Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit

9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route

$2451-3500 USD

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Safari summary

Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Moonlight Tours Expedition as we guide you along Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest route—the Northern Circuit. Starting at the Londorossi Gate in the west, this trail initially shares its path with the Lemosho route, offering breathtaking views and a gradual ascent.
After crossing the stunning Shira Plateau, the journey takes a unique turn near Lava Tower, diverging north to follow the tranquil Northern Circuit. Unlike the more crowded Southern Circuit through Barranco Valley, this trail circles around Kilimanjaro's quieter northern slopes, offering unparalleled serenity and panoramic vistas.
The Northern Circuit requires a minimum of eight to nine days to complete, making it one of the most rewarding and immersive routes. For those on the eight-day trek, the itinerary skips the extra acclimatization day at Shira Camp 2, advancing directly to Moir Camp.
Choose Moonlight Tours Expedition for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience that combines adventure, breathtaking scenery, and personalized guidance every step of the way.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Photography safari—with professional guide
Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Premium alcoholic beverages
Private vehicle and driver
Tips and gratuities

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Private vehicle and driver
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)

Kilimanjaro

The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route.Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to MtiMkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Mti Mkubwa Camp

Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters)

Kilimanjaro

On day two you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).

Shira Camp

Moir Camp (4,200 meters)

Kilimanjaro

Day three is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp.This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatization process.

Moir Camp

Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)

Kilimanjaro

Day four involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley.Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.

Buffalo Camp

Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)

Kilimanjaro

Day five starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Rongai Third Cave

School Hut (4,800 meters)

Kilimanjaro

Day six involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed

School Hut

Crater Camp (5,790m)

Kilimanjaro

Wake before dawn to start your summit approach. You’ll reach Uhuru Peak in the early afternoon, when few groups are around. A short descent brings you to Crater Camp, set in soft sands near the famed Furtwangler Glacier. Crater camp is not a route in it's own right but a challenging extension which in principle can be added to any route. It involves sleeping overnight in the bowl of the crater. An amazing experience enjoyed by only a few of the most adventurous climbers.

Crater Camp

Millennium Camp (3790m)

Kilimanjaro

In the morning after early breakfast, we begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope passing Barafu camp for a short break before heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest

Millennium Camp

Mweka Gate (1630m)

Kilimanjaro

Today you walk down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to your arranged hotel in Moshi.

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