DAY 1 · RAINFOREST
Lemosho Gate to Mti Mkubwa
You start on the quiet western side of the mountain, walking into old rainforest with very few other climbers around.
- DISTANCE
- 6 km
- WALKING
- 3 to 4 hours
- TONIGHT
- Mti Mkubwa Camp, 2,750 m
KILIMANJARO
Northern Circuit
Nine days around the mountain, and the quietest way to the top.
DURATION
9 days
One itinerary
DISTANCE
90 km
Gate to gate
SUMMIT
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
Long, but gradual
SLEEP
Private camps
Tents, every night
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
The quietest, and the longest way round.
The Northern Circuit circles almost the entire mountain, crossing the remote northern slopes that most climbers never see. More days means more time to acclimatise, and some of the emptiest trails on Kilimanjaro.
The quietest trailsViews from every side9 days to give the mountainThe remote northern slopes
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
If you have the time, this is the most beautiful way to climb Kilimanjaro.
You circle the mountain on trails very few people walk and see Kibo from every side. By the time you reach the summit, you’ve had more time to adjust than on any other route.
Rawan Dakik
FOUNDER · ALL SEVEN SUMMITS
THE CLIMB
From the gate to the roof of Africa.
DAY 2 · HEATH AND MOORLAND
Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1
Out of the forest and up onto the edge of the Shira Plateau, with Kibo coming into view for the first time.
- DISTANCE
- 8 km
- WALKING
- 5 to 6 hours
- TONIGHT
- Shira 1 Camp, 3,500 m
DAY 3 · MOORLAND
Shira 1 to Shira 2
A gentle day across the open plateau, important for acclimatisation.
- DISTANCE
- 7 km
- WALKING
- 4 to 5 hours
- TONIGHT
- Shira 2 Camp, 3,850 m
DAY 4 · ALPINE DESERT
Shira 2 to Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Up to Lava Tower to acclimatise, then you leave the main trail and turn north to Moir Hut, where the circuit really begins.
- DISTANCE
- 14 km
- WALKING
- 6 to 7 hours
- TONIGHT
- Moir Hut Camp, 4,200 m
DAY 5 · ALPINE DESERT
Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Onto the northern slopes, with wide views across to Kenya and almost no one else on the trail.
- DISTANCE
- 12 km
- WALKING
- 5 to 7 hours
- TONIGHT
- Buffalo Camp, 4,020 m
DAY 6 · ALPINE DESERT
Buffalo Camp to Third Cave
A rolling day around the north side of Kibo, sleeping slightly lower to help your body adjust.
- DISTANCE
- 8 km
- WALKING
- 5 to 6 hours
- TONIGHT
- Third Cave Camp, 3,870 m
DAY 7 · ALPINE DESERT
Third Cave to School Hut
A short, steady climb to high camp. A summit briefing, an early dinner and a few hours of rest.
- DISTANCE
- 5 km
- WALKING
- 4 to 5 hours
- TONIGHT
- School Hut Camp, 4,750 m
DAY 8 · ARCTIC SUMMIT
Summit day: Uhuru Peak
You set off around midnight, reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at dawn, then follow the rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Then the long walk down to Mweka Camp.
- DISTANCE
- 20 km
- WALKING
- 12 to 14 hours
- TONIGHT
- Mweka Camp, 3,100 m
DAY 9 · RAINFOREST
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A last walk down through the forest, a farewell with your crew, and your summit certificate at the gate.
- DISTANCE
- 10 km
- WALKING
- 3 to 4 hours
- TONIGHT
- Your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything on the mountain is taken care of.
INCLUDED ON EVERY CLIMB
- Oxygen on every climb+ pulse oximeters
- First Responder guides1 guide : 2 guests
- Health checksEvery night
- Porter load limit18 kg max
- Park feesAll included
- Evacuation protocolAlways on call
- Private campMess and sleeping tents
- Meals on the mountainCooked fresh at camp
- Airport transfersJRO pickup + hotel night
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Tips for your crew
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
LUXURY CLIMB
The mountain, with every comfort.
$3,600 per person
Everything above, plus:
- 5 star accommodation in Arusha
- Lebanese culinary dining
- Spacious standing expedition tent
- Sleeping bed with mattress
- 1 dedicated guide per climber
- Hot shower every day
- Portable solar charging
WHEN TO GO
Our pick is August.
The driest, clearest month of the year, and the Northern Circuit stays quiet even in peak season. June to October and January to February are all great. In the rainy months we’ll usually suggest another route.
OUR PICK
JFMAMJJASOND
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NORTHERN-CIRCUIT FAQ
Specific to this route.
For general Kilimanjaro questions, see the main Kilimanjaro FAQ
The route circles almost the whole mountain before the summit. The extra distance is what gives you more time to acclimatise than on any other route.
It’s longer, but more gradual. The summit night starts from School Hut and reaches the crater rim at Gilman’s Point, then follows the rim to Uhuru Peak.
The northern slopes are some of the emptiest trails on Kilimanjaro, even in August. Your camp is always private.
If you have them, yes. It’s the most varied and the most peaceful way to the summit.
START PLANNING
Ready to climb the Northern Circuit?
Tell us a little about your plans and we’ll get back to you within a few hours.
Let's talk about your Tanzania.