Tour Overview
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and least-traveled route, not because it’s harder (it’s not), but because it requires time most people don’t budget for and patience most itineraries don’t accommodate. Where other routes climb the mountain in 6-7 days, this one takes 8, adding a near-complete circumnavigation of the massif before the final summit push.
The reward for that extra time is straightforward: your body gets the acclimatization it desperately needs at extreme altitude, and you see sides of Kilimanjaro most climbers never encounter.
Success rates on the Northern Circuit approach 95% for reasonably fit trekkers who don’t rush the pace. That’s not marketing hyperbole, it’s what happens when you give human physiology the time it needs to adapt to diminishing oxygen. The mountain doesn’t get easier on this route. Your body simply gets more prepared to handle what it demands.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel. The hotel offers well-appointed rooms, hot showers, a swimming pool, and WiFi access for a relaxing stay. In the evening, you will attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide, who will review the climb, safety protocols, and equipment requirements.
Important Note:
• Shared airport transfers are included for private tour packages. Individual transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.
• Hotel check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Day 2: High-Altitude Drop-Off & Trek to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, your guide and support team will pick you up from the hotel for a 3 to 4-hour drive to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m / 7,380 ft), the western entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park. After completing registration and obtaining trekking permits, the group will continue by off-road vehicles to the drop-off point at 3,414 m (11,200 ft), where breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau await.
The trek to Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m / 11,500 ft) is relatively short, allowing time for acclimatization. Upon arrival, the team will have camp set up, including tents and a warm dinner.
Acclimatization Tips:
• Drink at least 4 liters of water daily.
• Watch for signs of altitude sickness and inform your guide if needed.
- Trekking Time: 1 hour
- Distance: 4 km (2.4 miles)
Day 3: Trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Today’s trek features a moderate altitude gain, as you ascend to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m / 12,631 ft). The path is not physically demanding, allowing time to admire Kilimanjaro’s stunning landscapes. If conditions are clear, you’ll have breathtaking views of Mount Meru, the fifth-highest peak in Africa.
In the afternoon, an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower (4,110 m / 13,484 ft) is encouraged, helping your body adjust to the higher elevations.
Acclimatization Hike:
• Elevation Gain: 260 m (853 ft)
• Hike Duration: 1-2 hours
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Day 4: Trek from Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut via Lava Tower
The trek to Lava Tower (4,600 m / 15,088 ft) is a challenging but crucial part of the acclimatization process. Many trekkers experience mild altitude effects, but the lunch break at Lava Tower provides valuable time for your body to adjust.
After lunch, the route descends slightly to Moir Hut Camp (4,200 m / 13,780 ft), offering a scenic and quiet setting for the night.
- Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Day 5: Trek from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Leaving Moir Hut, you’ll ascend out of the valley before trekking along Kilimanjaro’s less-traveled northern circuit. The path is undulating, with rolling hills and spectacular views of Kenya’s Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. You may even spot Bearded Vultures soaring overhead.
Tonight’s destination is Buffalo Camp (4,020 m / 13,190 ft), where you will settle in for the evening.
- Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
Day 6: Trek from Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Today’s trek takes you along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, gradually ascending towards Third Cave Camp (3,800 m / 12,464 ft). This section of the route connects with the Rongai Route, offering diverse landscapes with fewer crowds. By now, your body should be well-acclimated to the altitude.
- Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 8 km (4.9 miles)
Day 7: Trek from Third Cave Camp to School Hut
The journey continues to School Hut Summit Camp (4,800 m / 15,744 ft), the starting point for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The trek is moderate but requires a steady pace to conserve energy for the summit push. Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and rest before the midnight summit attempt.
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Day 8: Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descent to Millennium Camp
The most demanding yet rewarding day of the trek begins at midnight, as you make the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft). This technically non-strenuous trek is made difficult by extreme altitude and cold temperatures. A personal guide will accompany every two climbers for safety.
After celebrating at the summit, you will descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and lunch, before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 m / 12,956 ft) for a well-earned sleep.
Descent Precautions:
• 90% of accidents occur during descent – watch your footing.
- Trekking Time: 10-13 hours
- Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
Day 9: Final Descent to Mweka Gate
After a refreshing night at Millennium Camp, the final stretch of the trek leads you through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,379 ft). Here, you will receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your dedicated support team before transferring back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 12 km (7.4 miles)
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a final morning at the hotel before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. If you have a late flight, an extended hotel stay can be arranged for an additional fee.
Hotel Check-out: 11:00 AM
Tour Inclusions
- Transport: Return transfers
- Accommodation: Full/Half Board Accommodations.
- Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per the itinerary.
- Park Fees: Entrance fees to National Parks and Game Reserves.
- Safari Activities: Guided game drives.
- Professional Guide: Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide.
- Drinking Water: Complimentary bottled water during activities.
- Government Taxes: All applicable taxes and levies.