- Arusha/Moshi Town
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
- Northern Circuit Route
Overview of the Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit path stands out as one of the premier routes for ascending Kilimanjaro, providing an almost full panoramic view of stunning landscapes, particularly the serene and seldom-explored northern flanks.
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most scenic route, offering the highest summit success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile. This 9-day trek circles the mountain’s remote northern slopes, away from the crowds, providing stunning 360-degree views. Ideal for climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure, the Northern Circuit is less traveled, more diverse, and offers an unmatched wilderness experience on Africa’s highest peak.
9-Day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the evening, you’ll meet your experienced mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing, final gear check, and packing recommendations. This is also your last chance to rent any missing gear before the climb. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha..
- Meals Included : None
- Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
- Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge
Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2,385m) to Big Tree Camp (2,780m)
After breakfast, we drive to Lemosho Gate, where we complete registration before trekking through the lush rainforest. The trail is alive with black-and-white colobus monkeys, exotic birds, and the sounds of nature. We arrive at Big Tree Camp, our first overnight stop.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~7km (~4–5 hours)
- Accommodation: Big Tree Camp (Forest Camp)
Day 2: Big Tree Camp (2,780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Leaving the rainforest behind, we ascend into the moorland zone, where the vegetation changes dramatically. As we reach Shira Ridge, the first panoramic views of Kibo Peak emerge. We then descend slightly to Shira 1 Camp.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~8km (~5–6 hours)
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3,500m) to Moir Camp (4,175m)
Today we have the chance to view the Northern ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. The terrain during our steady climb will change from the moorland of the Shira Plateau to the broad upland desert beneath the Lent Hills with great panoramic views. Look out for the giant Senecio’s before the high alpine desert zone. Our camp is close to Moir Hut (4175m). After a short rest you can go on a recommended afternoon acclimatization walk towards the top of the ridgeline. The ridgeline is in the lower part of the Lent Hills (4300m) – about 2 km away and 130 meters higher than the camp. Dinner will be served on your return to camp.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~10km (~6–7 hours)
- Accommodation: Moir Camp
Day 4: Moir Camp (4,175m) to Pofu Camp (4,030m)
We leave the Shira Plateau and traverse the Northern Circuit, a remote and less-traveled route with breathtaking views of Kenya’s Amboseli National Park. The trail has gentle ascents and descents before reaching Pofu Camp. Afternoon Acclimatization Hike recommended.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~10km (~5–7 hours)
- Accommodation: Pofu Camp
Day 5: Pofu Camp (4,030m) to Third Cave Camp (3,900m)
The day starts with a climb up heading east through the remote valleys and around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and vegetation gets increasingly sparse, but by now you should be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude and enjoying the fact there are no steep passages to tackle today. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~9km (~5–6 hours)
- Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
Day 6: Third Cave Camp (3,900m) to School Hut Camp (4,750m)
We begin today with a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Although you should be acclimatizing by now, make sure to drink lots of water and stick to your guide’s slow pace. You could feel the weight of altitude today as you climb steadily higher up Kilimanjaro. Take a few breaks to rest when possible and enjoy stunning views across the saddle to Mawenzi. In preparation for you summit attempt, you will be served an early dinner after arriving at School Hut, before going to bed for an attempt at some shut-eye and rest. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks and headlamp before going to bed, as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~5km (~4–5 hours)
- Accommodation: School Hut Camp
Day 7: School Hut (4,750m) ↑ to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) ↓ Millennium Camp (3,790m)
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
We retrace our steps along the crater rim to Stella Point and then descend down through Barafu Camp, where our porters will meet us with a packed lunch. We will then continue to descend to reach Millennium Camp.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: ~15km (~12–14 hours)
- Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Day 8: Crater Camp (5,790m) to Millennium Camp (3,790m)
On this day you can make another summit attempt in the morning, your general condition permitting. If you don’t want to get back to Uhuru, you can proceed with hiking out of the crater to Barafu summit camp and further down the slope to Millenium camp, your next overnight site.
Or, if you feel like it, you can go to the Ash Pit, a still warm ice-free part of the crater with a diameter of 340 m, consisting of lava gravel (in case you didn't explore it yesterday). Its whitish-yellow sulfur slopes drop about 200 m into the depth of the volcano. Together with the Reusch crater that is encircling Ash Pit, Kilimanjaro has one of the most perfect crater shapes on earth. The amount of snow in the crater will determine the possibility of getting to the Ash Pit.
- Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Trekking Distance: 16km (5-6 hours)
- Accommodation: Millennium Camp
Day 9: Millennium Camp (3,790m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m) to Moshi/Arusha
Our final descent takes us through the lush rainforest, arriving at Mweka Gate for your summit certificate ceremony. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
- Meals Included : Breakfast and Lunch. Dinner is not included.
- Trekking Distance: 10km (~4-5 hours)
- Overnight Moshi : Stella Maris Executive Lodge
- Overnight Arusha : Malkia Trees Lodge
Day 10: Departure Date/Flight Day
A long or short safari and Zanzibar beach holiday adventure can seamlessly be arranged before or after your Kilimanjaro trek with us. For those wishing to explore Moshi Town and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture, including visits to local attractions, markets, and communities, we recommend adding an extra overnight stay. We’ve curated a dedicated guide to Moshi’s top destinations to enhance your experience. Explore Our Moshi Destination Guide Here.
If you prefer to conclude your journey after the trek, we’ll arrange a timely transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward travel.
- Meals Included : Breakfast Only.
Tour Includes
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s covered in your trekking package.
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT.
- Crater Special Camping Fees
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Camping Equipments. Tables, Chairs etc
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- All Meals (as specified in the itinerary) While On Mountain
- Hot Water For Wash on all days
- Drinking water on all day
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- Pick up & Drop Off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
- All accommodation before and after your trek (Bed & Breakfast ONLY)
Tour Excludes
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need to plan independently.
- Portable chemical toilet - $150 per toilet (including tent & porter)
- Lunch and dinner before and after trek
- Domestic and International flights (from/to home)
- Personal Climbing Gear. You can rent from us See Rental Prices or See Packing List
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover of 6,000m and above)
- Spending a night in the crater - $200 per person
- Western breach approach without a night at the crater camp - $100 per person
- Tanzanian mountain doctor - $200 per group per day
- Tips to mountain crew
- Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as following:
- Guide $20/guide/day
- Cook $15/day
- Porters $10/porter/day.
- Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as following:
Northern Circuit Frequently Asked Questions
This route circles the entire mountain, offering the best acclimatization, fewer crowds, and diverse scenery. It's the longest and most scenic route on Kilimanjaro.
It’s a moderate-to-challenging trek, but the longer duration and gradual ascent make it one of the best routes for high summit success rates.
The Northern Circuit Route boasts one of the highest success rates for reaching Kilimanjaro's summit, with around 95-95% due to the extended acclimatization period provided by the 8–9-day trek.
Yes, the Northern Circuit Route is a great option for first-time climbers or those with moderate fitness levels. The gradual ascent and additional acclimatization days make the climb safer and more manageable.
Any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. If you can walk a 10-14 km/6-7 miles per day, this climb should be do-able for you. From our experience, those with a good fitness level who get proper acclimatisation always reach the summit. If you have concerns regarding your fitness level then you can choose to opt for the longer day routes with less daily trekking distance. Essentially, you should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
The cost of the Northern Circuit route will vary depending on the guide service. Our current pricing for a group climb on the 9 day Northern Circuit route is $2,650 per person.
The Northern Circuit route has several variations and thus, the trail can be completed in as little as 8 days and as many as 10 days. The standard itinerary is the preferred variation which requires 9 days.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes Comparison: Northern Circuit vs. Other Routes
| Feature | Marangu Route | Machame Route | Lemosho Route | Rongai Route | Northern Circuit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous | Challenging | Moderate | Moderate-Strenuous |
| Duration | 5-6 Days | 6-7 Days | 6-9 Days | 6-7 Days | 8-9 Days |
| Success Rate | 85-90% | 85-95% | 90-99% | 70-80% | 90-95% |
| Accommodation | Mountain Huts | Camping | Camping | Camping | Camping |
| Scenery | Rainforest, Moorland | Rainforest, Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall | Remote Wilderness, Lava Tower | Alpine Desert, Less Crowded | 360° Views, Remote Trails |
| Crowd Level | High | High | Moderate | Low | Very Low |
| Best For | Beginners, Budget Travelers | Adventure Seekers | Scenery Lovers | Rainy Season Treks | High Success Seekers |
What Our Customers Are Saying
Emma Thompson
8 Days Lemosho Route
The team was extremely profesional: 1 guide per person and 6 porters (including a cook). We were taken care of with a lot of attention, the team treated us really well (including hot water bags before sleeping for the cold, a gentle a nice touch we were not seeing with the other groups). We had medical checks twice per day.
Michael Chen
9 Days Lemosho Route
Special thanks to our chief guide Wisen. He was brilliant in leading the group, check on us daily and made sure we were in good spirits. He was equally aided by assistance guides Joseph and Starson. They were joined by summit porters Humprhey and John on our last day. I thank them all for looking after our safety on that final accent day and getting us up and down safely (the decent was so much fun!) The team of porters were so professional and helpful.
Sophia Rodriguez
5 Days Marangu Route
Our chef Bakari cooked amazing meals in such extreme conditions - so filling - the soups were delicious! Thanks to the rest of the BantuPori team: Goodluck, Joseph, Mussa, Jackson, Iddi, Richard, Abdul and Richard (apologies if I have left any one out). The entire team were brilliant and and I cannot thank them enough for looking after us through out our expedition and keeping our spirits up.
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