Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit

11 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro – Northern Circuit Route in 8 Days

From $2751 USD* / Park fees / 11 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)

Background mask

11 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro – Northern Circuit Route in 8 Days

The Northern Circuit route is the newest route to climb Kilimanjaro. The route is unique as you hike via the quiet, still rather unknown northern side of the mountain. You will see Mount Kilimanjaro from a whole new perspective!

The hikes per day on the Northern Circuit route are relatively short. This gives your body enough time to recover. In addition, the Northern Circuit route is good for acclimatization, as it is a relatively long climb (in days). Your body has more time to get used to the daily increase in altitude.

The entire ascent (including descent) via the Northern Circuit Route takes 8 days.

Tanzania Specialist offers a unique service throughout the climb

Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge! You will be accompanied by professional guides, porters and a cook during your ascent to Uhuru Peak via the Northern Circuit route. Our crew will take care of you and perform a health check every morning and evening to make sure everything is in order. In addition, the accompanying cook will serve you delicious food during this tour. The quality of the food is at the top of our priority list, as you depend on good food during the strenuous climb. If you would like to have a look at the menu in advance, we will be happy to send it to you.

Mountaineering is a relatively primitive sport. You will sleep in simple but high-quality tents during the ascent. Our customers experience climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit route as an unforgettable experience! As soon as you have confirmed your booking with us, we will send you a comprehensive document to prepare for the trip.

How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent and different temperatures. During an average climbing day you will walk six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek.

  1. It’s important you take your time. Don’t hike too fast so your body has time to adapt and acclimatize.
  2. Prepare. Being in good shape also makes the climb much easier. Go hiking a few months before the climb, especially multiple day hikes are excellent training. But also running and aerobic exercise are a good preparation.
  3. Add an extra day. It is always difficult to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness. By adding one extra day to your climb, you will reduce this risk. Since you spread the climb over more days and your body gets more time to get used to the higher altitude. We do really advice to do this to increase the chance of making it to the top.

If you like advice on how to prepare yourself for climbing Kilimanjaro, you can always contact us or read our blog How to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Specialist

At Tanzania Specialist, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb
  • Day 2: Northern Circuit day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2000 m) - Big Tree Camp (2800 m)
  • Day 3: Northern Circuit day 2: Big Tree Camp (2800 m) - Shira 1 Camp (3500 m)
  • Day 4: Northern Circuit day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3500 m) - Lava Tower (4550 m)
  • Day 5: Northern Circuit day 4: Lava Tower (4550 m) - Buffalo Camp (4020 m)
  • Day 6: Northern Circuit day 5: Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4020 m) - Third Cave Camp (3870 m)
  • Day 7: Northern Circuit day 6: Third Cave Camp (3870 m) - School Huts (4750 m)
  • Day 8: Northern Circuit day 7: School Huts (4750 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Millenium Camp (3720 m)
  • Day 9: Northern Circuit day 8: Millenium Camp (3720 m) to Mweka Gate (1830 m) - to the hotel
  • Day 10 - 11: Flight home from Kilimanjaro (JRO) after the climb

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide will be there waiting for you. He will will drop you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You will meet your guide before the beginning of your climb. He will brief you and give you details, like what to wear, what to put in your backpack and other important tips to make the climb as comfortable as possible for you.

Day 2: Northern Circuit day 1: Lemosho Trailhead (2000 m) - Big Tree Camp (2800 m)

Today you will start the adventure from your hotel where your driver will pick you up and drive you to Londorossi Gate (on the west side). You will then go to Lemosho trailhead for lunch and begin the climb. This easy walk through a thick rainforest lasts from 3 to 4 hours and gives you a chance to spot varied animals including buffaloes and monkeys. After a narrow path and a few steep sections, you reach Big Tree camp where you spend the night.

Day 3: Northern Circuit day 2: Big Tree Camp (2800 m) - Shira 1 Camp (3500 m)

On this second day you leave the forest to enter an environment of meadow heather and volcanic rock. You ascend and descend through the lush hills below the Shira Plateau, the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic peaks. Once you reach the edge of the plateau, this is the end of the long 5-6 hours hike and the trail becomes easier. You arrive at Shira Camp where you spend the night with an incredible view of the Kibo summit.

Day 4: Northern Circuit day 3: Shira 1 Camp (3500 m) - Lava Tower (4550 m)

Today, the hike will last 7-8 hours and will take you through heather to the alpine desert. You pass Shira Plateau which is one of the highest in the world to reach the lava tower with an optional visit of the Shira Cathedral on the way. From the lava tower, the path continues northwest towards Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro. You then follow a steep trail to Moir Hut Camp, a remote place with wonderful views over the Shira Plateau.

Day 5: Northern Circuit day 4: Lava Tower (4550 m) - Buffalo Camp (4020 m)

Today you continue the route on the Northern Circuit over a steep ridge along the main path. This 8–9-hour hike takes you through heathland and alpine desert to Buffalo camp. You have the opportunity of making a quick detour to Little Lent Hill in the morning.

Day 6: Northern Circuit day 5: Buffalo/Pofu Camp (4020 m) - Third Cave Camp (3870 m)

On this 5th day, you will go across varied landscapes: heathland, valleys, and alpine environments… the northern circuit route continues eastwards. It is not very frequented therefore you enjoy peaceful contemplation of the landscapes, wilderness and beautiful mountains. This will take you approximately 5 to 7 hours.

Day 7: Northern Circuit day 6: Third Cave Camp (3870 m) - School Huts (4750 m)

Today is a 4-5 hour climb to reach the “Saddle”, a beautiful lunar landscape between the Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. From there, you continue to School Hut camp which you will reach in the early afternoon. You will then relax the rest of the day to prepare for the final ascent the next day.

Day 8: Northern Circuit day 7: School Huts (4750 m) - Uhuru Peak (5895 m) - Millenium Camp (3720 m)

Around midnight, you start the summit push in the cold. Be prepared for the steep path to Gilman’s Point, the rim of the main crater. You ascend for a few hours and take short breaks. At Gilman’s point, you will have the most beautiful sunrise over Mawenzi Peak and continue for 2-3 hours to Uhuru Peak. You celebrate your success on the summit with incredible views. You then descend to Millenium Camp via Kibo Huts, where you have dinner and spend your last night on the mountain.

Day 9: Northern Circuit day 8: Millenium Camp (3720 m) to Mweka Gate (1830 m) - to the hotel

Today, you will appreciate the decrease in altitude. After breakfast, you walk to the exit of the national park. After the descent, the whole group gathers to congratulate each other. Your driver drives you back to the hotel and you will enjoy a shower, good dinner and well-deserved sleep.

Day 10 - 11: Flight home from Kilimanjaro (JRO) after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Specialist

At Tanzania Specialist, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Why Tanzania Specialist?

  • Highest service
  • Quickest response time
  • 100% specialized in Tanzania
  • Skilled travel consultants living in Tanzania
  • World class safari guides
  • Competitive rates
  • Top rated private safaris
Take a look at our excursions

Let us create your tailor-made trip

Receive a free, no obligation quote

Start planning your dream trip

Call an expert

Our specialists are here to assist you

+1 518 634 1139