Northern Circuit Route
Northern circuit route-9 Days trek
The newest route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a fantastic option that many consider the best. It combines the highlights of other paths, creating an incredible hiking experience. If you seek stunning scenery, ample solitude, a rewarding challenge, and the chance to spot wildlife, this is the route for you.
Initially, this route follows the same trail as the Lemosho route for the first few days. However, it then diverges, taking you along the lesser-used northern trails instead of sticking to the more popular southern side of Kibo. This means you’ll enjoy a quieter trek, with peaceful campsites that feel almost deserted.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 : Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
We begin our journey with a 4-hour drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where we’ll complete the necessary entry formalities. After that, we continue to the Lemosho trailhead. Once we arrive, we’ll start our hike through an undisturbed forest, following a winding path that leads us to our first campsite.
DAY 2 : Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
Continuing along the trail, we leave the rainforest behind and enter a savannah filled with tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock adorned with lichen. As we ascend through the lush, rolling hills and cross several streams, we’ll reach the Shira Ridge. From there, we’ll gently descend to Shira 1 Camp, where we’ll have our first stunning view of Kibo across the plateau.
DAY 3 : Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today, we’ll spend a full day exploring the Shira Plateau. The trek is a gentle walk east across moorland meadows toward Shira 2 Camp. Along the way, we’ll take a detour from the main trail to Moir Hut, a rarely used campsite at the base of the Lent Hills. This area offers a variety of walking paths, making it a perfect opportunity for acclimatization. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus in the world, providing stunning views and a unique landscape.
DAY 4 : Shira 2 Camp - Lava Tower - Moir Hut
DAY 5 : Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin our trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, making our way to the summit of Lent Hills before rejoining the main trail. The path crosses a rocky field and features gentle undulations as we approach Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers stunning views of the plains to the north of Kilimanjaro, extending all the way to the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.
DAY 6 : Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Arctic
As we ascend Buffalo Ridge, the landscape grows more barren and open. This seldom-used route allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the mountain wilderness. We’ll trek through remote valleys on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, ultimately reaching Third Cave, where we’ll set up camp for the night.
DAY 7 : Third Cave to School Hut
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We’ll make a steady ascent over the “Saddle,” the area between Kibo and Mawenzi. Our journey continues until we reach our campsite at School Hut. Once we arrive, we’ll take time to rest and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the challenging summit day ahead.
DAY 8 : School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft | Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
We begin our summit attempt very early in the morning, around midnight. This part of the trek is the most mentally and physically demanding, as the cold and wind can be extreme at this elevation. We will ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent short breaks. As we reach Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we’ll arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
After enjoying the views from the summit, we’ll descend directly to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch along the way. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles will be useful. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain may be expected in the late afternoon. In the evening, we’ll share our last dinner on the mountain and enjoy a well-deserved rest.
DAY 9 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our final day, we’ll make our descent to Mweka Gate, where we’ll collect our summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, the trail may be wet and muddy. After reaching the gate, we’ll continue for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for us there to drive us back to our hotel in Moshi, concluding our incredible journey.
INCLUDE
- All taxes paid by the government, including 18% VAT
- Transfer to Moshi or Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
- Transfers to and from the entry gate of Kilimanjaro
- English-speaking, qualified, and experienced guides
- Pay for cooks, porters, and guides
- Every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the mountain
- Water that has been filtered throughout the hike
- Mountain equipment and gear – tents, Sleeping Mats, mess tent, table and chairs
EXCLUDE
- Insuarance
- Tips for the Team
- Personal Expenses
- Personal Gear
- Private Toilet
- Visa Fee
- Pre and Post Accomodation