch their breath and drink water. As the sun rises over the horizon, trekkers will reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and one of the most rewarding moments of the trek.
The Northern Circuit Route is a challenging and rewarding trek that offers trekkers the opportunity to explore some of the most scenic and remote areas of Kilimanjaro. It is a longer trek than some of the other routes, but it offers plenty of time for acclimatization, which can help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
The Northern Circuit Route is also less crowded than some of the other routes, which means trekkers can enjoy a more peaceful and secluded trekking experience. However, this also means that the route has fewer amenities and services, so trekkers need to be prepared for a more rugged and remote experience.
In summary, the Northern Circuit Route is a beautiful and challenging trek that offers trekkers the opportunity to explore some of the most remote and stunning areas of Kilimanjaro. With its gradual ascent and breathtaking scenery, the Northern Circuit Route is a great choice for experienced trekkers who want to experience the best of Kilimanjaro.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point.
Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
● Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
● Trekking time: 3-4 hours
● Zone: Rainforest
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point.
Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
● Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
● Trekking time: 3-4 hours
● Zone: Rainforest
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Here nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. But for 8days trekkers will continue with the 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 at 4,200.
● Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
● Trekking time: 6-8 hours
● Zone: Rainforest / Lowe Alpine Zone/ High alpine zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb 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 (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
● Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
● Trekking time: 5-7 hours
● Zone: High alpine zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day six starts 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 at 3,800 meters. 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.
● Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
● Trekking time: 5-7 hours
● Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day seven 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 (4,800 meters). 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.
● Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
● Trekking time: 4-5 hours
● Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
● Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
● Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
● Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
● Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
● Trekking time: 3-4 hours
● Zone: Rainforest zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
● Meals: Breakfast Included
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point.
Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
● Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
● Trekking time: 3-4 hours
● Zone: Rainforest
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point.
Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephants and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
● Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
● Trekking time: 3-4 hours
● Zone: Rainforest
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
On day three the trek crosses the Shira Plateau from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2. Nine day trekkers usually spend the night at Shira Camp 2 where they will join trekkers from the Machame Route. At Shira Camp 2 it is worth trekking a little higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.
Note: Trekkers on an eight day hike will continue east up the Shira Plateau ridge and on to Lava Tower (4,600 meters) and then back down via the Northern Circuit to Moir Camp (4,200 meters).
● Distance: ~7km / 4 miles
● Trekking time: 3-4 hours
● Zone: Rainforest / Lowe Alpine Zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
● Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
● Trekking time: 5-7 hours
● Zone: Lowe alpine zone / High alpine zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb 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 (4,020 meters).
The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
● Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
● Trekking time: 5-7 hours
● Zone: High alpine zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day six starts 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 at 3,800 meters. 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.
● Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
● Trekking time: 5-7 hours
● Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day seven 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 (4,800 meters). 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.
● Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
● Trekking time: 4-5 hours
● Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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.
Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
● Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
● Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
● Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
● Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
● Trekking time: 3-4 hours
● Zone: Rainforest zone
● Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
● Meals: Breakfast Included
● Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in
Moshi.
● 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
● Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
● Park entry fees,
● Camping fees
● Crater fee (if any)
● Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
● 18% VAT on tour fees & services
● 4 Season mountain tents
● Sleeping Mats
● Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
● 3 meals daily while on the mountain
● Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
● Hot water for washing
● Fair wages for the mountain crew
● Government taxes
● Ox meter
● Emergency first-aid kit
● Mountain climbing certificates
– Drinks at your hotel before and after the climb
– Travel insurance
– Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook
– Portable oxygen tanks
• Guides: $20/day/guide
• Cook: $15/day
• Porter: $10/day/porter
