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.
Highlights
- Provides excellent acclimatization with 8–9 days on the mountain
- Panoramic vistas of Kenya and Kilimanjaro’s untouched northern slopes.
- Remote and less crowded, ideal for a serene trekking experience
- Stunning landscapes and striking views of the surrounding plains.
- A key acclimatization point with breathtaking 360-degree views.
- Unique chance to camp near Kilimanjaro's crater (optional).
- High success rate due to gradual ascent, leading to a rewarding sunrise at Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Itinerary
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 elephants 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
On day two you will spend the first hour trekking through the last section of the rainforest path before entering the low alpine moorland zone which follows up onto the Shira Plateau. The trek is relatively short and gradual, ending at Shira Camp 1 (3,610 meters).
Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Include
On day three, the trek crosses the scenic Shira Plateau, traveling from Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2 for lunch. Trekkers on the 9-day itinerary typically spend the night at Shira Camp 2, where they merge with trekkers from the Machame Route. However, 8-day trekkers continue eastward after lunch, passing through the picturesque ‘Garden of the Senecios’ and entering the high alpine desert zone. From there, the trail joins the Northern Circuit, descending to Moir Camp at an altitude of 4,200m for the night.
Distance: ~ 14km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone/ High alpine zone
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
On day six, the trek begins with a climb up Buffalo Ridge, followed by a descent to Porfu Camp, where lunch is typically served. Afterward, the route continues east along the northern slopes, leading to the Rongai Third Cave at 3,800 meters. This day’s trek is shorter than the previous one, allowing for a more relaxed pace. By now, you should be well-acclimated to the altitude. You will reach the Third Cave in the mid-afternoon, with time to rest and prepare for the next stage of your journey.
Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
Zone: High alpine zone and low alpine zone
Zone: High alpine zone and glacial zone Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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 southwest 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, headlamps, and cameras before going to bed.
Distance: ~15km / 8 miles
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
You will be awoken around 11:30 with hot tea and biscuits and will then begin the steep incline up the slopes of Kibo under the cover of darkness. Your first checkpoint is Hans Meyer Cave where you will take a short break. The climb steepens as you approach Gilman’s Point (5,681 meters), which will be around 5-6 hours after departing School Hut. Take a moment to enjoy the approaching dawn and incredible view out and across to Mawenzi Peak, but remember you still have 2 hours trekking to reach Uhuru Peak so dig deep for the energy. The slope flattens as you head west around the crater rim and you should arrive at the summit at or just after sunrise. Your stay here will be brief so get as many pictures as you can of the incredible views and surrounding glaciers.
You will then retrace your steps back around the crater rim to Stella Point (5,739 meters) where you will turn south and head down the heavily screed slopes of Kibo to Barafu Camp (4,680 meters). Most trekkers take a short break here before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950 meters) for your final night on the mountain. In total you will be trekking for 14-16 hours on day eight so it is important to pace yourself, remain hydrated and keep your blood sugar levels up. Note: some tour operators return via Gilman’s Point to Horombo Hut using the Marangu Route.
Distance: ~6km / 3.5 miles ascent and 10.5km / 6 mile descent
Trekking time: 6-8 hours ascent and then 4-6 hour descent
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
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.
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Zone: Rainforest zone
<table id=”pricing”>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Number of Travelers in Group Discount</th>
<th>Cost Per Traveler in US($)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr class=”odd”>
<td style=”text-align: center;”>1-2 People</td>
<td style=”text-align: center;”>2,100</td>
</tr>
<tr class=”even”>
<td style=”text-align: center;”>3-4 People</td>
<td style=”text-align: center;”>2050</td>
</tr>
<tr class=”odd”>
<td style=”text-align: center;”>5- People</td>
<td style=”text-align: center;”>2000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- Professional guides, cooks and porters
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- VAT fees and Charges
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Portable toilets and toilets tents
- Hot Water For Washing Purpose
- Pick up and drop off at the airport.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
The Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers
- Insurance fees
- Cost of Tanzania Visa.
- Bank charges
- Personal Expenses
FAQs
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons, from mid-June to October and December to February. These months offer clear skies and better weather conditions for the climb.
There are two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May, and the short rains in November. While weather can vary, the dry months of July, August, September, and part of October, January, and February are considered the high season. The transition months—December, March, and June—are less predictable. The wettest months, with heavy rains and poor visibility, are April, May, and November.
For those seeking clear skies and good visibility, climbing during the dry season is ideal. However, some climbers prefer summiting during a full moon for a bright, beautiful ascent under the moonlight, adding to the experience with enhanced visibility and stunning landscapes.
Our guides are highly experienced, with years of climbing Kilimanjaro to earn their KINAPA National Park license. They are Wilderness First Responders, trained to handle injuries or emergencies.
They are proficient in using medical equipment, including oxygen, pressure altitude chambers, and stretchers. In case of an emergency, they can quickly facilitate communication with the Jaribu base using our Thuraya satellite phone.
Guides are also trained to assess when an evacuation is necessary and know how to carry it out safely.
The most flexible way of adjusting to the ever-changing conditions as you trek higher is the layering of several thin articles of clothing which you can add or remove as the conditions dictate.
Choosing the right route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro depends on your preferences, experience, and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:
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Marangu Route: Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it’s the only route with hut accommodation and is popular for its relatively easier ascent. It’s ideal for those with limited backpacking experience and for those seeking a shorter climb (5-6 days).
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Machame Route: This is one of the most popular routes, offering stunning scenery and a slightly more challenging climb. It’s suitable for climbers looking for a more immersive experience with varied landscapes (6-7 days).
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Rongai Route: For a more remote, less crowded experience, the Rongai route is ideal. It’s the only route approaching from the north and is great for avoiding heavy rainfall during the rainy season (6-7 days).
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Lemosho Route: This route is known for its beautiful scenery and a longer duration (7-8 days), which provides better acclimatization. It’s ideal for those looking for a less crowded experience with a slower ascent.
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Northern Circuit: The longest and newest route, offering incredible views and a true wilderness experience. It’s perfect for those seeking a more gradual ascent and an off-the-beaten-path experience (9 days).
The time needed (days, weeks, or months) to train for Kilimanjaro depends upon your level of fitness. But usually, it requires around a month to be prepared for your trek. It is advisable to do staircase training, cardiovascular exercises and upper body exercises. Eat right and do more of aerobic exercises before the trip. Also if possible you can climb a hill to practice for the trek. Overall it is not necessary to be perfectly fit for climbing the mountain. As apart from physical training, mental preparedness is more important for high success rate on the summit.
For experienced climbers, Mount Kilimanjaro will take around 5 to 6 days to reach the top, and is not that hard. Even for new climbers, our guides will help you climb the mountain with ease. But you need to give extra days for acclimatization for maximum success rate at the summit. For new climbers however, climbing Kilimanjaro becomes easier with our trained professionals and porters who help the climbers carry their essential equipment or gear up the summit.
We recommend you wearing multiple layers of clothing. It is the best way to keep your body in the desired temperature range no matter what the environment is. The temperatures you may encounter on Mount Kilimanjaro can be over 37 °C (degrees Celsius); 100 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) to well below zero.
At the Uhuru Point, temperatures can range between -7 °C to -29 °C (degrees Celsius); 20 °F to -20 °F (degrees Fahrenheit). Mount Kilimanjaro has extreme, variable, and impossible weather to predict. It is therefore advised to get many layers of clothing gear for the trek. Layering helps keep the body warm in extreme cold wave conditions on the summit. Migration Venture Africa provides these gears as a rental option as well.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro are from January-March and June-October. Generally, January-March is colder than June-October and there is a higher probability of encountering snow on the summit. It depends on the climbers whether they want to experience the snow-covered peaks of the summit or the more pleasant time period after June. The beauty of the mountain is at its best during the dry season of June-October. It is advisable to climb the mountain during this time.
A comfortable sleep is very important to get reenergized at next morning to continue the trek. Kilimanjaro gear is necessary for a cozy sleep. Essential gear like a K-way sleeping bag, foam mattress, and Kilimanjaro pillow can be carried on the trek. Migration Venture Africa also provides these gears on rent for which it is necessary to apply beforehand. You can speak to our staff personally regarding any queries about the Kilimanjaro gears.
