THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
(8 Days)
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Northern Circuit is the newest of the eight known routes to reach Kilimanjaro. It’s also the longest route up the mountain and the only one that allows you to see Mount Kilimanjaro from all four directions. Due to its longer route and relaxed pace, some operators claim the Northern Circuit to be the easiest of all Kilimanjaro routes. This trail allows for good acclimatization without being too difficult to navigate. However, an 8-day trek may be more tiring than shorter itineraries if you don’t have experience with long hiking trips.
The 8-day climbing tours via the Northern Circuit are comprehensive and well-paced, taking you through some of the most spectacular landscapes on the mountain.
EXPERT ADVICE ON THIS ROUTE
If you have an extra day or two to spare, the Northern Circuit is a great way to see Kilimanjaro. Long daily hikes can be tiring if you are not used to extended hiking trails. Additionally, climbing Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit is the only way to escape crowds. Although most Kilimanjaro routes can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, the Northern Circuit trail is less frequented by trekkers.
THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE PRICE
8-Day Climbing Tours on the Northern Circuit Route range from $1,580 to $3,190 per person, depending on:
- The tour operator
- Level of service
- Inclusions
On average, prices for a guided trek on the Northern Circuit Route usually include accommodations, meals, park fees, guide and porter services, and transportation to and from the trailhead.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE SCHEDULE (DETAILED ITINERARY)
Day 1: Moshi – Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Elevation (ft): 7,800 ft to 9,500 ft
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa Camp
- Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, hikers will be picked up at the lodge and taken to the Londorossi Gate, which is located at a height of 2,250 meters. For the first two days of your trek, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger, as wild game can be found in the area. At Big Tree Camp, you will sleep the night in tents.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation (ft): 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp
- Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Lava Tower – Moir Hut
- Elevation: 3,504 m / 11,296 ft to 4,161 m / 13,656 ft
- Distance: 9.8 km / 6.1 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Moir Hut Camp
- Habitat: Alpine Zone
After lunch, you will join the Northern Circuit, which starts at 4,161 meters, to Moir Camp. This is a critical day in your trek because you will be able to reach a high altitude and then sleep low, which is beneficial for the acclimatization process.
Day 4: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
- Elevation: 13,580 ft to 13,200 ft
- Distance: 12 km / 7 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Buffalo Camp
To reach the summit of Lent Hills (4,375 m), you climb out of the Moir Valley and take a short detour.
Day 5: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
- Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
- Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Third Cave Camp
- Habitat: Heath
From Buffalo Camp, you climb to the top of ‘Buffalo Ridge’ and cross numerous ridges and gullies. The trail continues eastwards through a landscape with increasingly sparse vegetation to eventually reach Third Cave Camp (3,800 m).
Day 6: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
- Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Here, the trail takes you over the so-called “Saddle,” which is a relatively straightforward route. It has now solidified and linked two of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo. Since the summit demands an early start, at around 11 p.m., you will arrive at the School Hut in about 4.5 to 5 hours and go to bed right after dinner.
Day 7: School Hut Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
- Altitude: 5,895 m to 3,700 m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles (up), 14 km (down)
- Hiking Time: 7-8 hours (up), 4-6 hours (down)
- Habitat: Arctic | Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We start our climb to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most physically demanding part of the trek. At this altitude and time of day, the winds and cold can be extreme. We climb in the dark for many hours before taking frequent, but short breaks. At Gilman’s Point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. We finally arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa, where we descend for lunch and a rest at Kibo before heading back to the Horombo Encampment. For the loose gravel, you will need gaiters and trekking poles. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep at Horombo Hut.
Day 8: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Back to Moshi
- Altitude: 3,080 m to 1,630 m
- Distance Covered: 9.3 km
- Time Required: 2-3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Habitat: Rain Forest
The final leg of your adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. After a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the pool, or celebrate your achievement. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.
Price Range: $1,580 – $3,190 per person
This package includes:
- Guide
- Park Fees
- Tax
- Gate Transfer
- Crew Wages
- 24-Hour Call Service
- Environment Fees
- Accommodation: During the climb, you will stay in special camps and huts.
- Food:7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners and Drinking water
- Guide, Cook and Porters
Book via WhatsApp or Email
This package does not include:
- Flights
- Tipping the Crew
- Visas
- Additional Park Fees
- Non-Climbing Accommodation