Northern Circuit

The newest route on Kilimanjaro with great acclimatization and great views on the northern slopes of the Mountain.

8 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2560

Northern Circuit - 8 day trek

The longest and the newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Circuit, is known for excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro northern slopes. For the present moment a very limited number of travelers have set foot on this trail, and the route is hardly ever crowded.

It is recommended to those who enjoy long trekking experiences in remote wilderness with a minimal number of other trekkers around.

It takes at least eight days to climb Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit which is why the route boasts a very high success rate. An extended 9-day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro climb with crater camping is also available for an incredible wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano.

DAY 1: Arrival

Pick up from the airport & Briefing

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will a member of out team that will transfer you to your hotel. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

DAY 2: High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 1 Camp

In the morning, your guide and climbing support team will meet you at your hotel for a final briefing. Then you will drive for approximately 3-4 hrs to Kilimanjaro National Park's western entrance, Londorossi Gate (2,200m/7218f).

After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, your group will continue in vehicles to the drop-off point (3,500 meters / 11482 feet). Here you will see stunning views of the Shira Plateau for the first time.

The route from your drop-off point to your first high-altitude camp (Shira 1) features a small gain in altitude and is not very physically challenging. Thanks to this, you will be able to begin the process of acclimatization properly. By the time you reach the camp, the climbing team will have prepared everything needed for you to have a relaxing evening; the tents will be pitched, chairs set up, refreshments and a full dinner will be waiting for you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Elevation: 3,500 m to 3,505 m
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Distance: 4 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Meadows

DAY 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 trek

This day brings yet another modest altitude gain of 240m/787f as you trek from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp. The low physical demands of the trek will leave you with both time and energy to enjoy Kilimanjaro's incredible views, magnificent flora endemic to the mountain, and, if the weather is favorable, views of Mount Meru, which is the 5th highest mountain on the continent.

IMPORTANT NOTE: After lunch, you will enjoy a 2-hour rest. Then you are encouraged to take an acclimatization hike toward Lava Tower, which allows you to gain another 260 meters (853 feet) in altitude, helping you to further adjust to the elevation gain.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12631f) Destination point en route to Lava Tower (4,110 m/13484f)
Hiking distance: 2 km (1.2mi)
Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,900 m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Moorland

DAY 7: Trekking from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut

On this day you will be trekking to the School Hut Summit Camp (4,800m/15748f). The trekking itself is not very hard, but it is good to remember to choose an appropriate pace in order to keep your strength up for the final push to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep early, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much water as you can. This night you will be waking in the dark and completing the final trek up to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19340f) for the climax of your adventure on Kilimanjaro.

Elevation: 3,870 m to 4,750 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Alpine desert

DAY 9: Return to Mweka Gate from Millennium Camp

Millennium Camp sits amidst a tropical rainforest. The lower altitude and feelings of accomplishment from having reached the summit make for a good night’s rest. Hot breakfast is followed by your final descent to the park’s exit gate: Mweka Gate (1,640m/5380f). This is the final stop before you are taken to our office to receive your summit certificates. It also provides a good opportunity to recap the adventure with your support team and take a final team photo. Finally, you will be taken to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Elevation: 3,820 m to 1,640 m
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rainforest

DAY 8: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

On the summit night, your safety is our number-one concern; therefore, we will assign one guide for every two climbers. The responsibility of a guide is to watch the climber's health as they summit Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19340f). The climb starts at School Hut Summit Camp(4,800m/15748f) around midnight, Technically, it is an easy climb, but because of the high altitude, it will feel more strenuous.

Upon successful summiting, you can walk to the nearest glaciers. The group then descends to Barafu Camp for a two-hour lunch and rest break. You will then continue to descend to Millennium Camp (3,950m/12959f) where you will spend the night.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please keep in mind that 9/10 accidents occur during descent. Mind your step to avoid potential falls, injuries, and damaged toes.

Elevation: 3,750 m to 5,895 m / 5,895 m to 3,820 m
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
Distance: 16 km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Arctic

DAY 6: Trekking from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

You will finish trekking up the northern slope of Kilimanjaro and stop for the night in 3rd Cave Camp, where the route will meet up with the classic Rongai route. On this day, trekking is shorter than on the day before, and by this time your body should have already become completely acclimated to the altitude of 4,000 meters / 13123 feet, which will contribute to your general well-being.

Elevation: 4,020 m to 3,8070 m
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Moorland

DAY 5: Trekking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

On this day you will have a rather long, but easy trek. Climbing out of Moir Valley (where you camped for the night) is a steep, but short climb, and then the rest of the day you will hike around the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Most of the day will have up-hill and down-hill climbs, but there are no steep altitude gains.

This route passes close to the border with Kenya, so you will be treated to amazing views of the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If one or more participants feel sick, the group may refrain from passing the Lava Tower and adjust the route, following instead the road for porters. In this case, you will not reach an altitude of 4,630 meters (15190 feet), getting up only to a maximum of 4,400 meters (14435 feet).

Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,020
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland

DAY 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower Trek

After breakfast, your group will depart Shira 2 Camp (3,850m/12631f) and hike to Lava Tower (4,630 m/15190f). This route offers a challenge for climbers, and many find this day more physically difficult than previous days. Therefore, your team will enjoy a lunch break at Lava Tower.

After lunch and a rest, your group will climb slightly higher and then descend to Moir Hut Camp. Your guide may decide to bypass Lava Tower altogether, taking the porter trail instead, if any of the members of the group do not appear to have acclimatized properly. In this case, the highest altitude reached will be 4,400m/14435f rather than 4,630m/15190f.

Elevation: 3,900 m to 4,630 m / 4,630 m to 4,200 m

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Distance: 14 km

Difficulty: Medium

Habitat: Moorland

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike - our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures - only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

The climb cost includes:

Transfers:
Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:
Park Fees: All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:
Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Brubru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Accommodation in huts. An average hut fits in 6-8 people. Allocation of huts is ruled by rangers of the national park. We will do our best to arrange separate huts for our groups, but during busy months you’re likely to share huts with climbers from other groups. Marangu huts are fitted with bunk beds. Our comfortable 4-inch thick mats will be put on your bunk beds, and you’ll feel safe and snug in your sleeping bag. During the rainy season huts will provide extra shelter from rain and wind!

Meals:
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
GPS-tracking service;
Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:
Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:
18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. We are an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The climb cost excludes:

International flights;
Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
Portable toilets are not available on Marangu route;
Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.

Package and Quote Details:

The quote will be in USD since all payments in Tanzania will be done in USD. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for indicative purposes only and may vary based on the exchange rate of the day.
Please take the time to read the side tabs of what is included and what is excluded from the quote that will be provided to you. We believe in total transparency and proper communication of all the particulars of your itinerary so orientation with the details of your quote will give you a clear understanding of all associating costs for your trips.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

via Marangu route (5 day trek)

Superb Acclimatization

Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.

Overnight Stays in Huts

Marangu is the only route on Kilimanjaro with overnight stays in huts. Excellent for rainy season climbs.

Stunning Sceneries

Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.

Book with confidence

Northern Circuit

The newest route on Kilimanjaro with great acclimatization and great views on the northern slopes of the Mountain.

8 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2560

DAY 2: High-Altitude Drop Off Destination And Trekking To Shira 1 Camp

DAY 3: Shira 1 to Shira 2 trek

DAY 7: Trekking from 3rd Cave Camp to School Hut

DAY 9: Start your Safari, Depart for home or visit Zanzibar

Rest in the hotel, transfer to the airport to depart from home or continue your adventure by starting your safari or relaxing at the white shores of Zanzibar.

DAY 9: Return to Mweka Gate from Millennium Camp

DAY 8: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

DAY 6: Trekking from Buffalo Camp to 3rd Cave Camp

DAY 5: Trekking from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp

DAY 4: Shira 2 to Moir Hut via Lava Tower Trek

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Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Northern Circuit The newest route on Kilimanjaro with great acclimatization and great views on the northern slopes of the Mountain. 8 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2560

Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Northern Circuit

The newest route on Kilimanjaro with great acclimatization and great views on the northern slopes of the Mountain.

8 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $2560

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158