The Northern Circuit is the newest of the eight established routes to climb Kilimanjaro. It’s also the longest route on the mountain and the only route that allows you to see Mount Kilimanjaro from all four sides. Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit stands out as a route with a great acclimatization profile, breathtaking views, and off-the-beaten-path trails. Being the least frequented trail for climbing Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit route is perfect for travelers seeking a more private climb without crowds.
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport with our driver holding signboard with group name/ leader name with company logo to avoid confusion and transferred to the hotel in Moshi, if you will be arriving before 4pm then we will conduct thorough pre climb briefing with your mountain guide who will double check the climbing gears and itinerary also will answer all the question you may have.
Hiking distance; 6 km
Hiking time; 3-4 hrs
Depart your hotel in Moshi by 8am then we start driving toward the western side of the mountain for almost 3 hours to Simba forest gate make a stop then drive for another 30 minutes to Londorosi gate for registration and weighing luggage, the process can take up to 1hrs so possibly you will have boxed lunch at the gate, drive again for 45min to trail head and start hiking under the rain forest for 3-4 hours before arriving at Big tree campsite (Mti mkubwa).
Hiking distance; 8 km
Hiking time; 5-6hrs
Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. The route is fairly steep for the most of the hike, today you will start to see the Kibo peak from the clouds, today you will have lunch at the camp and take a rest as we will have acclimatization before getting to camp.
Hiking distance; 11 km
Hiking time; 6-7hrs
Today you will be hiking in gentle shira plateau hills on the moorland vegetation with the clear view of the mountain from sunshine, here is where we make difference from other trekker/outfitters as they go straight to Shira 2 campsite we go a bit further to overnight at Moir hut, other hikers will spend night at 3986m (Shira 2 campsite) while we overnight at 4200m moir hut this will give you an extra chance to experience the altitude and acclimatize very well.
Hiking distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hrs
On this day you will have a rather long, but easy trek. Climbing out of Moir Valley (where you camped for the night) is a steep, but short climb, and then the rest of the day you will hike around the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Most of the day will have up-hill and down-hill climbs, but there are no steep altitude gains. This route passes close to the border with Kenya, so you will be treated to amazing views of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys.
Hiking distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hrs
You will finish trekking up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night in 3rd Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the classic Rongai route. On this day, trekking is shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body should have already become completely acclimated to the altitude of 3,800m/12,464f, which will contribute to your general well-being.
Hiking distance: 5km
Hiking Time: 4-5hrs
On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,800m/15,744f). The trekking itself is not very hard, but it is good to remember to choose an appropriate pace in order to keep your strength up for the final push to Kilimanjaro’s summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep early, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much water as youcan. This night you will be waking in the dark and completing the final trek up to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,336f) for the climax of your adventure on Kilimanjaro.
Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp
Hiking distance: 16km
Hiking Time: 10-13hrs
On the summit night, your safety is our number-one concern; therefore, we will assign one guide for every two climbers. The responsibility of a guide is to watch the climber’s health as they summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336f). The climb starts at School Hut Summit Camp(4,800m /15,744f) around midnight, Technically, it is an easy climb, but because of the high altitude, it will feel more strenuous.
Upon successful summiting, you can walk to the nearest glaciers. The group then descends to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and rest break. You will then continue to descend toMillenium Camp (3,950 m /12,956 f) where you will spend the night.
Hiking distance: 12km
Hiking Time: 5-6hrs
Millennium Camp sits amidst a tropical rainforest. The lower altitude and feelings of
accomplishment from having reached the summit make for a good night’s rest. Hot breakfast is followed by your final descent to the park’s exit gate: Mweka Gate (1,640 m /5,379 f). This is the final stop before you are taken to our office to receive your summit certificates. It also provides a good opportunity to recap the adventure with your support team and take a final team photo. Finally, you will be taken to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
If you are catching late evening flight you may arrange some short day trips with our office representatives, please make sure you leave the hotel 3 hours before your flight.
Discover Purposeful Adventures: Explore the World’s Most Iconic Destinations
