Trip Details

Northern Circuit in 10 days

10 Days

The Northern Circuit is the newest route up Kilimanjaro and also the longest. Because of its length, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit success rate. The route follows the same as the Lemosho Route for the first two days and then veers off to circle around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. Northern Circuit approaches the summit via Gilman’s Point before descending on the same route as the Machame and Lemosho.

Itinerary

Day 0 :
Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 01 :
Hotel to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02 :
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03 :
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp


After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3880m/12,700ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Walking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04 :
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower

The climb to Lava Tower is challenging, with rocky terrain and minimal vegetation. At 4600m, it marks the transition to the alpine desert zone and serves as an important acclimatization point. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and enjoy the breathtaking views before descending to your next camp.

Elevation: 3850m/11,500ft to 4600m/15,090ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 05 :
Lava Tower to Buffalo Camp

After Lava Tower, descend to Buffalo Camp, which lies in a secluded area. The descent provides a much-needed break from the high altitude, and along the way, you'll pass unique
lava formations. Buffalo Camp offers a peaceful environment with beautiful views of the northern face of Kibo

Elevation: 4600m/15,090ft to 4020m/13,188ft
Distance: 7km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 06 :
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave

We start the day with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimated to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft
Distance: 9km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07 :
Third Cave to Tarn Hut

Today the trek wil take you from the Third Cave to Tarn Hut. The trail is scenic, offering views of the surrounding terrain. The camp is situated near a small tarn (lake), providing a peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a quiet night to prepare for the ascent ahead.

Elevation: 3800m/12,467ft to 4150m/13,615ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 08 :
Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut

Today's hike takes you higher into the alpine desert zone as you make your way to Kibo Hut. The barren, rocky landscape offers dramatic views of the mountain. Once at Kibo Hut, take time to rest and hydrate in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.

Elevation: 4150m/13,615ft to 4700m/15,420ft
Distance: 6km/3.7mi
Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09 :
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

You will be awoken around 11:30 pm with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first check-point is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut.

Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise.

Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers. You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters).

Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up.

Day 10 :
Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A Monkey Adventures vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (around 60 minutes).

Elevation: 3950m/12,959ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Northern Circuit in 10 days
From $ 1,573
/ Adult
From $ 1,573
/ Child