Kilimanjaro Trekking
Benefits of the route
Exceptional Scenery
Considered the most picturesque route, Lemosho showcases panoramic views from the western slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Excellent Acclimatization
Its longer itinerary ensures gradual altitude gain, providing one of the highest summit success rates.
Tranquil and Private
The northern slopes are rarely visited, offering a sense of wilderness and solitude.
360-Degree Experience
Circumnavigate Kilimanjaro for complete exposure to its varied landscapes and ecosystems.
Route overview
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.
About Crater Camp on Kilimanjaro
Crater camp is not a route in its own right but a challenging extension that in principle can be added to any route. It involves sleeping overnight in the bowl of the crater. An amazing experience enjoyed by only a few of the most adventurous climbers. The time period depends on the route. Camping at the crater is a bit expensive since it’s charged extra by the park authority and also the crew wages are paid extra.
Prices for this route
Route name |
1 Person |
2-4 People |
5-7 People |
8-10 People |
11 & Above |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9 Days Northern Circuit Route with Crater Overnight |
4,225/Person |
3,675/Person |
3,475/Person |
3,225/Person |
3,000/Person |
Full itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
- Meals: No Meals Included
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) – Start Point 2,360 meters to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters)
The Northern Circuit Route begins at Londorossi Gate (2,100 meters) in the West, the same start point as the Lemosho Route. The drive to Londorossi Gate takes approximately two hours from Moshi and considerably longer from Arusha. Registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities occurs at the gate and then you will be driven further up the mountain to the trailhead starting point. Most tour operators serve lunch here before the short first day trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) begins. You may get lucky and spot large wildlife like elephant and buffalo that sometimes emerge from the rainforest onto the path as you trek towards your first camp. Dinner will be served when you reach Mti Mkubwa Camp.
- Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820 meters) to Shira Camp Two (3,850 meters)
On day three you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, passing at shira camp one and ending at Shira Camp two.
- Distance:~14km / 9miles
- Trekking time: 6-7 hours
- Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Shira Camp 2 (3,850 meters) 7o Moir Camp (4,200 meters)
Day four is a long trek heading east which passes through the ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and then enters the high alpine desert zone. The morning is spent trekking up to Lava Tower and the iconic Shark’s Tooth rock formation at 4,600 meters, where you will have lunch. After lunch you will join the northern circuit heading down to Moir Camp at 4,200 meters (see map above). This is an important day in your trek as you will get to experience high altitude and then sleep low, which is good for the acclimatisation process.
- Distance: ~14km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: Low alpine zone / High alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Moir Camp (4,200 meters) to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters)
Day five involves a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. Trekkers can take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill at 4,375 meters before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. From here the route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters).The trek gives great vistas out across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan / Tanzanian border. You will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where you will have lunch and have time to rest after a long day hiking.
- Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Buffalo Camp (4,020 meters) to Rongai Third Cave (3,800 meters)
Day six starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is usually served. The route then continues east around the northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. The trek is shorter than the day before and by now you should be feeling well acclimatised to the altitude. You will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.
- Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
- Trekking time: 5-7 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: 3rd Cave (3,800 Meters) to School Hut (4,800 meters)
Day seven involves a steady incline up and over the Saddle which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Trekkers then continue walking south-west up to School Hut (4,800 meters). After arriving at School Hut you will be served an early dinner and then you should get some shut-eye as you will be awoken before midnight to start your summit attempt. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp and camera before going to bed.
- Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: School Hut (4,800 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 Meters) To Crater Camp (5790 Meters)
You will awake before dawn to start your summit attempt, meandering up the switch backs to Gilman’s Point before hiking around the edge of the caldera to Uhuru Peak – The Roof of Africa! After pictures are taken and the views enjoyed, you will head to Crater Camp inside the volcano.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 9: Crater Camp (5,790m) to Millennium Camp (3790m)
In the morning after early breakfast, we begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope passing Barafu camp for a short break before heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
- Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
- Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 10: Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
The final day is a short hike through the dense montane rainforest from Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). At the gate you will need to sign-out with the authorities, who will also provide you with your official certificate – a green certificate for those who made it to Gilman’s Point and a gold certificate for those who reached Uhuru Peak. It is customary to give your guide and porter tips before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Distance: ~10km / 6.5 miles
- Trekking time: 3-4 hours
- Zone: Rainforest zone
- Meals: Breakfast, & Lunch Included
Day 11: Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Prices include
- 2 nights at Park View Inn (or similar) in Moshi on a bed-and-breakfast basis (1 night before and 1 night after the trek)
- Airport pick-up on arrival and drop-off on departure
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
- Kilimanjaro Park entrance fees
- Camping or hut accommodation fees
- Crater fees (if applicable)
- Kilimanjaro rescue team fees
- High-quality 4-season tents
- Double-thickness (10 cm) foam mattresses
- Professional, experienced, and friendly guides, cooks, and porters
- Three freshly prepared meals per day during the trek
- Filtered and treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew according to KINAPA and KIATO regulations
- All government taxes
- Portable oxygen cylinders for emergency use
- English- or French-speaking certified mountain guide
- Oximeter, first aid supplies, and stethoscope
- Private portable toilet with a tent (1 toilet for groups of 1–5 climbers, 2 toilets for groups of 6–10 climbers)
- Mountain communication radio
- Official Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Prices exclude
- Meals and drinks at the hotel (before and after the trek)
- Travel insurance
- Shower tent (available at an additional cost) -USD 450 for 1 person, USD 300 per person for groups of 2 or more
- International and local flights
- Laundry services at the hotel
- Personal gear, items, and toiletries
Gratuities
- Guide: USD 20–25 per day, per guide
- Cook: USD 15–20 per day, per cook
- Porter: USD 10–15 per day, per porter
