Kilimanjaro Trek Northern Circuit- Route

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for offering the best acclimatization profile and breathtaking panoramic views from every side of the mountain, this less-crowded trail circles Kilimanjaro's remote northern slopes. Trekkers who choose the Northern Circuit enjoy a unique wilderness adventure and the highest summit success rate of any Kilimanjaro route.

Arrival and Preparation Day

Your Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our professional driver will meet you on arrival—don't worry if customs takes a while, we'll wait for you. Once you arrive at your hotel in Moshi, you'll have time to settle in. We'll then do a full equipment check to ensure you have everything you need for a safe Kilimanjaro trek. Any missing gear can be rented locally. Your mountain guide will also give you a detailed pre-climb briefing and answer any questions you may have. For late-night arrivals, the briefing can be done early the next morning.

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Travel Time: 45-minute drive
Meals Included: Bed & Breakfast

Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, your Kilimanjaro trekking team will pick you up for the drive to Londorossi Gate (approx. 3 hours). From here, you'll switch to a 4WD vehicle to reach the Lemosho Glades, where your Kilimanjaro hike officially begins. Today's trek follows a lush rainforest trail to Mti Mkubwa Camp (“Big Tree Camp”).

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (2,780m / 9,120 ft)
Hiking Time & Distance: 2–3 hours, 6 km, 820 m elevation gain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira Camp via Shira Ridge

Today you'll leave the dense forest behind as the trail climbs higher into the heather and moorland zone. Enjoy dramatic views from Shira Ridge, crossing streams and open ridges before reaching Shira Camp for the night.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,600m / 11,811 ft)
Hiking Time & Distance: 4–5 hours, 8 km, 850 m ascent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Shira Plateau – Moir Camp

Trek across the vast Shira Plateau through unique alpine scenery and the famous Garden of the Senecios. You'll then climb into the high alpine desert to reach Moir Camp, perfectly positioned for acclimatization.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,200m / 13,790 ft)
Hiking Time & Distance: 6–8 hours, 14 km, 700 m ascent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Moir Camp – Little Lent Hill – Buffalo Camp

Today's trail circles around the remote northern slopes of Kibo. Optional: summit Little Lent Hill for amazing views. Continue with ups and downs through wild alpine scenery to reach Buffalo Camp.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,020m / 13,180 ft)
Hiking Time & Distance: 5–6 hours, 12 km, slight descent overall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Buffalo Ridge – Third Cave Camp

Today your Kilimanjaro Trek Northern Circuit will take you up to Buffalo Ridge with stunning views before a lunch break at Pofu Camp. Afterward, continue your trek along the northern slopes to Third Cave Camp—your third night sleeping above 3,800m, helping your body acclimatize well for the summit.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,875m / 12,713 ft)
Hiking Time & Distance: 5–7 hours, 8 km, net descent of 220 m
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Third Cave Camp – School Hut Camp

Today you'll hike up the wide saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, Kilimanjaro's two volcanic cones. Arrive at School Hut Camp in the afternoon and rest early—your summit attempt begins at midnight!

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (4,800m / 15,748 ft)
Hiking Time & Distance: 4–5 hours, 15 km, 1,000 m ascent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Summit Uhuru Peak – Descend to Millennium Camp

Your Kilimanjaro summit day starts just after midnight. The trail climbs steeply in the dark to Hans Meyer Cave, then up to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. As dawn breaks, you'll push on to the roof of Africa—Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341 ft). Take in the unforgettable views before beginning your long descent to Millennium Camp.

Overnight: Camping on Mount Kilimanjaro (3,950m / 12,960 ft)
Hiking Time & Distance: 10–15 hours, 17 km total, 1,095 m ascent, 1,945 m descent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

Enjoy the warmer air as you descend back through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where your Kilimanjaro trek officially ends. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a well-earned shower and celebration.

Overnight: Hotel in Moshi
Hiking Time & Distance: 3–4 hours, 10 km, 2,270 m descent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Departure Day

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. When you're ready, we'll arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight home, or meet your safari guide if you're adding a Tanzania wildlife adventure. Standard checkout is at 10 am, but we're happy to help arrange a late checkout or day room if you have an evening flight.

Travel Time: 45-minute drive
Meals Included: Breakfast

Why Choose the Northern Circuit for Your Kilimanjaro Climb?

• Highest summit success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes
• Best acclimatization profile with gradual elevation gain
• Stunning scenery and fewer crowds
• Unique 360-degree views of the mountain
• Incredible wildlife sightings along remote sections

Book your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit trek today and experience the ultimate Kilimanjaro adventure!