Overview
Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro and the one with the highest published summit success rate. It uses the Lemosho approach for the first three days, then instead of crossing directly to the Southern Circuit via Lava Tower, it continues around the northern and eastern flanks of the mountain in a complete 360-degree circumnavigation before joining the Barafu approach for the summit.
Why the success rate is so high: 9 – 10 days at altitude with the full circumnavigation provides the most thorough acclimatisation programme of any standard route. Climbers spend multiple nights between 3,800 and 4,600 metres before the summit attempt, giving the body extensive time to produce the additional red blood cells needed for high-altitude oxygen transport.
Best for: Climbers for whom reaching the summit is the overriding priority and who have the time and budget. Anyone who has attempted Kilimanjaro before and turned around below the summit. Climbers over 60 in good health. Anyone with a known tendency toward altitude sensitivity.
Itinerary
DAY 1: LEMOSHO GATE – MTI MKUBWA CAMP
Departing from Moshi a 3 hours drive will take you through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
DAY 2: MTI MKUBWA CAMP – SHIRA I CAMP
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, we leave the forest behind now, the trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.
DAY 3: SHIRA I CAMP –SHIRA II CAMP
Our trek traverses the Shira Plateau—one of the highest plateaus on Earth—moving from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. On the nine‑day itinerary, climbers overnight at Shira II, where the route merges with trekkers ascending via Machame. From Shira II, it’s worth expending a little extra energy to climb higher up the plateau for sweeping views across the valley below and a striking perspective of Kilimanjaro’s Western Breach above. The plateau is exposed, so expect a cold night with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Note: On the 8‑day climb, the trail continues east across the Shira Ridge to Lava Tower (4,600 m) before descending to Moir Camp (4,200 m)
DAY 4: SHIRA II CAMP- LAVA TOWER – MOIR
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From Shira Plateau we continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we then continue, South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev. 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower, we come to a second junction, which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We then continue to descend to overnight at Barranco Camp.
DAY 5: MOIR CAMP – BUFFALO CAMP
We begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. Spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretches as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest.
DAY 6: BUFFALO CAMP – RONGAI 3RD CAVE
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo Ridge and down into Pofu Camp where lunch is served. We continue East around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and you should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon
DAY 7: RONGAI 3RD CAVE – SCHOOL HUT
A steady ascent and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Continue Southwest to School Hut where you will be served an early dinner and the rest as you will begin just before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera before going to bed.
DAY 8: SCHOOL HUT – SUMMIT
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa! After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
DAY 9: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Tour inclusive & exclusive
- All Park Fees
- Transportation
- All accommodation
- All meals and drinking water
- Professional guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters
- Appropriate fees for guides, cooks & porters (according to regulations)
- Oxy meter and extra oxygen if needed
- International / domestic flights
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Sun protection; sun lotion, lip cream, sunglasses
- Tips for divers/guides
- Personal items/expenses
- Alcohol/Sodas