Northern Circuit Itinerary
11 Days | Moderate | 90% Success Rate
The Ultimate Route - Highest Success Rate
Route Overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Kilimanjaro, offering the highest success rate at 90%. This route circumnavigates the entire mountain, providing unmatched acclimatization and the most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience available.
Starting on the western Lemosho approach, the route traverses the remote northern slopes where you'll encounter very few other climbers. The extended duration allows your body to acclimatize naturally, and you'll experience nearly every ecological zone and viewpoint Kilimanjaro has to offer. This is the ultimate route for those who want the best possible chance of summiting while enjoying the mountain's most spectacular and varied scenery.
Official Pricing (USD)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Tanzania - Airport Pickup & Trek Briefing
Jambo and welcome to Tanzania! Your ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure begins the moment you step off the plane at Kilimanjaro International Airport. We'll greet you with warm Tanzanian hospitality and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, where you can finally stretch your legs and enjoy amenities you'll soon miss (like walls and running water). After settling in, meet your expert guide for a comprehensive trek briefing. This is where we cover everything: gear checks, altitude tips, what to expect, and yes, we'll answer that question about the toilets. Tonight's mission: eat everything in sight and sleep like you mean it. Tomorrow, the Northern Circuit—the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience—begins!
Highlights:
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. Continue by vehicle through the rainforest to the trailhead. Begin your trek through pristine forest with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. This gentle first day helps your body begin adjusting to altitude.
Highlights:
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Exit the rainforest and emerge onto the magnificent Shira Plateau. The landscape transforms dramatically as you cross streams and moorland. Stunning views of Kibo Peak begin to appear. The gradual ascent continues to aid acclimatization.
Highlights:
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Gentle trek across the Shira Plateau with gradual elevation gain. Explore unique volcanic rock formations and alpine vegetation. This short day allows excellent acclimatization. Optional afternoon hike to further aid altitude adjustment.
Highlights:
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut
Head north toward the remote northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. This is where the Northern Circuit diverges from other routes, offering unique perspectives. Pass through the Lent Hills with stunning views. Moir Hut sits in a beautiful valley beneath Lent Hills.
Highlights:
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Continue around the northern slopes with spectacular 360-degree views. This is the most remote section of the route with virtually no other climbers. The trail undulates through alpine desert with stunning vistas. Buffalo Camp offers incredible sunset views.
Highlights:
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
Continue circling the mountain on the northern slopes. The landscape remains dramatic and remote. Descend slightly to Third Cave, which aids acclimatization through the "climb high, sleep low" principle. Views of the eastern side of Kilimanjaro emerge.
Highlights:
Third Cave to School Hut
Ascend to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly barren and lunar-like. Arrive early afternoon for rest, equipment check, and early dinner. Brief sleep before midnight summit departure. Your excellent acclimatization gives you the best summit chances.
Highlights:
Summit Day - School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Begin summit push around midnight. Climb steep scree slopes under starlight to Gilman's Point on the crater rim at sunrise. Continue along the crater rim past magnificent glaciers to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Mweka Camp.
Highlights:
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail can be muddy and slippery. Collect your summit certificate and celebrate with your team. Transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration and rest.
Highlights:
Departure Day - Hotel to Airport (or Safari Awaits!)
Good morning, Northern Circuit champion! You've just completed the longest and most comprehensive Kilimanjaro route, circled the entire mountain, and earned serious bragging rights. Today we'll transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport with plenty of time for your flight. But let's be real: you just spent 11 days experiencing some of the most incredible landscapes on Earth, and now you're supposed to just fly home? Tanzania's world-famous safaris are literally right here. Why not trade mountain peaks for wildlife sightings? The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire are calling. Just saying—your adventure doesn't have to end yet!
Highlights:
What's Included
Not Included
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