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Kilimanjaro · Northern Circuit
Northern Circuit Full Moon Summit Climb
A long, scenic Northern Circuit ascent timed around the full moon, combining quieter northern slopes, strong acclimatization and a memorable moonlit summit push.
Overview
The classic Kilimanjaro climb, done the right way
The Machame Route — the “Whiskey Route” — is the most popular way up Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. It winds through five climate zones, from lush rainforest to arctic summit, delivering some of the most dramatic scenery on the mountain.
We run it over seven days rather than six, adding a crucial acclimatization day at Karanga Camp. That extra day is the difference-maker: it follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle and gives your body the time it needs, which is why the 7-day version has a noticeably higher summit success rate than the rushed 6-day option.
Every climb is led by our senior local guides, supported by a well-cared-for crew, and carries emergency oxygen and daily health checks — so you can focus on the mountain, not the logistics.
Trip at a glance
Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Route
Northern Circuit
Difficulty
Challenging
Max altitude
Uhuru Peak, 5,895m
Accommodation
Mountain tents
Best months
Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct
Group
Private or small group
Trip highlights
What you’ll experience
- The full Northern Circuit with a quieter traverse around Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.
- Shira Plateau, Lava Tower & Moir Hut for dramatic volcanic landscapes and valuable acclimatization.
- Remote northern-slope scenery with wide views toward the Kenyan and Tanzanian plains.
- A full-moon summit attempt planned around the lunar cycle, subject to weather and operational conditions.
- Uhuru Peak at 5,895m after a carefully paced final ascent from School Hut.
Day by day
Your 9-day Northern Circuit itinerary
Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp
After the morning transfer and park registration at Londorossi Gate, begin the Northern Circuit through lush montane rainforest. The trail climbs steadily beneath the forest canopy to Mti Mkubwa, also known as Big Tree Camp.
Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Leave the forest behind as the landscape opens into heath and moorland. The trail climbs toward the western edge of the Shira Plateau, with increasingly broad views of Kibo and the surrounding highlands.
Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
A shorter acclimatization day across the expansive Shira Plateau. The steady pace leaves time for rest and an optional acclimatization walk before returning to camp for the night.
Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut, via Lava Tower
Climb toward Lava Tower at around 4,630m, a major acclimatization point, before turning north onto the quieter Northern Circuit trail to Moir Hut beneath the Lent Hills.
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Climb out of Moir Valley and traverse the northern slopes, with an optional detour toward Lent Hills for additional acclimatization. The trail undulates through open volcanic terrain before reaching Buffalo Camp.
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave Camp
Continue around Kilimanjaro’s remote northern side through a series of valleys and ridges. The gradual descent to Third Cave gives your body another useful acclimatization advantage while keeping the route quiet and scenic.
Third Cave Camp to School Hut
Ascend steadily over the Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. Reach School Hut in the afternoon, settle in, eat early and rest as much as possible before the demanding summit attempt.
Full Moon Summit: School Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
Begin the final ascent around midnight, timed as closely as practical with the full moon. Climb through the dark volcanic scree toward Gilman’s Point and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating at the summit, descend through the upper mountain to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then transfer to Moshi
Make the final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you complete the park formalities and receive your summit certificate. A vehicle then transfers you back to Moshi for a well-earned shower and recovery.
The details
What’s included & what’s not
Included
- All applicable Kilimanjaro National Park, camping and rescue fees
- Professional, licensed mountain guides
- Porter and cook support for the mountain trek
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- Mountain tents, sleeping mats and camp equipment
- Airport or Moshi transfers as agreed for the package
- Emergency oxygen, altitude monitoring and first-aid support
- Full-moon summit scheduling support around the selected climb date
Not included
- International flights
- Tanzania entry visa
- Travel insurance with high-altitude cover
- Tips and gratuities for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing gear unless specifically stated in your quote
- Meals, drinks and accommodation outside the agreed package
- Personal expenses, laundry and other incidental costs
- Optional upgrades or extra acclimatization nights
Good to know
Before you book this climb
Fitness
No technical skills needed, but good general fitness helps. Train with hikes and cardio beforehand.
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 the extra acclimatization day are built in as standard.
Gear
Bring your own kit or rent quality equipment from us — from sleeping bags to summit-night down jackets.
Questions
Frequently asked
What makes the Northern Circuit different?
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest established route and spends several days on the quieter northern slopes. Its gradual profile provides substantial time for acclimatization before the final summit push.
Will we definitely summit under a full moon?
The climb is scheduled around a selected full-moon window, but the exact timing of the summit attempt can shift because of weather, trail conditions, guide decisions and safety. A full moon does not guarantee clear skies or visibility.
Do I need previous climbing experience?
No technical climbing experience is required. The Northern Circuit is a trek rather than a technical climb, but it is physically demanding and reaches 5,895m, so good fitness and preparation are important.
How cold is the full-moon summit night?
Summit temperatures can fall well below freezing, and wind can make conditions feel significantly colder. You need proper layered clothing, insulated gloves, head protection and suitable footwear for the summit section.
Is the price per person?
Yes, the displayed price is intended as a per-person starting figure. The final price should be confirmed based on your group size, dates, accommodation arrangements and the exact inclusions provided by the operator.
Can the climb be combined with a safari or Zanzibar?
Yes. A Northern Circuit climb can be paired with a Tanzania safari or Zanzibar stay. The additional arrangements and pricing should be quoted separately based on your preferred itinerary.
Enquire & book
Plan your Northern Circuit full-moon summit
Send us your preferred full-moon dates and group size. We’ll confirm availability, the recommended summit window and the final package price.
We reply within one working day