Kilimanjaro North Trek route
9 days—Enjoy a Journey Across Kilimanjaro’s Longest and Most Amazing Route in 2025-2026.
$2550-2700 USD
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Safari summary
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest trail on Kilimanjaro and the one that offers the greatest chance of success. It winds around the northern slopes of Africa’s tallest mountain, far away from the crowds, giving you time and space to connect deeply with the mountain. This nine day adventure provides the best acclimatization profile, with slow and steady elevation gains that allow your body to adapt naturally.
From the moment you step into the rainforest at Londorossi Gate, every day introduces a new side of the mountain. You’ll pass through lush jungle filled with monkeys, climb into moorlands decorated with giant lobelias, cross the remote northern alpine desert where silence feels endless, and finally ascend through glaciers to Uhuru Peak, standing at 5,895 meters. Unlike other routes, the Northern Circuit circles almost the entire mountain, offering ever-changing views of its peaks, valleys, and surrounding plains.
What makes this trek special is not only the path itself but also the rhythm it creates. The days are long but never rushed. There is time to pause, to breathe, to watch the sun dip behind Mount Meru or rise over Kenya’s savannahs. Your guides and porters walk with you step by step, sharing encouragement, stories, and laughter. Meals are warm and nourishing, tents are waiting at each camp, and each evening you settle under Kilimanjaro’s vast night skies.
The summit night is demanding but deeply rewarding. With the long acclimatization of this route, your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak are very high. When you finally stand on the rooftop of Africa, looking out across glaciers, valleys, and endless horizons, it feels not only like a personal victory but also like a spiritual moment quiet, humbling, and unforgettable.
This journey is more than a climb. It is a story of resilience, of the beauty of nature, and of the kindness of people walking together toward a shared dream. The Northern Circuit is the path for those who want time, peace, and the full grandeur of Kilimanjaro.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Walking safari—with armed guard
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- All drinks
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Visas
Itinerary
Moshi to Londorossi Gate
The adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. After meeting your guides and porters, you will head into the rainforest. The air is fresh and alive with birdsong, and you might spot colobus monkeys swinging through the trees. The trail is gentle and shaded, leading you to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m) after 3–4 hours of walking. Here you will enjoy dinner and your first night under canvas.
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
Today the landscape changes as you leave the rainforest and climb steadily into moorland. The air is cooler, and the views open up to rolling hills and distant ridges. The path is quiet, giving you a sense of calm as you make your way toward the Shira Plateau. After 5–6 hours, you will arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,610m), where the wide plains stretch out in front of you and sunsets are magical.
Shira 1 Camp
Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp
You will continue your trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful sections of the route. The hike is not too demanding today, giving your body time to adjust. The wide-open landscapes let you see Kilimanjaro’s peaks and valleys clearly, with unique plants like giant lobelias standing tall. After about 4–5 hours, you will reach Shira 2 Camp (3,850m), where you rest and prepare for higher climbs ahead.
Shira 2 Camp
Shira 2 to Lava Tower
This is a key acclimatization day. You will climb steadily to Lava Tower (4,600m), where you pause for lunch and let your body feel the altitude. Afterward, you descend to Moir Hut (4,200m), where the air is thicker again, and your body adjusts better. The hike takes about 6–7 hours, with changing landscapes of rocky trails and alpine desert. Moir Hut is tucked in a quiet valley, giving you a peaceful evening.
Moir Hut
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
The day begins with a steep climb up Lava Ridge, rewarding you with sweeping views of the plains below. The path then leads north into quieter, untouched parts of Kilimanjaro. Few climbers pass this way, so the sense of solitude is strong. After 5–6 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Buffalo Camp (4,020m), surrounded by rolling ridges and open skies.
Buffalo Camp
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
You will continue eastward, walking along gentle slopes and ridges with distant views of Kenya to the north. The trail is calm and gives plenty of time to enjoy the silence of the high mountain. After about 5–6 hours, you’ will reach Third Cave Camp (3,870m), a quiet resting place that prepares you for the final stretch of the journey.
Third Cave Camp
Third Cave to School Hut
This is your approach to summit base camp. The trail leads steadily upward through alpine desert terrain, dry and windswept, but with stunning views of the peak ahead. After 4–5 hours, you’ll arrive at School Hut (4,800m), a small and quiet campsite used for the summit approach. The afternoon is for rest, early dinner, and preparation for the night climb.
School Hut
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
This is the big day. Around midnight, you’ll begin your final push to the summit under a sky full of stars. The climb is slow with guides supporting you, as the sun rises, you’ll reach Gilman’s Point and then Stella Point before the last stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After photos and celebration, you’ll descend all the way down to Mweka Camp (3,100m) for resting after 12–14 hours of trekking.
Mweka Camp
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The final descent takes you back through the rainforest. The walk is about 3–4 hours, with the sound of birds and the smell of wet earth welcoming you back to lower altitudes. At Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, a symbol of your achievement. A vehicle will take you back to Moshi for a hot shower, a hearty meal, and a comfortable bed.
Not included
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