trekking northern circuit

9 days—A 9-day safari trip to Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit

$2500-2680 USD

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Safari summary

A 9-day trip to Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit is an excellent choice for a scenic and relatively less crowded trek to the summit. The Northern Circuit is known for its beautiful, varied landscapes and is considered one of the most picturesque routes on Kilimanjaro. It's also one of the longest routes, giving trekkers more time to acclimatize and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Walking safari—with armed guard
Photography safari—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

International flights
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania (Moshi o

Kilimanjaro

Arrival: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you'll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Accommodation: Spend the night at a hotel for rest and preparation. Activities: You may use this day for a pre-trek briefing, gear check, and finalizing paperwork.

Day 2: Moshi/Arusha to Lemosho Gate

Kilimanjaro

Transfer to Lemosho Gate: After breakfast, you'll be driven from Moshi or Arusha to the Lemosho Gate, the starting point of the Northern Circuit route. Trek to Forest Camp: After registration, begin your trek, heading through the lush rainforest to the first camp, Forest Camp (2,650 m / 8,694 ft). Accommodation: Forest Camp Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 3: Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Kilimanjaro

Trek from Forest Camp to Shira 1 Camp: Continue your trek as the trail ascends out of the rainforest and onto the moorland. You'll have stunning views of the mountain’s lower slopes. Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp (3,550 m / 11,644 ft) Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Kilimanjaro

Trek to Shira 2 Camp: The trek today is relatively short but offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes, including Shira Plateau. Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp (3,900 m / 12,795 ft) Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Kilimanjaro

Trek to Moir Hut: Continue through the alpine desert zone with rocky terrain and expansive views. The goal today is to continue with moderate ascent to allow proper acclimatization. Accommodation: Moir Hut (4,200 m / 13,780 ft) Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

Kilimanjaro

Trek to Buffalo Camp: This day involves an extended hike along the northern circuit, where you may encounter wildlife such as buffaloes and antelope. The area is sparsely populated and offers a sense of tranquility. Accommodation: Buffalo Camp (4,500 m / 14,764 ft) Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 7: Buffalo Camp to Rongai Camp

Kilimanjaro

Trek to Rongai Camp: As you trek along the northern side of Kilimanjaro, you’ll encounter amazing views of the mountain, valleys, and glaciers. It’s an important day for acclimatization as you gradually increase elevation. Accommodation: Rongai Camp (4,600 m / 15,092 ft) Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Day 8: Rongai Camp to Uhuru Peak (S

Kilimanjaro

Summit Attempt: You'll begin your summit attempt in the early morning (around midnight or 1:00 AM) from the high camp. Summit: After several hours of intense hiking, you will reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa! Descent to Mweka Camp: After spending some time at the summit, you’ll descend down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,171 ft) for the night. Accommodation: Mweka Camp Trekking Time: 12-15 hours (including both ascent and descent)

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (En

Kilimanjaro

Final Descent: After breakfast, you will descend further to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,381 ft), where you’ll officially complete your trek. Transfer: Once you reach the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, and a vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Celebration and Rest: Celebrate your accomplishment and relax after the challenging trek.

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