Commence on a 9 day journey conquering Kilimanjaro majestic heights via the Northern Circuit
The 9 days Northern Circuit Route is a thrilling adventure that takes climbers through some of Tanzania most stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. This lesser-known route offers a longer and more gradual ascent, maximizing acclimatization and increasing the chances of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Your adventure starts as you finish the required paperwork at the Londorossi gate and then head to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy a tasty lunch before you begin your climb through lush, untouched forests, where you might even see Colobus monkeys. The trail goes up and down, sometimes getting steep, leading you to the first camp, Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa), after climbing for 2-3 hours.
Destination: Londorossi Gate To Lemosho Gate To Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp
Accommodation: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Leave the forest behind and climb through an area with tall heather plants and volcanic rocks. This day involves a whole day of going uphill across the green rolling hills under the Shira Plateau. Shira is one of Kilimanjaro's volcanic hills. Once you reach the edge of the plateau, you'll get amazing views of Kibo, the top part. It takes 5-6 hours of climbing to get to Shira 1 Camp.
Destination: Big Tree (Mti Mkubwa) Camp To Shira 1 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Cross the wide Shira Plateau and optionally go up Shira Cathedral (3,880m), one of the tallest flat areas on Earth. The day ends with a slow climb to Shira 2 Camp. The climb takes around 3 hours without the extra trip, plus an added hour for a climb to Shira Cathedral to help you acclimate.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Shira 2 Camp
Accommodation: Shira 2 Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Today's climb takes you up and over the long ridge lines of the high desert to Lava Tower. It takes about 4-5 hours to climb to the bottom of the tower, which is a 300-foot-tall volcanic rock. From there, go northwest and start walking around Kibo, the beautiful summit part. Moir Huts is a camp that's not often used, and it offers views over the Shira Plateau. You'll be climbing for a total of about 6-7 hours. Or, if you like, you can explore the Lent Group nearby in the afternoon.
Destination: Shira 1 Camp To Moir Hut Camp
Accommodation: Moir Hut Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Go further into the bare alpine desert today. Optionally, take a short side trip to the top of Little Lent Hill (4,375m) for amazing views before continuing to Buffalo Camp. The whole climb takes around 5-7 hours and covers a distance of 12km.
Destination: Moir Hut Camp To Buffalo Camp
Accommodation: Buffalo Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Keep moving ahead, crossing valleys and climbing ridges, through the alpine desert and moorland, as you keep going around to the east. This route is not used as much, so you can enjoy the huge mountain wilderness in peace. It takes about 5-7 hours of climbing today.
Destination: Buffalo Camp To Pofu Camp
Accommodation: Third Cave Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Climb steadily to get to the saddle, a space that looks like the moon, between the tops of Kibo and Mawenzi. Then, keep going up to reach School Hut Campsite early in the afternoon. Rest and prepare for your final climb to the summit, which you'll start in the early hours of the next morning. It takes about 4-5 hours of climbing because of the high altitude and steep paths.
Destination: Third Cave Camp To School Hut Camp
Accommodation: School Hut Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Start the last climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, around midnight. The next six hours will be spent climbing using your flashlight for light. The hardest part is going up to the edge of the crater, with steep turns and a rocky area called Jamaica Rocks. Celebrate when you reach the top, then come down to Mweka Camp via Barafu Camp. It takes about 6 hours to come down, and you'll be on new paths.
Destination: School Hut Camp To Uhuru peak To Mweka camp
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
public camp site
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water
Go down to the gate through the green forest, which takes 2-3 hours, and keep an eye out for monkeys as you walk. From Mweka Village, you'll be taken to your hotel in Moshi, where you can celebrate your amazing achievement of making it to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Destination: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Drinking water
We offer two pricing options:
The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.
Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
No of pax | Adult | Child |
---|---|---|
1 pax | $2,224  pp | $1,668  pp |
2–4 pax | $2,199  pp | $1,649  pp |
5–9 pax | $2,174  pp | $1,631  pp |
10–15 pax | $2,149  pp | $1,612  pp |
Adult | Child |
---|---|
$2,199  pp | $1,649  pp |
The Booking Form
Commence on a 9 day journey conquering Kilimanjaro majestic heights via the Northern Circuit
N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.
1. Q: Is the 9 days Northern Circuit Route suitable for beginners?
A: While the Northern Circuit is less steep and offers better acclimatization, it's still a challenging climb. Prior climbing experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
2. Q: What's the best time to undertake the Northern Circuit climb?
A: The best times are from January to February and June to October. These months offer clearer skies and milder weather, maximizing the chances of a successful summit.
3. Q: How cold does it get during the climb?
A: Temperatures vary significantly with altitude. At the summit, temperatures can drop to -15°C to -25°C (5°F to -13°F) during the night. Proper gear, including warm clothing, is essential.
4. Q: Are permits required for the Northern Circuit Route?
A: Yes, a permit is mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro. Your climbing agency will handle the permits on your behalf.
5. Q: Are there accommodation facilities along the Northern Circuit?
A: The route includes camping at designated campsites. climbers will be provided with tents and basic amenities.
6. Q: How difficult is the summit day?
A: Summit day is physically and mentally demanding due to the high altitude and steep ascent. However, the slow pace and experienced guides ensure a safe journey to the Uhuru Peak.
7. Q: What is the group size for the Northern Circuit climb?
A: The group size can vary depending on the climbing company, but it's generally small to provide personalized attention and better chances of success.
8. Q: How safe is the Northern Circuit Route?
A: The Northern Circuit is considered one of the safest routes on Kilimanjaro. Experienced guides, proper acclimatization, and support staff ensure climbers' safety throughout the journey.
9. Q: Can I extend my climb or customize the itinerary?
A: Customizing the itinerary might be possible with some climbing companies. Extensions can include additional days for better acclimatization or visiting nearby attractions like Ngorongoro Crater.
10. Q: Do I need to hire a porter for the climb?
A: While it's not mandatory, hiring a porter is highly recommended. They can carry your heavy gear, allowing you to focus on the climb and increase your chances of success.
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