ROUTE OVERVIEW

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route on Mount Kilimanjaro — and the one with the highest summit success rate. It follows a beautiful and less-crowded path that starts on the western side of the mountain, traverses the northern slopes, and approaches the summit from the east via Gilman’s Point.
This 9-day itinerary allows for superb acclimatization and offers breathtaking views of the Shira Plateau, Kibo’s glaciers, and the vast plains of Kenya and Tanzania. It’s ideal for those seeking a more gradual ascent, exceptional scenery, and solitude on the trail.

DAY O: ARRIVAL TO TANZANIA.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro international airport and transferred to your hotelin 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.

Day 1: Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
Elevation: 2,100m/6,890ft to 2,785m/9,140ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate (about 2–3 hours). After registration and formalities, continue to Lemosho Gate, where your trek begins. The trail winds through lush rainforest, home to monkeys and vibrant birdlife, before arriving at Mti Mkubwa Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,785m/9,140ft to 3,500m/11,500ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today’s trek takes you out of the forest and into the moorland zone. Enjoy sweeping views of the Shira Ridge and the vast Shira Plateau ahead. The trail climbs steadily before descending slightly to reach Shira 1 Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,500m/11,500ft to 3,850m/12,630ft
Distance: 7km/4mi
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A shorter day to aid acclimatization. You’ll cross the scenic Shira Plateau, a vast expanse of high-altitude grassland, with impressive views of Kibo Peak. Arrive at Shira 2 Camp by midday for lunch and acclimatization hikes in the afternoon.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,850m/12,630ft to 4,600m/15,090ft (Lava Tower) then down to 4,200m/13,780ft
Distance: 14km/8.5mi
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This is an important acclimatization day. Trek upward toward Lava Tower (4,600m), where you’ll stop for lunch and rest before descending to Moir Hut. The “climb high, sleep low” strategy significantly improves acclimatization and summit success.

Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,200m/13,780ft to 4,020m/13,190ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert / Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll climb out of Moir Valley and enjoy a short detour to the Lent Hills for panoramic views. Then continue along the Northern Circuit trail, a remote section with few trekkers. Arrive at Buffalo Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Elevation: 4,020m/13,190ft to 3,900m/12,800ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today’s trek continues east across the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail is relatively gentle, with stunning views of the Kenyan plains. Arrive at Third Cave Camp in the afternoon for relaxation and acclimatization.

Day 7: Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Elevation: 3,900m/12,800ft to 4,800m/15,750ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ascend gradually toward School Hut, the final base before your summit attempt. The air is thin, and the landscape barren and rocky. Eat an early dinner and get plenty of rest in preparation for your midnight summit push.

Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,800m/15,750ft to 5,895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent to: 3,100m/10,170ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 5–6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic Zone / Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Wake up around midnight and begin your ascent to Gilman’s Point (5,685m), continuing along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! Enjoy the spectacular sunrise and take unforgettable photos before descending to Barafu Camp for lunch and then on to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Day 9: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast
Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a hot shower, celebration, and well-earned rest.

DAY 10: HOTEL TO AIRPORT
After breakfast, you continue with your travel plans or take a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.

KILIMANJARO ROUTES

• marangu route
• Machame route
• Lemosho route
• Shira route
• Rongai route
• Northern Circuit route
• Umbwe route

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