Mount Kilimanjaro climbing

10 Days Northern Circuit Route

From $2,550 Per Person

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Duration

10 Days

Accommodation

Camping

Starting Date

Any day of your choice

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most comprehensive route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering climbers the best opportunity for proper acclimatization and one of the highest summit success rates on the mountain.

This route begins on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at Lemosho Gate and gradually ascends across the spectacular Shira Plateau before circling the remote northern slopes of the mountain. Because the trail travels around the mountain’s quieter side, climbers experience fewer crowds, breathtaking landscapes, and a true wilderness adventure.

The 10-day Northern Circuit itinerary allows for a slower ascent, giving your body more time to adapt to the altitude. Along the journey, trekkers pass through multiple ecological zones including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone.

The climb culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa and the ultimate achievement for Kilimanjaro climbers.

This route is perfect for climbers who want maximum acclimatization time, spectacular scenery, and the highest chance of reaching the summit.

Price (Per Person)

Group Size Price
1 Person $2,950
2–4 People $2,750
5+ People $2,550

(Prices may vary depending on season and group size.)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Lemosho Gate (2,100 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m)

  • Distance: 6 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Lemosho Gate on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro.

After registration with Kilimanjaro National Park, begin trekking through the lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many bird species.

Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) where you will enjoy dinner and your first night on the mountain.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mti Mkubwa Camp)

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m)

  • Distance: 8 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast, continue climbing out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone.

As you approach the Shira Plateau, the landscape opens up and offers fantastic views of Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you will spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 1 Camp)

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,610 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)

  • Distance: 7 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland

Today you trek across the beautiful Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world.

The relatively gentle hike allows your body to adjust to the altitude while offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak.

Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Shira 2 Camp)

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m) – Moir Hut (4,200 m)

  • Distance: 10 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today the trail gradually climbs toward the remote northern side of the mountain.

You leave the main Machame trail and head toward Moir Hut, located in a quiet alpine desert landscape.

Optional short hikes around the camp help with acclimatization.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Moir Hut)

Day 5: Moir Hut (4,200 m) – Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)

  • Distance: 12 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek takes you along the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, an area rarely visited by other climbers.

The route offers breathtaking views across the Kenyan plains and the remote wilderness surrounding the mountain.

Arrive at Buffalo Camp for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Buffalo Camp)

Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020 m) – Third Cave Camp (3,870 m)

  • Distance: 8 km

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Continue trekking across the northern side of Kilimanjaro while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.

Arrive at Third Cave Camp, where you will rest and continue acclimatizing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Third Cave Camp)

Day 7: Third Cave Camp (3,870 m) – School Hut (4,750 m)

  • Distance: 5 km

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today you hike toward School Hut, the final base camp before the summit attempt.

After arriving, enjoy an early dinner and prepare for the midnight summit climb.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (School Hut)

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Millennium Camp (3,820 m)

  • Distance: 15 km

  • Hiking Time: 12–14 hours

Around midnight, begin the challenging ascent toward the summit.

Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) before continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating at the summit, descend to Millennium Camp for overnight rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Millennium Camp)

Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,820 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

  • Distance: 6 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland

Today is a shorter descent through the moorland zone as you continue toward the rainforest.

Arrive at Mweka Camp, where you will enjoy your final night on the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mweka Camp)

Day 10: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

  • Distance: 10 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Here climbers receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificates before being transferred back to their hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

From $2,550 per person
Price varies by group size

Tour Booking Form

Select Date and No. of Travellers

Contact Information

Price Includes

  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees

  • Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook

  • Accommodation

  • All meals during the trek

  • Drinking water on the mountain

  • Airport transfers

  • Transport from hotel to the mountain gate and back

  • Rescue fees and emergency oxygen

  • Government taxes

Price Excludes

  • International and domestic flights

  • Tanzania visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal climbing gear

  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook

  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)

  • Hotel accommodation before and after the climb