African Safaris Hub Kilimanjaro
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Kilimanjaro · Northern Circuit
Private Northern Circuit Climb
The mountain's longest, highest-success route — run just for your group, on your dates, with a dedicated guide and crew.
Overview
The Northern Circuit, entirely on your terms
The Northern Circuit is already Kilimanjaro's longest route and the one with the highest published summit success rate — it loops the quiet northern slopes near the Kenyan border, a side of the mountain most climbers never see. This private departure runs it just for your group.
That means no joining strangers at camp, no fixed departure calendar to work around, and a guide-to-climber ratio built around your party specifically. If you want to start on a Tuesday because that's what your flights allow, or move at a gentler pace on any given day, a private climb is what makes that possible.
You still get everything the standard route includes — senior local guides, a well-cared-for crew, emergency oxygen, and twice-daily health checks — just without sharing the mountain with anyone outside your own group.
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 — your party only
Trip highlights
What you’ll experience
- Your own private departure — no joining other climbers, flexible start dates.
- A dedicated guide and crew focused on your group's pace and goals alone.
- Kilimanjaro's highest published success rate, built on the Northern Circuit's longer acclimatization profile.
- The quiet northern slopes near the Kenyan border — far fewer climbers than the southern routes.
- Sunrise on Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895m.
Day by day
Your 8-day private Northern Circuit itinerary
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree Camp)
After registration at Londorossi Gate and a private transfer to the trailhead, you enter dense montane rainforest. A gentle first day brings your group to Mti Mkubwa for the first night on the mountain.
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp
The forest thins into heather and open moorland as you climb onto the edge of the Shira Plateau, with your first real views of Kibo's summit dome.
Shira 1 to Moir Hut
A long, gradual crossing of the Shira Plateau before branching north off the standard Lemosho line toward Moir Hut, a quiet camp beneath the Lent Hills.
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
The longest walking day of the trek, tracing the remote northern traverse with sweeping views across the Kenyan plains — and rarely another climber in sight. Your private pace means we can adjust timing to suit your group.
Buffalo Camp to Rongai Third Cave Camp
The circuit continues east, joining the upper reaches of the Rongai line. A shorter day that lets your body settle before the final push toward summit camp.
Rongai Third Cave to School Hut
A short, steady climb to School Hut, your final camp before the summit attempt. An early dinner and early lights-out — summit night starts around midnight.
Summit day: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then to Mweka Camp
You set off in darkness for the summit push, reaching Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa — around sunrise. After summit photos, a long descent brings you down through changing terrain to Mweka Camp for the night.
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
- Private departure — your party only, flexible start date
- All national park, camping & rescue fees
- Dedicated professional, licensed mountain guide
- Fairly paid cooks & porters, assigned solely to your group
- All meals & drinking water on the mountain
- Quality tents, sleeping mats & equipment
- 2 hotel nights in Moshi (before & after)
- Private airport transfers (Kilimanjaro / JRO)
- Emergency oxygen, oximeter checks & daily health monitoring
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
- Further upgrades (Luxury, VIP)
Good to know
Before you book this climb
Fitness
No technical skills needed. Good general fitness helps — and on a private climb, we can adjust daily pace to match your group.
Flexible dates
Because you're not joining a fixed departure, you can choose almost any start date within the dry seasons — January to March or June to October.
Your own crew
Guide, cooks, and porters are assigned to your group alone for the full climb — no combining with other clients at camp.
Gear
Bring your own kit or rent quality equipment from us — from sleeping bags to summit-night down jackets.
Questions
Frequently asked
What does "private" mean on this climb?
Your group climbs on its own — no other clients joining your camp, meals, or pace. You get a dedicated guide and crew assigned solely to your party for the full 8 days.
Can I choose my own start date?
Yes. Private departures aren't tied to a fixed calendar, so you can pick almost any date within the recommended dry-season windows, subject to guide and crew availability.
Is 8 days enough on the Northern Circuit?
Yes — 8 days is the standard Northern Circuit itinerary and already includes strong built-in acclimatization. A 9-day version with an extra night at Moir Hut is also available if you'd like additional altitude buffer.
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 or for the whole group?
Per person. The exact figure depends on your final group size and dates — send us an enquiry and we'll give you an honest, all-inclusive quote.
Enquire & book
Reserve your Private 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