Northern Circuit Route
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Destination to Visit
Londorossi Gate, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Shira 2 Camp, Moir Camp, Buffalo Camp, Third Cave Camp, School Hut, Uhuru Peak and Mweka Gate
Start / Finish in
Start in Moshi & End in Moshi
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Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and one of the most scenic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Designed for excellent acclimatization, this route offers trekkers the highest summit success rate among all Kilimanjaro routes. The trail begins on the western side of the mountain and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route during the first two days before turning north to circle the remote and rarely visited slopes of the mountain.
Because the Northern Circuit travels around the quieter side of Kilimanjaro, climbers experience fewer crowds, wide panoramic views, and diverse landscapes ranging from rainforest and heather moorland to alpine desert and glacial summit terrain. The route approaches the summit via Gilman’s Point, before continuing along the crater rim to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak.
Day By Day
Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins after breakfast with a detailed climb briefing from your mountain guide. You will then drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Gate, a journey of approximately three hours.
After completing park registration formalities, a short drive through the forest leads to the Lemosho trailhead. From here, the trek begins along shaded rainforest paths filled with towering trees, moss-covered trunks, and vibrant vegetation. This area is rich in wildlife, and with luck you may see colobus monkeys moving through the forest canopy.
The gentle hike leads you to Mti Mkubwa Camp, meaning “Big Tree Camp,” where you will settle in for your first night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 1830m / 6000ft to 2650m / 8700ft
- Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
- Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, you leave the dense forest behind and gradually climb into the heather and moorland zone. The trail steadily rises while offering occasional views of the Shira Plateau and distant mountain ridges.
As you gain elevation, the vegetation changes to giant heathers and volcanic rock formations. After crossing several small streams and ridges, the route reaches the vast Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus on Earth.
Your camp for the night is Shira 1 Camp, located beside a small stream with open views of the surrounding landscape.
- Elevation: 2650m / 8700ft to 3500m / 11,500ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today’s trek is relatively gentle and designed to help your body acclimatize to the increasing altitude. You will cross the expansive Shira Plateau, enjoying spectacular views of Kibo Peak, the highest of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones.
The landscape here is dominated by low shrubs, moorland grasses, and scattered volcanic rocks. The walk is steady but not overly strenuous, allowing time to appreciate the scenery and photograph the impressive surroundings.
By midday you will reach Shira 2 Camp, where you can relax and take short acclimatization walks in the afternoon.
- Elevation: 3500m / 11,500ft to 3850m / 12,600ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Camp
Today is an important acclimatization day as you climb higher before descending to sleep at a lower altitude. The trek heads east through an area known as the “Garden of Senecios,” where unusual giant groundsel plants grow.
The trail gradually climbs toward Lava Tower, a dramatic volcanic rock formation standing at around 4,600 meters. After a lunch break and time to rest at this high altitude point, the route joins the Northern Circuit and descends into the quieter Moir Valley.
Your overnight stop will be Moir Camp, surrounded by rocky ridges and spectacular mountain scenery.
- Elevation: 3850m / 12,600ft to 4200m / 13,780ft
- Distance: 14 km / 8 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland / Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Moir Camp to Buffalo Camp
The trail climbs out of the Moir Valley this morning. Adventurous trekkers may take an optional hike up Little Lent Hill, a nearby viewpoint offering incredible views of the northern side of Kilimanjaro.
After returning to the main trail, the route continues along the remote northern slopes of the mountain. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and wild as you move further away from the more traveled routes.
By afternoon you will reach Buffalo Camp, located on a ridge with expansive views across the Kenyan plains.
- Elevation: 4200m / 13,780ft to 4020m / 13,188ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: High Alpine
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Today’s journey continues along the northern side of Kilimanjaro. The trail first climbs along Buffalo Ridge before descending toward Porfu Camp, where you will usually stop for lunch.
From here the route gently continues eastward around the mountain to Third Cave Camp, a historic campsite used by climbers approaching the summit from the northern Rongai route.
The shorter trekking day allows time to rest and prepare for the higher elevations ahead.
- Elevation: 4020m / 13,188ft to 3800m / 12,467ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: High Alpine
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut
The trail today gradually climbs across the wide saddle that lies between Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. This barren alpine desert landscape offers dramatic views of the two volcanic cones that form Kilimanjaro.
The steady climb leads to School Hut, your base camp before the summit attempt. After arriving in the afternoon, the team will serve an early dinner before you rest.
Your guides will brief you about the summit push, which begins before midnight.
- Elevation: 3800m / 12,467ft to 4800m / 15,748ft
- Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Shortly before midnight, you will wake for hot tea and light snacks before starting the most challenging part of the climb the summit ascent.
Using headlamps, you will slowly climb the steep slopes of Kibo toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. This demanding section requires patience and determination, but reaching the rim offers a rewarding sense of achievement.
From Gilman’s Point, the trail continues along the crater rim for another two hours to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Watching the sunrise from the summit is an unforgettable moment, with views stretching across glaciers and clouds far below.
After celebrating and taking photos, you will descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp for your final night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 4800m / 15,748ft to 5895m / 19,340ft Descent to 3950m / 12,959ft
- Distance: 6 km up / 11 km down
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down
- Habitat: Arctic Summit Zone / Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
On your final day, you descend through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate. The trail can be muddy at lower elevations, but the warmer air and rich vegetation make for a pleasant walk.
At the gate you will receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate before meeting your driver for the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved rest.
- Elevation: 3950m / 12,959ft to 1680m / 5500ft
- Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast
LOOKING FOR A KILIMANJARO TREKKING DATES?
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RECOMMENDED FOR
Adventure seekers who dream of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.
Nature lovers who want to experience diverse landscapes, from rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and glaciers.
Travelers seeking a personal challenge and a rewarding sense of achievement at the summit.
PRICE INCLUSION
- All Game Drives;
- Accommodation At Lodges/Tented Camps
- English Speaking Driver/Guide;
- All Food; Drinking Water;
- 18% VAT Tax;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- Accommodation In Moshi/Arusha;
- Airport Transfers;
PRICE EXCLUSIONS
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities (guide, driver, lodge staff)
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (unless stated)
- Optional activities