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The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering unparalleled panoramic views and high success rates for summit attempts. This 10-day trek allows for excellent acclimatization with gradual elevation gain, making it one of the best routes for climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience. The journey takes trekkers through diverse landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and the stark, otherworldly Arctic summit zone. With fewer climbers compared to other routes, the Northern Circuit provides a peaceful and immersive wilderness experience while increasing the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Activity: Trek briefing and preparation
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by your trekking team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you will have a pre-trek briefing with your mountain guide, covering essential gear checks, safety protocols, and the itinerary ahead. Moshi, a lively town at the base of Kilimanjaro, is an excellent place to relax before the climb. You can explore the local markets or take in stunning views of the mountain. Overnight at your hotel, where you can prepare for the adventure ahead with a good night’s rest.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m / 8,694ft)
After breakfast, a 2–3 hour drive will take you to Londorossi Gate (2,100m / 6,890ft) for registration. The trek starts through lush rainforests, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and exotic birds. The trail is relatively gentle, with dense vegetation and towering trees, making this a pleasant first day of hiking. After a gradual ascent, you will reach Mti Mkubwa Camp, meaning "Big Tree Camp." Here, you will enjoy a warm meal and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (3,550m / 11,646ft)
Leaving the rainforest behind, you will ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The vegetation changes dramatically, with giant lobelias and senecios dotting the landscape. As you gain altitude, the trail becomes rockier, offering spectacular views of Mount Meru in the distance. The air becomes cooler, and you may begin to feel the effects of altitude. The day ends at Shira 1 Camp, set on a high plateau with stunning views of Kibo Peak, the central summit of Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (3,840m / 12,598ft)
This is a relatively easy trek across the Shira Plateau, a vast open landscape with ancient lava flows. You will enjoy panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks while hiking at a gentle pace, allowing for acclimatization. The altitude begins to challenge some trekkers, so staying hydrated and maintaining a steady rhythm is key. Upon reaching Shira 2 Camp, you will have time to relax and explore the area before sunset, when the sky often turns shades of pink and orange over the African landscape.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Moir Hut (4,200m / 13,780ft)
Today is a crucial acclimatization day. You will ascend to Lava Tower (4,630m / 15,190ft), a striking volcanic rock formation. This steep ascent helps your body adjust to high altitudes. After resting at Lava Tower, you will descend to Moir Hut, allowing for better acclimatization. The landscape here is barren and rocky, resembling a lunar terrain. Moir Hut is a remote and peaceful camp, providing a quiet retreat before continuing the trek.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Buffalo Camp(4,020m / 13,189ft)
This section takes you along the Northern Slopes, a rarely traveled path with breathtaking views of the Kenyan plains. The trek involves gradual ascents and descents over rocky terrain, with vast, open landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see. Buffalo Camp, named after the buffalo herds that sometimes roam nearby, is a remote and scenic spot to rest before the summit approach.
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Third Cave Camp (3,800m / 12,467ft)
Today’s trek continues along the Northern Circuit’s remote wilderness, where wildlife sightings are possible. The trail gradually descends before climbing again to Third Cave Camp, offering incredible views of the eastern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The lower altitude here aids in recovery before the steep climb ahead.
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: School Hut (4,800m / 15,748ft)
A steep and steady ascent leads to School Hut, the final stop before summit night. The terrain is increasingly rocky and barren, with thinning air. After an early dinner, you will rest in preparation for the summit push, which begins just after midnight.
Distance: 8 km (5 miles) ascent, 2 km (1.2 miles) descent
Trekking Time: 7–9 hours
Accommodation: Crater Camp (5,750m / 18,865ft)
Starting before midnight, you will ascend to Gilman’s Point (5,685m / 18,651ft), then traverse the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, you will descend to Crater Camp, a rare and breathtaking overnight stop near Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Trekking Time: 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (3,820m / 12,533ft)
A steep descent takes you through alpine desert and moorlands, with oxygen levels increasing as you reach Millennium Camp.
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
A final trek through the lush rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your well-earned climbing certificate, a testament to your incredible achievement. After taking some time to celebrate your success and capture memorable photos, you will be met by your driver for a comfortable transfer back to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you can relax, unwind, and enjoy a delicious dinner, reflecting on your unforgettable journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak. You will spend the night at your hotel, giving you time to rest and recover before your onward travel plans.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. If you wish to extend your stay, optional tours to Zanzibar, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro can be arranged.
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