Northern Circuit Summit Trek
11 days—Conquer Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit on a scenic 9-day trek, from lush rainforest and Shira Plateau to Uhuru Peak and the Mweka descent.
$1267-2534 USD
pp
Safari summary
Experience the ultimate 9-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Trek, a scenic and gradual journey designed to explore the mountain from its quieter northern slopes while allowing valuable time for acclimatization.
Your adventure begins with arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a transfer to Siarick Cottage in Moshi for rest, briefing, and final preparation. The trek starts at Londorosi Gate, climbing through lush rainforest to Forest Camp before continuing toward the spectacular Shira Plateau. From Forest Camp, hike to Shira 1 and Shira 2 Camps, enjoying changing vegetation, open landscapes, and impressive views of Kibo. Continue to Moir Hut Camp, then traverse the northern slopes through rugged alpine desert to Buffalo Camp and Third Cave Camp.
These stages provide a steady ascent and opportunities to appreciate Kilimanjaro’s remote scenery. From Third Cave, proceed toward School Hut Camp, the final overnight point before the summit attempt. The most demanding day begins early as you climb toward Gilman’s Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your summit achievement, descend through the upper mountain zone to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest. On the final day, descend through the montane forest to Mweka Gate, complete park formalities, collect your summit certificate, and transfer to your hotel for onward departure in next day. This Northern Circuit itinerary combines diverse landscapes, extended acclimatization, a challenging summit experience, and a rewarding descent, making it an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a comprehensive Kilimanjaro adventure.
About this tour
| Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
| Main focus | None | |
| Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
| Best months | All months | |
| Countries | ||
| Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Hiking | trekking
- Cycling | mountain biking—with professional guide
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
KIA to Siarick Cottage
Kilimanjaro
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your driver. Enjoy a private transfer to Siarick Cottage in Moshi for check-in and relaxation. Later, meet your mountain guide for a trek briefing, equipment check, and final preparations for your Northern Circuit adventure. Overnight at Siarick Cottage.
Siarick Cottage
Moshi –Londorosi Gate –Forest Camp
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, depart Moshi and drive to Londorosi Gate for registration and park formalities. Continue to the trailhead and begin your trek through the lush montane rainforest. The trail gradually ascends through dense vegetation, with opportunities to observe birds and other forest wildlife. Continue toward Forest Camp, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Campsite
Forest Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, leave the rainforest and continue ascending into the moorland zone. As the vegetation becomes more open, the spectacular Shira Plateau comes into view. Enjoy expansive mountain scenery and, weather permitting, views toward Kilimanjaro's volcanic features. Continue to Shira 1 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Campsite
Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Kilimanjaro
Today is a relatively gentle trekking and acclimatization day across the Shira Plateau. Walk through open high-altitude terrain while enjoying impressive views of Kibo and the surrounding volcanic landscape. Maintain a steady pace to allow your body to adjust to the increasing altitude. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp for dinner and overnight.
Campsite
Shira 2 Camp – Moir Hut Camp
Kilimanjaro
Leave Shira Plateau and continue toward the northern side of Kilimanjaro. The trail becomes more rugged as you enter the alpine desert zone. Trek steadily toward the remote Moir Hut Camp, surrounded by dramatic high-altitude scenery. This section provides another valuable opportunity for acclimatization. Dinner and overnight at Moir Hut Camp.
Campsite
Moir Hut Camp – Buffalo Camp
Kilimanjaro
Continue along the Northern Circuit across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The route passes through rugged alpine desert terrain and provides spectacular views toward the northern wilderness and, on clear days, the Kenyan plains. Trek at a steady pace toward Buffalo Camp. Arrive in the afternoon, relax, enjoy the scenery, and prepare for the next stage. Dinner and overnight at Buffalo Camp.
Campsite
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, continue around the northern slopes toward Third Cave Camp. The trail features gradual ascents and descents across remote high-altitude terrain, supporting continued acclimatization. Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and the surrounding mountain landscape before reaching Third Cave Camp. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Campsite
Third Cave Camp – School Hut Camp
Kilimanjaro
Today you move closer to the summit zone. Continue across increasingly barren alpine terrain as vegetation gradually disappears. Trek steadily toward School Hut Camp, your final overnight stop before the summit attempt. Upon arrival, rest, hydrate, organize your summit equipment, and receive a final briefing from your guide. Enjoy an early dinner and go to bed early in preparation for the summit night.
Campsite
School Hut– Uhuru Peak – Mweka camp
Kilimanjaro
Begin your summit attempt during the early hours of the morning. Trek toward the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, take time to celebrate and capture photographs before beginning the descent. Continue downhill through the upper mountain landscape toward Mweka Camp. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Campsite
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate.
Kilimanjaro
After breakfast, begin the final descent through the montane forest toward Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, complete the necessary park exit procedures and collect your summit certificate. Meet your driver for transfaer to you hotel for overnight and dinner.
Siarick Cottage
Moshi to KIA
Kilimanjaro
After the breakfast check-out from your hotel and wait for your driver to pick you from Siarick Cottage to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.
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