Northern Circuit Route (9 Days)
6-Day Fly-In Serengeti Safari
Scenic. Remote. Highly Successful.
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular views and the highest summit success rate. Starting from the Lemosho Gate on the western side of the mountain, it circles around the north face and allows ample time for acclimatization. This route is ideal for those seeking a quiet, less crowded climb with the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Photo Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m)
Your adventure begins with a morning drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate for registration. After completing the park formalities, you’ll continue to the trailhead and begin your trek through the lush montane rainforest. The trail is rich in biodiversity, and you may spot colobus monkeys swinging through the canopy. The walk is steady and ends at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp), where you’ll have your first night under the stars with dinner prepared by your mountain chef.
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp (3,500m)
Leaving the forest behind, today’s trek climbs steadily through the heath and moorland zone. The trail opens to panoramic views as you ascend the Shira Plateau, a high-altitude desert that was once the crater floor of Kilimanjaro’s oldest volcano. You’ll arrive at Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll rest and enjoy sweeping views of Mount Meru and the distant plains below.
Day 3
Shira 1 – Shira 2 Camp (3,900m)
The hike from Shira 1 to Shira 2 Camp is a relatively gentle walk across the wide, open expanse of the plateau. This day is designed for slow acclimatization as you continue gaining elevation. Along the way, you’ll pass fascinating volcanic rock formations and get increasingly closer views of Kibo Peak, the glacier-covered summit of Kilimanjaro. The views at Shira 2 are breathtaking, with the stars at night shining brilliantly above camp.
Day 4
Shira 2 – Lava Tower (4,630m) – Moir Hut (4,200m)
This is an important acclimatization day. You’ll ascend to Lava Tower, a massive volcanic plug located in the alpine desert. Spending time at this higher altitude allows your body to adjust to the thinner air. After resting at Lava Tower, you descend to Moir Hut, a peaceful and secluded campsite nestled beneath the Lent Hills. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy greatly increases your chances of summit success.
Day 5
Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
After breakfast, you climb out of the Moir Valley and up onto a ridge, with opportunities for a short detour to the Lent Hills for even better acclimatization and views. The trail then gradually descends and traverses the northern slope of Kilimanjaro, a part of the mountain few trekkers experience. The landscape is vast and open, and the air grows cooler as you make your way to Buffalo Camp, with wide views stretching toward Kenya’s Amboseli plains.
Day 6
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Today’s trail continues east across the remote northern face of Kilimanjaro. You’ll enjoy solitude and dramatic scenery, with fewer trekkers along this route. The trail gently undulates before reaching Third Cave Camp, located below the towering cliffs of the Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest summit. This shorter hiking day allows your body more time to acclimatize before the final ascent.
Day 7
Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp (3,870m)
Today’s trail continues east across the remote northern face of Kilimanjaro. You’ll enjoy solitude and dramatic scenery, with fewer trekkers along this route. The trail gently undulates before reaching Third Cave Camp, located below the towering cliffs of the Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest summit. This shorter hiking day allows your body more time to acclimatize before the final ascent.
Day 8
School Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
At around midnight, you’ll begin the most physically and mentally demanding part of the trek — the summit push. Climbing by headlamp in the icy dark, you’ll ascend slowly to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim, then continue along the rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After taking photos and celebrating this incredible achievement, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu, and then on to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain. The long descent is tough on the knees, but incredibly rewarding.
Day 9
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Moshi
After a well-earned night’s rest, enjoy a hearty breakfast before descending through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where your driver will meet you. At the gate, you’ll receive your official summit certificate, and then be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
per person
Included
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park & camping fees
- Camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide & cook
- Bottled drinking water