Home » Tours & Safaris » 10 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Northern Circuit Route

10 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Northern Circuit Route

  • Mount Kilimanjaro
From 2,610

per person

Overview

The Longest, Safest, and Most Scenic Journey to the Roof of Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 meters, is one of the world’s most celebrated trekking achievements. From fertile lower slopes and lush montane rainforest to moorlands, alpine desert, remote northern wilderness, and glacier-lined summit slopes, Kilimanjaro offers an unforgettable journey through ever-changing landscapes.

The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest and most complete trail, circling the quieter northern side of the mountain in a spectacular panoramic traverse. It is widely regarded as the best route for acclimatization, highest summit success, and lowest traffic, making it the premium choice for climbers seeking comfort, scenery, and safety.

This specially designed 10-day program allows a slow and gradual altitude gain with generous recovery time before summit night, resulting in a more enjoyable climb and exceptional summit probability.

This package is ideal for climbers who prefer a less crowded route, superior acclimatization, and the most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience.

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route

  • Highest summit success rate on Kilimanjaro
  • Longest and best acclimatization profile
  • Least crowded camps and trails
  • Nearly 360° scenic mountain traverse
  • Gentle daily pace with lower fatigue
  • Premium route for comfort and safety

Climb At a Glance

  • Total Trip Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Duration on Mountain: 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Total Trekking Distance: 86Kms/54mi
  • Hotel Nights: 2 Nights
  • Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895m
  • Start Gate: Londorossi Gate
  • Exit Gate: Mweka Gate
  • Accommodation: Tented Camps
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Recommended For: Best acclimatization, photographers, and premium climbers

Route Map

  • Start in Moshi
  • End in Moshi

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our mountain representative welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in Moshi.

Meet your chief mountain guide for:

  • Detailed route briefing
  • Equipment checks
  • Rental gear fitting
  • Safety procedures
  • Packing instructions

Overnight Hotel in Moshi on Bed & Breakfast basis.

Day 2: Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast, drive to Londorossi Gate for registration and permit formalities, then continue to the trailhead.

Begin trekking through untouched rainforest rich with giant trees, tropical birdlife, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and thick moss-covered vegetation.

  • Elevation: 2,100m/6’890ft to 2,780m/9’120ft
  • Distance: 6 km/4mi
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Dinner and overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 3: Mti Mkubwa Camp – Shira 1 Camp

Today, the trail leaves the forest and enters the heather and moorland zone with open panoramic views over the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru in the distance.

The climb is gradual and comfortable, allowing the body to adapt naturally.

  • Elevation: 2,780m/9’120ft to 3,500m/11’483ft
  • Distance: 8 km/5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Dinner and overnight: Shira 1 Camp.

Day 4: Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp

A shorter and easier trekking day crossing the expansive volcanic Shira Plateau, one of Kilimanjaro’s oldest calderas.

The afternoon is dedicated to rest, hydration, and acclimatization.

  • Elevation: 3,500m/11’483ft to 3,850m/12’631ft
  • Distance: 7 km/4mi
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Dinner and overnight: Shira 2 Camp.

Day 5: Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut

Today is a key acclimatization day.

Climb steadily across the alpine desert toward Lava Tower, where lunch is served at approximately 4,630m/15’190ft before descending slightly to the quiet and scenic Moir Hut.

This “climb high, sleep lower” strategy is excellent for oxygen adaptation.

  • Elevation: 3,850m/12’631ft to 4,630m/15’190ft, then descend to 4,200m/13’780ft
  • Distance: 11 km/7mi
  • Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Dinner and overnight: Moir Hut.

Day 6: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

Today begins the magical Northern Circuit traverse.

Trek across remote northern slopes with vast wilderness views, very few trekkers, and a genuine sense of mountain solitude. This side of Kilimanjaro is dry, dramatic, and remarkably peaceful.

  • Elevation: 4,200m/13’780ft to 4,020m/13’189ft
  • Distance: 12 km/7.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Dinner and overnight: Buffalo Camp.

Day 7: Buffalo Camp – Third Cave Camp

Continue the panoramic northern traverse beneath the jagged summit cliffs of Kibo. The route remains quiet, scenic, and gently undulating, allowing continued acclimatization without excessive fatigue.

  • Elevation: 4,020m/13’189ft to 3,870m/12’697ft
  • Distance: 8 km/5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Dinner and overnight: Third Cave Camp.

Day 8: Third Cave Camp – School Hut

Today, ascend gradually toward School Hut, the final high camp before the summit attempt.

After lunch, rest, hydrate, and prepare all summit gear. Guides conduct a final health check and submit a briefing.

  • Elevation: 3,870m/12’697ft to 4,800m/15’748ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3mi
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Dinner and overnight: School Hut.

Day 9: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Wake shortly after midnight for the final summit ascent.

Climb slowly to Gilman’s Point, continue around the crater rim to Stella Point, and finally reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19’341ft) at sunrise.

After photographs and celebrations on Africa’s highest point, descend to School Hut for brunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

  • Elevation: 4,800m/15’748ft to 5,895m/19’341ft, then descend to 3,100m/10’171ft
  • Distance: 19Kms/11mi
  • Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
  • Dinner and overnight: Mweka Camp.

Day 10: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Receive summit certificates, celebrate with the crew, and transfer back to the Moshi hotel for a hot shower and relaxation.

  • Elevation: 3,100m/10’171ft to 1,640m/5’381ft
  • Distance: 10 km/6mi
  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Overnight Hotel in Moshi on a bed & Breakfast basis.

Climbing Distance Summary

Mid-Range Safari Price

Tour Price

Pax

1 Person

2 People

4 People

6 People

10 People

Price

$3,350
$3,270
$2,790
$2,610

Luxury Safari Price

Pax

Price

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers
  • 2 hotel nights in Moshi
  • Professional mountain guides
  • Assistant guides, cooks, and porters
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
  • Camping tents and communal mountain equipment
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Drinking water
  • Rescue fees
  • Summit certificates

Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for the mountain crew
  • Personal climbing gear rental
  • Sleeping bag, trekking poles, and personal clothing hire
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Laundry services
  • Personal expenses
  • Additional hotel nights not specified

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