Overview
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest official route, tracking around the mountain’s remote northern slopes โ the side seen by almost no other route โ before joining the standard summit push near School Hut. The extra days on the mountain give it the best acclimatisation profile and highest documented summit success rate of any Kilimanjaro route, at the cost of simply taking longer than the more direct lines.
Trip Highlights
- Private driver-guide and flexible pacing
- Wildlife, landscapes and local encounters
- Thoughtful lodges and camps along the route
- Direct local support throughout your journey
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa+
Enter via the Lemosho trailhead and trek through montane forest from Londorossi Gate (2,250m) to Mti Mkubwa (Forest Camp).
Day 2Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp+
Climb out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau, reaching Shira 1 Camp (3,505m) with open views of the summit.
Day 3Shira 1 to Moir Hut+
Cross the plateau and branch north off the standard route toward Moir Hut (4,200m), the gateway to the Northern Circuit proper.
Day 4Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp+
Begin the Northern Circuit traverse itself, crossing quiet high moorland to Buffalo Camp with rarely-seen views toward Kenya.
Day 5Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp+
Continue the circuit around the mountain’s northern and eastern flanks to Third Cave Camp, gaining altitude gradually for acclimatisation.
Day 6Third Cave Camp to School Hut+
Climb to School Hut (4,700m), rejoining the standard route just below the summit, ready for the night ascent.
Day 7Summit Day โ Uhuru Peak+
A midnight ascent via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), then descend all the way to Mweka Camp.
Day 8Descent to Mweka Gate+
Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate, and transfer to your hotel.
Day 9Buffer Day / Departure+
A built-in contingency day in case of weather delays higher on the mountain, or an early transfer for onward travel.
Safari Pricing
From $3,500 โ request a tailored quote โ
What's Included
- Park entry, camping and rescue fees
- Professional mountain guide, porters and cook
- All meals on the mountain
- Camping equipment โ tents, mattresses, mess tent
- Transfers between Arusha/Moshi and the trailhead
- Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag rental
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
- Accommodation before/after the climb (unless noted)
- Optional oxygen or private toilet tent
Route Map
Your Route ยท Tanzania
- Start Londorossi Gate โ 2,250m โ trailhead via Lemosho
- Moir Hut โ 4,200m โ Northern Circuit branch
- Third Cave Camp โ Northern traverse
- School Hut โ 4,700m โ rejoins standard route
- End Uhuru Peak โ 5,895m โ summit
