Kilimanjaro North Trekking

Safari summary

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest, most scenic, and least crowded trail, offering a unique opportunity to circle nearly the entire mountain. Over eleven days, you will move gradually through every ecosystem on Kilimanjaro, from the lush, green rainforest at the base to the alpine desert, rocky ridges, and finally, the icy summit zone. This route is designed for optimal acclimatization, allowing your body to adapt gradually to higher altitudes and giving you the highest chance of reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa’s tallest point at 5,895 meters.
You will begin your journey at Londorossi Gate, where the air is humid, the rainforest dense, and the ground alive with colobus monkeys, birds, and ferns. As you step into the forest, the sounds of rushing streams and rustling leaves will become your companions. Each day is a new chapter: mornings filled with mist and filtered sunlight, afternoons climbing through moorlands dotted with giant lobelias and heathers, and evenings in quiet camps beneath expansive skies.
The Northern Circuit is a slower, more immersive route than the southern paths. You will experience solitude and peace on the rarely visited northern slopes. You will cross the Shira Plateau, a high, open expanse offering dramatic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail continues to Lava Tower, where you will climb high and then descend to a lower camp to help your body adjust a technique called “climb high, sleep low” that significantly increases summit success. From there, you will traverse the remote northern ridges, through rugged alpine desert, and past striking volcanic rock formations. The trails are quieter, so your sense of isolation and connection to nature will be profound.
Summit night is the pinnacle of this adventure. You will wake in the cold darkness around midnight and ascend step by step, following the headlamps of your guides. The air will be thin, but your anticipation will grow with each step. As dawn breaks, you will reach Gilman’s Point and continue to Stella Point before the final push to Uhuru Peak. Standing at Africa’s highest point, looking down at glaciers, craters, and endless valleys, will be a deeply humbling and transformative experience.
After the summit, your long descent through moorlands, alpine desert, and rainforest will give you time to reflect on your journey. The 11-day itinerary allows for gradual acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness, while giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy panoramic views, remarkable flora, and the quiet grandeur of the mountain. Every meal, campfire conversation, and starry night will contribute to your sense of connection with the mountain, your guides, and fellow trekkers.
This climb is more than a physical challenge it is a journey of patience, perseverance, and wonder. By the time you descend to Mweka Gate and return to Moshi, the experience will feel transformative. The Northern Circuit is perfect for those seeking a slow, immersive, and unforgettable encounter with Africa’s highest mountain.

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	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

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