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Kilimanjaro · Northern Circuit Route
8-Day Northern Circuit Climb
Kilimanjaro’s longest and quietest route, circling the mountain’s remote northern slopes for the highest summit success rate on the mountain.
Overview
The longest route, and the highest odds of standing on the summit
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest path to the top. It starts along the same forested lower slopes as the Lemosho Route, then breaks away to circle the mountain’s remote northern side — ground that most climbers on the more popular routes never see.
That extra distance is the whole point. More days at altitude means more time to acclimatize properly, which is why the Northern Circuit consistently posts the highest summit success rate of any route on the mountain. You’ll also have it largely to yourself: traffic on the northern slopes is a fraction of what you’ll find on Machame or Marangu.
Every climb is led by our senior local guides, supported by a well-cared-for crew, and carries emergency oxygen and twice-daily health checks — so the extra days work in your favor, not against you.
Trip at a glance
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Route
Northern Circuit
Difficulty
Moderate
Max altitude
Uhuru Peak, 5,895m
Accommodation
Mountain tents + hotel
Best months
Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct
Group
Private or small group
Trip highlights
What you’ll experience
- The mountain’s highest success rate — more days at altitude means better acclimatization.
- The quietest route on Kilimanjaro — long stretches of trail with barely another group in sight.
- A full circuit of the mountain, taking in views of Kibo from angles most climbers never see.
- Sunrise on Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m.
- Naturally built-in acclimatization across a longer, gentler daily profile.
Day by day
Your 8-day Northern Circuit itinerary
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After registration at Londorossi Gate, a short drive brings you to the trailhead. A gentle first day climbing through rainforest — keep an eye out for colobus monkeys — ends at Mti Mkubwa (“Big Tree”) Camp.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
The forest thins into open moorland as you climb onto the western edge of the Shira Plateau, with your first real views back across the plains and forward to Kibo.
Shira 1 Camp to Moir Hut
You leave the Lemosho crowds behind here, branching north across the plateau into alpine desert. Moir Hut sits in a quiet volcanic bowl below the Lent Hills, with an optional acclimatization walk available on arrival.
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (Pofu)
A long, undulating traverse around Kibo’s northern flank, remote and often empty of other climbers. Wide skies and big views define this stretch of the route.
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Continuing the circuit around the mountain’s northern side, you join the upper section of the Rongai Route at Third Cave Camp, with Kibo’s summit dome now dominating the skyline.
Third Cave Camp to School Hut
A shorter but steady climb to School Hut, your final camp before summit night. Rest, hydrate, and eat well — the afternoon and evening here are about conserving energy.
Summit day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then to Mweka Camp
A pre-midnight start for the push to Gilman’s Point and on to Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa — for sunrise. After summit photos, you descend the long way down through the southern route to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, and transfer to your hotel
A final descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. We then transfer you back to your hotel for a hot shower and a proper celebration.
The details
What’s included & what’s not
Included
- All national park, camping & rescue fees
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Fairly paid cooks & porters
- All meals & drinking water on the mountain
- Quality tents, sleeping mats & equipment
- 2 hotel nights in Moshi (before & after)
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro / JRO)
- Emergency oxygen, oximeter checks & first aid
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance (with high-altitude cover)
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing gear (available to rent)
- Meals & drinks not on the mountain
- Personal expenses & laundry
- Optional upgrades (Private, VIP)
Good to know
Before you book this climb
Fitness
No technical skills needed. The route is long rather than steep, so steady endurance matters more than raw strength.
Best time
The dry seasons — January to March and June to October — offer the clearest, most reliable conditions.
Safety & acclimatization
Twice-daily health checks, emergency oxygen, and eight days on the mountain give your body the best possible chance to adjust.
Gear
Bring your own kit or rent quality equipment from us — from sleeping bags to summit-night down jackets.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need climbing experience?
No. The Northern Circuit is a non-technical trek — there’s no rope work or climbing skill required. The route is designed around distance and altitude, not difficulty.
Why choose the Northern Circuit over a shorter route?
It's the longest way up the mountain, which means more time to acclimatize before summit night. That extra time is why it carries the highest summit success rate of any Kilimanjaro route — and you'll see far fewer climbers along the way.
How cold does it get on summit night?
Summit night is the coldest part of the climb, often well below freezing with wind chill. We’ll give you a full packing list, and warm gear is available to rent if you need it.
Is the price per person?
Yes. The exact figure depends on your group size and dates — send us an enquiry and we’ll give you an honest, all-inclusive quote.
Can I add a safari or Zanzibar afterwards?
Absolutely. Many climbers pair the climb with a Serengeti safari or a Zanzibar beach stay, all arranged by our team as one seamless trip.
Enquire & book
Reserve your 8-Day Northern Circuit climb
Send us your preferred dates and group size, and we’ll reply with availability and an honest, all-inclusive quote.
We reply within one working day