Kilimanjaro Trek Itinerary – Northern Circuit Route (9 to 10 Days)

Kilimanjaro Trek Itinerary – Northern Circuit Route (9 to 10 Days)

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

6 People

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking 360-degree views and a much higher summit success rate due to its gradual ascent. Starting from Londorossi Gate, it circles the mountain via the quiet northern slopes, away from the busier southern routes like Machame and Marangu.

This route is ideal for trekkers seeking a less crowded experience and better acclimatization opportunities. The Northern Circuit has the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro routes, and the additional days make it a great choice for first-time climbers or those concerned about altitude sickness.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. After check-in, you'll attend a pre-trek briefing with your guides, where you'll review the trek plan, safety measures, and essential trekking gear. This is your chance to ask any final questions before your adventure begins.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

After breakfast, you’ll drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. The journey takes about 3-4 hours. From here, you’ll head to the Lemosho trailhead, where the adventure officially begins.

The trek begins with a gentle hike through the lush rainforest, where you may spot blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys. The trail may be muddy, but the cool shade of the forest provides a refreshing atmosphere. After a 3-4 hour hike, you’ll arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m), also known as “Big Tree Camp.”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Mti Mkubwa Camp

The journey continues with a climb out of the rainforest into the heath and moorland zone. The lush forest gives way to shorter vegetation and more expansive views. You’ll begin to see the Shira Ridge and the expansive Shira Plateau ahead.

After 6-7 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Shira 1 Camp (3,500m), which offers fantastic sunset views of Mount Meru in the distance. Your guides will discuss the next day's plan during dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 1 Camp

On this day, you’ll cross the stunning Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s most picturesque areas. The hike is relatively easy, and you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the panoramic views. The path gradually ascends to Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), where you'll rest for the night.

In the afternoon, you’ll have an optional acclimatization hike to higher elevations before returning to camp. This short hike will help your body adjust to the altitude, increasing your chance of reaching the summit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Shira 2 Camp

This day marks the beginning of the Northern Circuit proper. Instead of heading south towards Barranco Camp like other routes, you head north, taking the less-traveled path. The trail climbs steadily across the slopes of Kibo, and you'll begin to notice the terrain turning more rocky and volcanic.

After 5-7 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Moir Hut (4,200m). In the afternoon, you can opt for a short acclimatization trek to the nearby Lent Hills, which offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Moir Hut

The trail continues on the northern flank of Mount Kilimanjaro. The path is less crowded, and you'll enjoy uninterrupted views of the Kenyan plains. Today’s trek is more gradual, with only slight altitude changes.

After 5-7 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Buffalo Camp (4,020m), where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the serene environment. The camp is named after the Cape buffalo that sometimes roam nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Buffalo Camp

The trek continues along the quiet northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, with more incredible views of Kenya’s savannahs. The trail gradually descends, giving your body time to rest and acclimatize.

After 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Third Cave Camp (3,870m). This camp is quiet, offering a sense of tranquility as you prepare for the tougher days ahead.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Camping at Third Cave Camp

This is one of the most demanding days as you prepare for the summit. You’ll hike to School Hut (4,750m), where you’ll spend the night resting and preparing for the midnight summit attempt. The terrain becomes more barren and rocky as you enter the alpine desert.

After 4-6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach School Hut, where you’ll have an early dinner and get some rest. Your guides will provide a final briefing for the summit push that will begin just before midnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 4-6 hours
Accommodation: Camping at School Hut

At midnight, you'll begin the final push to Uhuru Peak. This is the most challenging part of the trek, with freezing temperatures and steep switchbacks. You'll ascend to Stella Point (5,739m) and then follow the ridge to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa.

After capturing the incredible sunrise and taking photos, you'll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp (3,080m). This descent can be tough on the knees, but you’ll feel victorious knowing you’ve reached the summit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 12-16 hours (summit to Mweka Camp)
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

On the final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. The path is often muddy but is a rewarding end to your journey. Upon arrival at the gate, you'll receive your summit certificate.

A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a warm shower, a celebratory dinner, and a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home. If you'd like, you can extend your stay with a wildlife safari or a Zanzibar beach holiday.

Have Any Question?

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