The 10-day Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest trekking trail, offering the best acclimatization profile and the highest success rates of all routes. Starting from the west, the trek follows the Lemosho trail before circling around the remote northern slopes of the mountain, far from the busier paths. Expect to cross multiple ecological zones, from lush rainforest and moorland to alpine desert and icy summit terrain.
Trekkers enjoy incredible panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and the serenity of less-crowded trails. With extra days for gradual acclimatization, this trek maximizes your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Nights are spent in scenic camps under starry skies, with professional guides and porters providing expert support. The summit attempt begins before dawn, rewarding climbers with a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise from the highest point in Africa
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Tour Highlights
Conquer Kilimanjaro via the longest and most scenic Northern Circuit Route
Trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial summit zones
Best acclimatization with the highest success rates
Remote northern slopes with fewer crowds
Epic sunrise summit from Uhuru Peak at 5,895m
Tour Map
Tour Summary
Day by Day Experience
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Here you will have time to relax after your journey and meet your mountain guide for a briefing about the climb ahead. This session includes a gear check to ensure you are fully prepared with the right equipment.
The rest of the evening is free for you to unwind, explore the town at leisure, or simply rest at the hotel. Overnight accommodation is provided in a comfortable lodge on a bed and breakfast basis, giving you a good night’s sleep before your mountain adventure begins.
Popular Facilities
Mti Mkubwa Camp
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast, transfer to Londorossi Gate (2,100m) for registration. Begin trekking through lush rainforest alive with bird calls and colobus monkeys. Picnic lunch en route before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,750m) in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp
Leave the rainforest and enter moorland, following trails across rolling hills. Lunch is served along the way before reaching Shira 1 Camp (3,610m) on the plateau, with stunning views of Kibo. Dinner and evening rest.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
A short trek across the Shira Plateau allows for acclimatization and exploration. Enjoy a picnic lunch and stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp (3,850m) in the afternoon, where dinner is served.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Today emphasizes acclimatization with the “climb high, sleep low” approach. Ascend to Lava Tower (4,600m) for lunch before descending to the quieter Moir Hut (4,200m). Dinner and overnight surrounded by dramatic alpine desert landscapes.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
Climb steadily out of Moir Valley and cross rugged terrain along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Stop for lunch en route, then continue to Buffalo Camp (4,020m) for dinner and rest. Enjoy remote scenery far from the crowds.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp
Trek eastward across the northern slopes with sweeping views into Kenya. Stop for a picnic lunch before reaching Third Cave Camp (3,870m), a peaceful site ideal for acclimatization. Dinner and overnight at camp.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 7: Third Cave Camp – School Hut
Climb steadily across high-altitude desert terrain, gradually ascending toward School Hut (4,800m), the final staging camp before the summit. Lunch is served en route, followed by dinner and an early night’s rest.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Begin your summit attempt around midnight, ascending steep switchbacks to Gilman’s Point (5,685m). Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, in time for sunrise. Celebrate, take photos, then descend to School Hut for rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100m). Dinner and overnight.
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Day 9: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Collect summit certificates and bid farewell to your mountain crew. Transfer back to Moshi for a well-earned rest.
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or your next destination, carrying unforgettable memories of your successful summit.
Note: The package includes Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat for pre- and post-trek stays. Clients may choose to upgrade to luxury accommodation or downgrade to budget options upon request.
