9 Days/ 8 Nights
$ 3100.00
The Northern Circuit is widely regarded as one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro, offering almost 360-degree panoramic views, including the quiet and seldom-visited northern slopes. Being the longest route on the mountain, it provides the most time for acclimatization, which significantly increases the chances of reaching the summit. For these reasons, the Northern Circuit comes highly recommended.
This route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, starting with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. The first two days involve trekking through lush rainforest up to Shira Ridge, followed by a crossing of the Shira Plateau. From there, the trail heads north, looping clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp and School Hut, with the summit reached from the eastern side. The descent is completed via the Mweka route.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to Salinero B&B for overnight accommodation. Your head guide will conduct a briefing, check your gear, and help you rent any equipment you may require.
Elevation: 2,389 m / 7,838 ft to 2,785 m / 9,137 ft
Altitude Gain: 396 m
A 45-minute drive from Moshi will take you through charming mountain villages to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park. While waiting for our permits, you can observe the lively preparations of other trekking groups getting ready for their journeys. Enjoy the lush rainforest scenery and winding trails as your guide shares insights about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower altitudes, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so using gaiters and trekking poles is highly recommended.
Elevation: 2,785 m / 9,137 ft to 3,504 m / 11,496 ft
Altitude gained: 719 m
After a restful night and a satisfying breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and follow an upward trail. The path gradually ascends, opening up expansive views as we make our way to the rim of the Shira Plateau. The temperature starts to fall as we gain altitude.
Elevation: 3,504 m / 11,496 ft to 3,895 m / 12,779 ft
Altitude gain: 391 m
The trek takes you across the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. Trekkers on the nine-day itinerary will spend the night at Shira II Camp, where they meet climbers coming from the Machame Route. At Shira II, it’s worth the extra effort to hike a little higher on the plateau for breathtaking views of the valley below and Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach above. The plateau is exposed, so expect cold nights with temperatures dropping below zero.
Note: Eight-day climbs continue eastward to the Shira Plateau Ridge, reaching Lava Tower at 4,600 m, before descending to Moir Camp at 4,200 m.
Elevation: 3,895 m / 12,779 ft → 3,986 m / 13,077 ft
Altitude gained: 91 m
Even though you finish the day at roughly the same elevation as you started, this trek is crucial for acclimatisation. From Shira Plateau, the route heads east along a ridge, passing the junction leading to Kibo Peak. We then continue southeast toward Lava Tower, also known as the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4,650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly after reaching the tower, we encounter a second junction that provides access to Arrow Glacier. From there, the trail descends to Barranco Camp for the night.
Elevation: 4,155 m / 13,632 ft descending to 4,033 m / 13,232 ft
Altitude loss: 122 m
The day starts with a moderately steep ascent out of Moir Valley. If you like, you can take a short detour to summit Little Lent Hill at 4,375 m before rejoining the Northern Circuit trail. The path then weaves through a series of ups and downs along the northern slopes of Kibo, leading to Buffalo Camp. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the plains north of Kilimanjaro, stretching all the way to the Kenyan–Tanzanian border. You’ll reach Buffalo Camp just after midday, where lunch awaits, and you can rest.
Elevation: 4033m / 13,232ft → 3936m / 12,193ft
Altitude lost: 97m
On day six, the trek begins with an ascent along Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent to Pofu Camp for lunch. Afterwards, we head east along the northern slopes toward the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than yesterday’s, and by now you should be better acclimatized to the altitude. You are expected to reach the Third Cave by mid-afternoon.
Elevation: 3,936 m / 12,913 ft to 4,717 m / 15,476 ft
Altitude gain: 781 m
You will undertake a steady climb over the Saddle, the area between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. From there, continue southwest toward School Hut, where an early dinner will be served, and you can rest. Your summit attempt begins just before midnight, so make sure to prepare all your essentials—warm clothing, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera—before heading to bed.
Elevation: 4,717 m / 15,476 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Altitude gained: 1,178 m
Descent to: 3,106 m / 10,190 ft
Altitude lost: 2,789 m
The day begins with excitement and an early start between midnight and 2 a.m., marking the most demanding part of the trek both mentally and physically.
We make our way toward the summit, navigating the area between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, keeping warm and focused on the incredible achievement that awaits. Following a northwesterly switchback route, we climb through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. Here, a short break rewards you with a breathtaking sunrise. Faster climbers may even catch the sunrise from the summit. The final hour to Uhuru Peak is likely to involve trekking through snow.
Step by step, you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! After photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, take a moment to savor this extraordinary accomplishment.
The descent begins toward Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Trekking poles and gaiters are highly recommended due to loose gravel and volcanic ash. A well-earned rest awaits you at Mweka Camp, where you can enjoy your last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 3,106 m / 10,190 ft down to 1,633 m / 5,358 ft
Altitude lost: 1,473 m
After breakfast and a meaningful ceremony celebrating your achievement and bonding with the team, it’s time to bid farewell. The descent continues to Mweka Park Gate, where you will receive your summit certificates. The trail can be steep, muddy, and slippery due to warmer weather, so we strongly recommend using gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will pick you up at Mweka Village and transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 30-minute drive.
Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park
Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel
All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
GPS-tracking service
Complete medical kits
Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience.
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Airline tickets
Visa fee
Personal gear rentals
Tips for the mountain crew
Mountaineering insurance
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the two trekking seasons: January to March and June to October. These periods offer favorable conditions for a safe and enjoyable climb.
The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is about 21%. Before planning your Mount Kilimanjaro Trip, it is crucial to explore the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro.
For high-altitude treks like Kilimanjaro, proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy levels and ensuring a successful climb. You will need nutritious foods to gain proper energy.
