The Northern Circuit
THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT – 10 DAYS
- 13 days / 12 nights (10 days on the mountain)
- Kilimanjaro
The Northern Circuit route approaches Kibo from the west using the Lemosho ascent, then circles clockwise around the quieter northern slopes to Pofu Camp and onward to the east (Third Cave and School Hut Camps), offering outstanding views of the summit from all sides. The north flank of the mountain is remote and less trafficked, so the environment is less disturbed and allows one to enjoy Kilimanjaro away from other climbers. And with an overnight in the soft sand at Crater Camp, the route is well-suited for those seeking an enjoyable backpacking and camping experience without a frantic push for the summit. This allows for superior acclimatization and nearly guaranteed success reaching Uhuru Peak!
Route climbable year-round. January through March and mid-June through October are driest months.
Incorporates all elements of an exceptional climb: remote wilderness trail, unrivalled views from all sides of the mountain, unhurried pace allowing climbers to savour the experience with absolute acclimatization, crater overnight, and morning summit ascent.
- Route encircles the mountain at ±13,000′ / 4,000m.
- Long sections of undisturbed environment.
- Ten total days on Kilimanjaro for maximum acclimatization and nearly 100% success rate.
- Morning summit ascent starts at dawn.
GALLERY / PHOTOS
Start from $2712
ROUTE MAP
DISCOVER THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro with our detailed Northern Circuit Route map. Known for its breathtaking scenery and less crowded trails, this route offers an unforgettable climb to the summit. Plan your adventure with confidence and experience the beauty of Tanzania like never before!
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Day, Kilimanjaro
We will pick you up upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and bring you to Marangu, Kilimanjaro, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: D
Day 2: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
You have the morning to rest and relax. Your trip leader will provide a climb orientation and equipment check. This is also a day to take a guided tour around Marangu Villages and swim in the river and waterfall.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Lemosho to Big Tree Camp
After breakfast, we drive to the Londorossi Gate for check-in, where you will meet your guides and mountain crew. We enter the Kilimanjaro National Park from the Lemosho trailhead and walk for a few hours uphill through thick montane forest to our camp. Beautiful flowers are seen en route, and with luck, we will observe colobus monkeys at play. In the evening, you may hear the unforgettable call of the tree hyrax.
Overnight: Big Tree Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
Today we reach the west side of the Shira Plateau after a 6-hour hike. We pass from montane forest through a transition zone into the heather zone, where old lava flows are visible. Your guides will highlight unique environmental differences as we ascend. After a picnic lunch, we reach the Plateau and camp with dramatic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
An easy-paced acclimatization day of 4 to 5 hours hiking. Our camp is set higher on the Shira Plateau, offering expansive views of Kilimanjaro. An optional conditioning hike in the afternoon provides a closer look at giant lobelias and senecios unique to this elevation.
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut Camp
Heading east toward Kibo, we veer northward, circling Kilimanjaro’s northern flank. The solitude of this remote route envelops us as we approach camp in a peaceful valley with views of Shira and Kibo.
Overnight: Moir Hut Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Moir Hut Camp to Pofu Camp
A steep climb out of Moir Valley leads to a gradual ascent before descending into our camp. This aids acclimatization as we “climb high, sleep low.” Pofu means eland in Swahili, as this area was once known for grazing antelope.
Overnight: Pofu Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp
We continue circling the mountain’s north side with breathtaking views of Kenya. The route crosses multiple valleys and ridges, making for a challenging but rewarding hike. The vegetation begins to thin with the dry conditions of Kilimanjaro’s north-eastern slopes.
Overnight: Third Cave Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp
We steadily ascend to the saddle, a vast lunar landscape between Kibo and Mawenzi. Continuing upward, we reach School Hut (15,500 feet) in the early afternoon to rest and prepare for the summit push.
Overnight: School Hut Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: School Hut Camp to Crater Camp
A long, steep ascent takes us to Gillman’s Point, then across the crater rim past Stella Point before descending slightly into Crater Camp. This remote location provides stunning glacier views.
Overnight: Crater Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Crater Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
An early morning final ascent takes us to Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro’s highest point (19,340 feet). After celebrating, we descend to Barafu Camp for lunch and continue downhill to Millennium Camp, 7,000 feet below the summit.
Overnight: Millennium Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate; Moshi Town
A 4 to 5-hour descent brings us to Mweka Gate. After a celebration lunch, we transfer to Moshi Town for relaxation.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 13: Moshi Town
For those continuing their journey to safari or Zanzibar, transfers will be arranged. For those returning home, a guided tour of Moshi Town’s market and curio shops is available before an airport transfer.
Meals: B
Inclusions ✅
✔️ All accommodations for 13 days / 12 nights
✔️ All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔️ Bottled or filtered water, coffee, teas, and cocoa
✔️ Services of trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew
✔️ Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees (including supplemental Crater Camp fee)
✔️ All camping and dining equipment (excluding sleeping bag and pad)
✔️ Portable private toilet at all camps
✔️ Supplemental oxygen for emergency descents
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport and park gates
✔️ Guided Village walking tour
✔️ Guided Moshi Town walking tour
Exclusions ❌
❌ Tips & gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks & alcohol
❌ Additional accommodations & meals due to airline schedule changes or inability to complete the climb
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare & airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Disclaimer
Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to adjust trip prices if affected by:
Inflation, fuel, labor, or material costs
Exchange rate fluctuations
Increased park fees (TANAPA), hotel/lodge rates, airline fares, or other service provider costs
Should these changes occur, additional payment may be required from the client.