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Northern Circuit Route

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  • Trek: 8 Days
  • Full Itinerary: 10 Days
A group of climbers ascends a snowy mountain ridge under a bright sun, with a sea of clouds below.
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The Northern Circuit Climbing Route with Pristine Trails…

This trek follows the less-traveled Northern Circuit, the longest route up the mountain and the only one that circles the northern side. You’ll have the chance to see wildlife while avoiding the crowds, and enjoying some of the most pristine scenery on Kilimanjaro.

Like other routes, the terrain changes as you ascend, passing through thick forests, moorland, and scree on your way to the highest point, Uhuru Peak.

(Still undecided about which Kilimanjaro climbing route is best for you? Explore Pristine Trails’ Kilimanjaro Routes. Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.)

Northern Circuit Tour Includes

Crew
Equipment
Food & Drink
Healthy & Safety
Preparation & Fees
Accommodation & Transfers
  • Lead Guide(s)
    English Speaking & Wilderness First Responder Trained
  • Assistant Guide(s), for 2+ people
  • Cook
  • Porters, equipment
  • Porters, personal client luggage (15 kg per client)
  • Sleeping tent, 3-person size for 2 people
  • Sleeping mat, 2-inch foam
  • Pillow
  • Walk-in dining tent and table
  • Backed chairs
  • Wash basins with hot water each morning and evening
  • Private portable toilet with toilet paper
  • Three meals per day & afternoon snack during the trek
    Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free upon request
  • Treated drinking water
    (minimum of 3L per day while trekking with additional water available at camp)
  • Coffee and tea during the trek
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Altitude sickness checklists
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees
    Camping/hut, rescue, conservation and taxes
  • Pre-trek briefing with your guide
  • Roundtrip airport transfer between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Moshi
  • Roundtrip transfer between Moshi and the park gate
  • Hotel stays in Moshi pre- and post-trek (2 nights total) on bed & breakfast basis at Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Tour Excludes

  • Gratuities/tips
  • Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bag and clothing
  • Favored beverages (water, soda and alcohol at hotels)
  • Additional accommodation or meals resulting from early descent
  • Tanzania entry visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Domestic or international flights
  • Expenses of a personal nature

Additional Amenities Available

  • Private portable shower/wash tent
  • Sleeping cot and walk-in sleeping tent
  • Portable altitude chamber
  • Custom evacuation stretcher

Pricing

Prices are based on group size and may vary year by year. Below is the pricing through 2025.

1 pax: From $4,340
2-3 pax: From $3,480
4-6 pax: From $3,200
7+/Open Group: From $3,045

Overview of Northern Circuit Route Trek

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10

From:
Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport

To:
Moshi

Distance & Time:
–

Altitude Change:
–

From: 
Lemosho Glades (2389 m / 7,838 ft)

To: 
Big Tree Camp (2785 m / 9,137 ft)

Distance & Time:
5 km / 3.1 mi
2-3 hours

Altitude Change: 
+396 m / +1,299 ft

From: 
Big Tree Camp (2785 m / 9,137 ft)

To:
Shira Hut 1 (3504 m / 11,496 ft)

Distance & Time:
7 km / 4.3 mi
3 hours

Altitude Change: 
+719 m / +2,359 ft

From:
Shira Hut 1 (3504 m / 11,496 ft)

To:
Moir Hut (4161 m)

Distance & Time:
11 km / 6.8 mi
5-7 hours

Altitude Change: 
+657 m / +2,155 ft

From: 
Moir Hut (4161 m)

To:
Buffalo Camp (4020 m / 13,189 ft)

Distance & Time:
12 km / 7.5 mi
5-7 hours

Altitude Change: 
-141 m / -463 ft

 

From: 
Buffalo Camp (4020 m / 13,189 ft)

To:
Rongai Third Cave (3936 m / 12,913 ft)

Distance & Time:
8 km / 5 mi
5-7 hours

Altitude Change: 
-84 m / -276 ft

From:
Rongai Third Cave (3936 m / 12,913 ft)

To:
School Hut (4714 m / 15,466 ft)

Distance & Time:
5 km / 3.1 mi
4-5 hours

Altitude Change: 
+781 m / +2,562 ft

From:
School Hut (4714 m / 15,466 ft)

To:
Uhuru Peak (5895 m / 19,341 ft)

Distance & Time:
6 km / 3.7 mi
5-7 hours

Altitude Change: 
+1181 m / +3,875 ft

From:
Uhuru Peak (5895 m / 19,341 ft)

To:
Millennium Hut (3827 m / 12,556 ft)

Distance & Time:
8.5 km / 5.3 mi
6-8 hours

Altitude Change: 
-2068 m / -6,785 ft

From:
Millennium Hut (3827 m / 12,556 ft)

To:
Mweka Gate (1633m / 5,358 ft)

Distance & Time:
12 km / 7.5 mi
4-5 hours

Altitude Change: 
-2194 m / -7,198 ft

From:
Moshi

To:
Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport

Distance & Time:
1 hour

Altitude Change: 
–

Detailed Northern Circuit Route Itinerary

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi

Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Pristine Trails representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Depending on your arrival time, you will have a pre-trek briefing with your Kilimanjaro guide either this afternoon/evening or the following morning.

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Transfer Time: 1 Hour
Meals: None

Day 2: Moshi – Lemosho Glades – Big Tree Camp

The day begins with a three-hour drive from Moshi to Londrossi Park Gate for registration. Once formalities are completed, you will get back into the car, pass through village communities and arrive at the trailhead at Lemosho Glades to start hiking. You will spend this day in some of the most beautiful forest found on the mountain, with wildlife sightings possible. After a short 2-3 hours you will arrive at Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite. Here, like all days, you’ll have an afternoon snack and delicious hot dinner.

Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 5 km /3.1 mi
Altitude Change: +396 m / +1,299 ft

Overnight: Big Tree Camp
Transfer Time: 3 hour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Big Tree Camp – Shira Hut 1

Leaving the forest early in the day, the trail gets steeper as it enters the grasses and wildflowers of the heath and moorland zone towards the valley. A gentle grade walk takes you across the high-altitude Shira Caldera past Shira Cave (views of Arrow glacier) and then gently downwards to Shira Hut 1 located near a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Trekking Time: 3 hours
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi
Altitude Change: +719 m / +2,359 ft

Overnight: Shira Hut 1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Hut 1 – Moir Hut

A gentle hike across the plateau within the moorland meadow takes you towards Shira 2 camp and then diverts to Moir Hut at the base of Lent Hills for the afternoon and overnight. Many walks are available on Lent Hills, making this a great day for acclimatization.

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km / 6.8 mi
Altitude Change: +657 m / +2,155 ft

Overnight: Moir Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp

Start the day with a moderately steep hike out of the Moir Valley. Then choose to detour to the top of Little Lent Hill before returning to the main trail where you will encounter an undulating trail around the northern slopes of Kibo before reaching Buffalo Camp. You will enjoy expansive views from the northern side of the mountain, stretching across the Tanzania-Kenya border.

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Altitude Change: -141 m / -463 ft

Overnight: Buffalo Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Buffalo Camp – Rongai Third Cave

The day begins climbing up Buffalo Ridge and then down again, traversing eastward on a path infrequently traveled. Arrive just after mid-day at the campsite.

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Altitude Change: -84 m / -276 ft

Overnight: Rongai Third Cave
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:Rongai Third Cave – School Hut

Today we encounter a steady incline up and over the saddle, the area between the two peaks of Kilimanjaro. The views of both Kibo and Mawenzi are breathtaking. Arrive by mid-day to School Hut where you will want to rest as much as possible ahead of the ascent to the summit beginning at midnight.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi
Altitude Change: +781 m / +2,562 ft

Overnight: School Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp

We avoid walking too long in the heat of the sun today by starting around midnight to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave. You will then take on switchbacks up to Gillman’s Point at 5681 m / 18,638 ft, situated on the crater rim. This section is very steep with much stone scree and is the most demanding section of the route. From Gillman’s Point, hike for another two hours up to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You made it! Enjoy a short time on the Roof of Africa before beginning the descent.

Trekking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
Altitude Change: +1178 m / +3,865 ft

After a quick celebration and photos at the top, you will begin the descent by passing Stella Point and then descending on scree slope to Barafu Camp, finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a meal and well-earned rest. On the descent, you will have fabulous views of the plains and Mawenzi peak.

Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
Altitude Change: -2068 m / -6,785 ft

Overnight: Millennium Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

A gentle trek takes you down through the rainforest past the Mweka Huts campsite to the Mweka Gate, where park formalities will be completed and you will be met by our vehicles to return you to the Pristine Trails office. Here you will receive your certificate of ascent courtesy of the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, have the tipping ceremony for your mountain crew and collect any luggage you stored. Thereafter, you will be driven back to your hotel where you can treat yourself to a well-earned shower and a good night’s sleep.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
Altitude Change: -2194 m / -7,198 ft

Overnight: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Transfer Time: 45 mins
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10Continuation of Your Journey or Departure

After breakfast, you will begin the next leg of your journey either onto your wildlife safari or you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.

Transfer Time: 1 hour to airport
Meals: Breakfast

Recommended Tipping Guide

Tipping is customary on Mount Kilimanjaro for all members of your mountain crew.

Although they receive a fair wage, they rely on tips for a total fair compensation as set by the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project Partners for Responsible Travel.

Lead Guide

  • Per Crew Member Per Day Per Group: $20
  • Per Crew Member Per Trek Per Group: $160

Assistant Guide

  • Per Crew Member Per Day Per Group: $15
  • Per Crew Member Per Trek Per Group: $120

Cook

  • Per Crew Member Per Day Per Group: $15
  • Per Crew Member Per Trek Per Group: $120

Special Porters: Waiter; summit porters

  • Per Crew Member Per Day Per Group: $8
  • Per Crew Member Per Trek Per Group: $64

Porters

  • Per Crew Member Per Day Per Group: $6
  • Per Crew Member Per Trek Per Group: $48

The standard guide to client ratio on your trek is 1 lead guide and 1 assistant guide for every 2-4 clients, 1 cook, 2-3 special porters and an average of 4-6 porters per client. Therefore, the total recommended tipping amount per client for this trek ranges from $350-500, depending on the trekking package and total number of people in the trekking group.

To ensure fair and transparent tipping for each crew member, there will be a tipping ceremony at the pristine trails office following your descent from the mountain. Envelopes will be provided to divide your tips for each member of the crew.

Map of the Northern Circuit

Map of Kilimanjaro's hiking routes, featuring the Northern Circuit and showcasing various camps like Big Tree Camp, Millennium Camp, and Shira Hut 1. Discover landmarks such as Uhuru Peak and Lava Tower along this scenic pathway.

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