Trek Overview
The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360° of beautiful scenery, including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit offers the best acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate; therefore, it is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut before summiting from the east.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Londorossi Gate (2,250m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. The drive takes approximately 3 hours. After completing the registration process, you’ll begin your trek through the dense rainforest, where you may encounter Colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species. The trail ascends gradually, offering an introduction to Kilimanjaro’s rich biodiversity. Upon arrival at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), you’ll settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
Today’s trek starts with a steep climb out of the rainforest into the heather and moorland zone. The trail offers expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance. As you trek across the Shira Plateau, you’ll pass through an ancient caldera and continue to Shira 1 Camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Shira 1 Camp.
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
DAY 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
This is a relatively easy day as you continue your trek across the Shira Plateau towards Shira 2 Camp. The day is meant for acclimatization as you walk slowly, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude. You’ll have stunning views of the western breach and the volcanic formations. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to explore the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camp.
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
DAY 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) to Moir Hut (4,200m)
The trail continues across the Shira Plateau, where the landscape becomes more rugged and the air thinner. You’ll trek through the heather and moorland zone, with views of the Shira Cathedral and other volcanic formations. The day’s trek ends at Moir Hut, a remote camp nestled at the base of a massive lava flow. In the afternoon, there’s an optional acclimatization hike to the Lent Group (4,600 m), which offers panoramic views—dinner and overnight at Moir Hut.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Moorland/Alpine Desert
DAY 5: Moir Hut (4,200m) to Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
Today’s trek follows a steady ascent, leaving the Shira Plateau and entering the northern circuit of Kilimanjaro. The trail offers sweeping views of the Kenyan plains and the Northern Icefields. The path traverses the alpine desert, with sparse vegetation and unique volcanic rock formations. You’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp in the afternoon, where you can rest, acclimatize, and enjoy dinner before your overnight stay.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020m) to Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
The trek today involves a series of ascents and descents, providing excellent acclimatization opportunities. The trail continues around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, offering different perspectives of the mountain. The path is less crowded, allowing for a more solitary experience. You’ll arrive at Third Cave Camp in the early afternoon, with time to rest and prepare for the days ahead. Dinner and overnight at Third Cave Camp.
- Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
DAY 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870m) to School Hut (4,800m)
The trail ascends steadily towards the base of the Kibo Crater. You’ll pass through an increasingly barren landscape, with the summit looming closer. School Hut is located near the crater rim, offering a strategic location for the summit attempt. After arriving at School Hut, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, as the summit attempt will begin at midnight.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Millennium Camp (3,820m)
The summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail to the summit is steep and involves switchbacks up the scree and rocky paths. You’ll reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) at dawn, with the option to rest before continuing to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at Uhuru Peak, you’ll descend back to School Hut for a brief rest and then continue down to Millennium Camp. The descent is long and tiring but offers breathtaking views as you descend from the arctic zone into the moorland and then the rainforest. Dinner and overnight at Millennium Camp.
- Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles) ascent to Uhuru Peak + 12 km descent to Millennium Camp
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to the summit, 5-7 hours descent to Millennium Camp
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
DAY 9: Millennium Camp (3,820m) to Mweka Gate (1,650m)
The final day’s trek is a descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete park formalities and receive your summit certificates. After bidding farewell to your guides, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
Best Time to Use the Route
Route at a Glance
Trek Duration;
9 Days, 8 Nights
Scenery;
Excellent
Difficulty;
Medium
Traffic;
Low
Route Highlights
- Highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes
- Longest route — maximum acclimatisation over 9 days
- Remote northern slopes rarely seen by other trekkers
- Passes through all five Kilimanjaro ecological zones
- Wildlife sightings on the remote northern circuit
- The ultimate Kilimanjaro experience for serious trekkers
- Circumnavigates nearly the entire mountain — extraordinary views
- A key acclimatization point with breathtaking 360-degree views.
Detailed Breakdown
Trekking Cost Includes
- All entrance fees and Government Taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Private cook speaking fluent English
- Private guide speaking fluent English
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure.
- Visas & vaccinations.
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent.
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
