Northern Circuit Route
Duration
- 8 Days
- 7 Nights
Destinations
Londorosi Gate | Mti Mkubwa Camp | Shira 1 Camp | Moir Hut | Buffalo Camp | School Hut | School Hut | Uhuru Peak | Mweka Gate | Mweka Camp | Mweka Gate
About this Tour
A breathtaking trekking adventure on the Northern Circuit Route, this journey offers a unique and less-traveled experience to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Featuring gradual acclimatization and panoramic views, the Northern Circuit combines stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and exceptional trekking.
Full Itinerary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Relax, enjoy the hotel amenities, and attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide to prepare for the climb.
Meals: D
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 7,742 ft / 2,360 m to 9,498 ft / 2,895 m | Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration and permits. Continue to the trailhead, where the trek begins through lush rainforest. Look out for wildlife such as colobus monkeys before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meals: B/L/D
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft / 2,895 m to 11,500 ft / 3,505 m | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
Leave the forest behind as the trail climbs into the moorland zone. Trek across beautiful landscapes with expansive views of the Shira Ridge and the plains below. Camp overnight at Shira 1 Camp, located on the vast Shira Plateau.
Meals: B/L/D
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
Elevation: 11,500 ft / 3,505 m to 13,800 ft / 4,200 m | Distance: 14 km / 8.5 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Semi-desert
Continue across the Shira Plateau, passing Shira 2 Camp before heading toward Moir Hut, which is nestled at the base of Lent Hills. Optional short acclimatization hikes are available in the afternoon.
Meals: B, L, D
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 13,800 ft / 4,200 m to 13,000 ft / 3,960 m | Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Semi-desert
Take the remote trail across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, a quieter and scenic section of the route. Pass Pofu Camp en route to Buffalo Camp, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Kenyan plains to the north.
Meals: B/L/D
Buffalo Camp to School Hut (Base Camp)
Elevation: 13,000 ft / 3,960 m to 15,600 ft / 4,750 m | Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
From Buffalo Camp, continue trekking across the northern slopes and pass Third Cave before ascending to School Hut, your base camp for the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting and preparing for your early-morning summit push.
Meals: B/L/D
School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft / 4,750 m to 19,341 ft / 5,895 m | Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft / 5,895 m to 10,150 ft / 3,090 m | Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Heath
Begin the climb around midnight, trekking through switchbacks to reach Gilman’s Point. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement before descending to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Meals: B/L/D
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,150 ft / 3,090 m to 5,500 ft / 1,680 m | Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. From the gate, a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Meals: B
What we have
The Best & Professional Guides
The Best Custom-Made Trekking Experience
Make Your Trekking a Lifetime Experience
Related this Tour
Included
- Guides and Crew
- Meals
- Transport from and to the hotel
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to/from airport upon arrival/departure
- Group Equipment
- Climbing Permits
Excluded
- International Flights
- Visa Fees and Entry Requirements
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Gear
- Gratuities and Tips
- Optional Activities
