Overview
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering trekkers an unmatched combination of adventure, acclimatization, and summit success. Starting from the western approach, this route makes a full circumnavigation of the mountain’s remote northern slopes, giving climbers a quieter, less crowded experience compared to other trails. Its extended nine-day itinerary spans approximately 87 kilometers, allowing gradual altitude gain and making it one of the safest and most rewarding ways to reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
Along the way, trekkers encounter Kilimanjaro’s remarkable variety of ecosystems, from lush rainforest and alpine desert to sweeping highland plateaus and panoramic glacier views. The Northern Circuit is renowned for near 360-degree vistas and a journey of constant discovery, without backtracking. For climbers seeking both high success rates and the most breathtaking scenery on Kilimanjaro, this route stands out as the ultimate choice.
Route itinerary options
Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile.
Day 0 - Arrival and climb breifing
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)
Overnight: Chanya by Ardhi

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Day 1 - Lemosho gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big tree) camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi (or Arusha) to Lemosho gate. After registration you continue on the 4x4 track till the trail head where you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A short and winding path takes you steadily to the first camp
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite, 2780m or 9120ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) camp to Shira One Camp
This morning you quickly leave the forest zone on a steep path as the dense vegetation slowly eases into the Heather and moorland zone. The remainder of the day takes you on a steady hike across the Shira ridge where views of the Shira peak (the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones) gives you the spectacular jagged scenery of this eroded peak.
Overnight: Shira One campsite, 3505m or 11500ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 3 - Shira One Camp to Moir Hut camp
Todays hike takes you gradually across the Shira Plateau within the heather and moorland and diverts off the main trail towards the Northern circuit bypass into the alpine desert zone to Moir Hut camp at the base of the Lent Hills where you may optionally hike further for additional acclimatization walks. You have already diverted off the commonly used southern circuit trail onto the northern circuit which takes you around the back of the Kibo cone.
Overnight: Moir Hut campsite, 4140m or 13585ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 4 - Moir Hut Camp to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp
Leaving behind the Moir valley you trek on a relatively steep path to the summit of the Lent Hills (if you didn’t reach here the day before) before circling around north of the Kibo cone into the Alpine desert and enjoying this remote part of the mountain with unique scenery of the Northern Kilimanjaro peak and the Kenyan plains below.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 12km or 7mi (7-9 hours)
- Start altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
- End altitude: 4030m or 13220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4375m or 14355ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +235m or +770ft / -345m or -1135ft
Overnight: Buffalo (Pofu) campsite, 4030m or 13220ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 5 - Pofu (Buffalo) Camp to Third Cave Camp
Your final day on the northern circuit bypass today taking you through the remote mountain wilderness of the North which is probably the least used trail on Kili. Your hike takes you back out of the alpine desert through the buffalo ridge and the remote valleys until the drier heather and moorland area around the Third Cave Camp.
Overnight: Third Cave campsite, 3935m or 12795ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 6 - Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp (or Kibo Hut Camp)
Overnight: School Hut campsite, 4715m or 15470ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 7 - School Hut Camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend down via Stella point until the southern circuit base camp (Barafu). After a recovery meal you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and until the rainforest where you stop for the night.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 20km or 12.5mi (14-18
- Start altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Overnight: Mweka campsite, 3080m or 10105ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 8 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: 1 hour (to Moshi) / 2 hours (to Arusha)
- Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (3-4 hours)
- Start altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
- Meals included today: Breakfast, 'Celebration Lunch'
Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)
Overnight: Chanya by Ardhi

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Day 0 - Arrival and climb breifing
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)
Overnight: Chanya by Ardhi

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Day 1 - Lemosho gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big tree) camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi (or Arusha) to Lemosho gate. After registration you continue on the 4x4 track till the trail head where you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A short and winding path takes you steadily to the first camp
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite, 2780m or 9120ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) camp to Shira One Camp
This morning you quickly leave the forest zone on a steep path as the dense vegetation slowly eases into the Heather and moorland zone. The remainder of the day takes you on a steady hike across the Shira ridge where views of the Shira peak (the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones) gives you the spectacular jagged scenery of this eroded peak.
Overnight: Shira One campsite, 3505m or 11500ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp
Todays hike takes you gradually across the Shira Plateau within the heather and moorland and an optional extra hike to the Shira Cathedral peak (3880m) before gradually taking you to Shira two camp. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones and has been shaped by lava and volcanic activity to create a stunning jagged peak and offering a unique western view of Kibo, the highest of the peaks and your final destination on the tour.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 6km or 4mi (3-5 hours)
- Start altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
- End altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3872m or 12705ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +340m or +1115ft / -27m or -90ft
Overnight: Shira Two campsite, 3845m or 12615ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower (optional) to Moir Hut Camp
Today you take a steady pace across the edges of the heather and moorland then into the alpine desert towards the northern Kilimanjaro area. If your fitness is high enough you can take an optional detour via the Lava Tower camp which is great for acclimatization. Moir hut is quite an isolated camp mostly used by those on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit but provides a unique northern view of the Kibo cone. You can also optionally hike to the nearby Lent group from Moir hut for vies of these eroded cones and ridges from where you may be able to gaze down into the wilderness plains of Kenya to the north.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 14km or 8.5mi (5-7 hours)
- Start altitude:3845m or 12615ft
- End altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or 2575ft / -490m or -1605ft
Overnight: Moir Hut campsite, 4140m or 13585ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 5 - Moir Hut Camp to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp
Leaving behind the Moir valley you trek on a relatively steep path to the summit of the Lent Hills (if you didn’t reach here the day before) before circling around north of the Kibo cone into the Alpine desert and enjoying this remote part of the mountain with unique scenery of the Northern Kilimanjaro peak and the Kenyan plains below.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 12km or 7mi (7-9 hours)
- Start altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
- End altitude: 4030m or 13220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4375m or 14355ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +235m or +770ft / -345m or -1135ft
Overnight: Buffalo (Pofu) campsite, 4030m or 13220ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 6 - Pofu (Buffalo) Camp to Third Cave Camp
Your final day on the northern circuit bypass today taking you through the remote mountain wilderness of the North which is probably the least used trail on Kili. Your hike takes you back out of the alpine desert through the buffalo ridge and the remote valleys until the drier heather and moorland area around the Third Cave Camp.
Overnight: Third Cave campsite, 3935m or 12795ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 7 - Third Cave Camp to School Hut Camp (or Kibo Hut Camp)
Overnight: School Hut campsite, 4715m or 15470ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 8 - School Hut Camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend down via Stella point until the southern circuit base camp (Barafu). After a recovery meal you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and until the rainforest where you stop for the night.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 20km or 12.5mi (14-18
- Start altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Overnight: Mweka campsite, 3080m or 10105ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 9 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: 1 hour (to Moshi) / 2 hours (to Arusha)
- Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (3-4 hours)
- Start altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
- Meals included today: Breakfast, 'Celebration Lunch'
Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)
Overnight: Chanya by Ardhi

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Day 0 - Arrival and climb breifing
Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.
Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)
Overnight: Chanya by Ardhi

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Day 1 - Lemosho gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big tree) camp
You will be transferred by road from Moshi (or Arusha) to Lemosho gate. After registration you continue on the 4x4 track till the trail head where you begin your trek through the rain forest zone with your guide. The forest is thick and diverse with flora / fauna, and you may experience rain this afternoon which is common in this zone making the path slightly slippery. A short and winding path takes you steadily to the first camp
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite, 2780m or 9120ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 2 - Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) camp to Shira One Camp
This morning you quickly leave the forest zone on a steep path as the dense vegetation slowly eases into the Heather and moorland zone. The remainder of the day takes you on a steady hike across the Shira ridge where views of the Shira peak (the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones) gives you the spectacular jagged scenery of this eroded peak.
Overnight: Shira One campsite, 3505m or 11500ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 3 - Shira One camp to Shira Cathedral Peak to Shira Two camp
Todays hike takes you gradually across the Shira Plateau within the heather and moorland and an optional extra hike to the Shira Cathedral peak (3880m) before gradually taking you to Shira two camp. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones and has been shaped by lava and volcanic activity to create a stunning jagged peak and offering a unique western view of Kibo, the highest of the peaks and your final destination on the tour.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 6km or 4mi (3-5 hours)
- Start altitude: 3505m or 11500ft
- End altitude: 3845m or 12615ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3872m or 12705ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +340m or +1115ft / -27m or -90ft
Overnight: Shira Two campsite, 3845m or 12615ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 4 - Shira Two camp to Lava Tower (optional) to Moir Hut Camp
Today you take a steady pace across the edges of the heather and moorland then into the alpine desert towards the northern Kilimanjaro area. If your fitness is high enough you can take an optional detour via the Lava Tower camp which is great for acclimatization. Moir hut is quite an isolated camp mostly used by those on the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit but provides a unique northern view of the Kibo cone. You can also optionally hike to the nearby Lent group from Moir hut for vies of these eroded cones and ridges from where you may be able to gaze down into the wilderness plains of Kenya to the north.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 14km or 8.5mi (5-7 hours)
- Start altitude:3845m or 12615ft
- End altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4630m or 15190ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +785m or 2575ft / -490m or -1605ft
Overnight: Moir Hut campsite, 4140m or 13585ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 5 - Moir Hut Camp to Pofu (Buffalo) Camp
Leaving behind the Moir valley you trek on a relatively steep path to the summit of the Lent Hills (if you didn’t reach here the day before) before circling around north of the Kibo cone into the Alpine desert and enjoying this remote part of the mountain with unique scenery of the Northern Kilimanjaro peak and the Kenyan plains below.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 12km or 7mi (7-9 hours)
- Start altitude: 4140m or 13585ft
- End altitude: 4030m or 13220ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4375m or 14355ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +235m or +770ft / -345m or -1135ft
Overnight: Buffalo (Pofu) campsite, 4030m or 13220ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 6 - Pofu (Buffalo) Camp to Third Cave Camp
Your final day on the northern circuit bypass today taking you through the remote mountain wilderness of the North which is probably the least used trail on Kili. Your hike takes you back out of the alpine desert through the buffalo ridge and the remote valleys until the drier heather and moorland area around the Third Cave Camp.
Overnight: Third Cave campsite, 3935m or 12795ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 7 - Third Cave Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Your hike today takes you away from the main Kibo cone and east towards the third of the Kilimanjaro peaks; Mawenzi. Mawenzi is the only peak that is not regularly climbed (if at all). You hike is through the barren alpine desert and takes you on the edge of the saddle between the two peaks. Your camp today is quite scenic at the base of the jagged peaks near the Mawenzi tarn lake.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Breakfast, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 9km or 5.5mi (5-6 hours)
- Start altitude: 3935m or 12910ft
- End altitude: 4310m or 14140ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 4390m or 14400ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +455m or 1490ft / -80m or -260ft
Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn campsite, 4310m or 14140ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 8 - Mawenzi Tarn Camp to School Hut Camp (or Kibo Hut Camp)
Your hike today takes you back towards the Kibo cone steadily climbing up and over the edges of the alpine desert journeying through the ‘saddle’ between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The environment becomes more barren and air thinner as you ascend to your base camp where you will rest for the summit journey starting tonight.
Overnight: School Hut campsite, 4715m or 15470ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 9 - School Hut Camp to Gilman's point to Uhuru peak to Mweka camp
In the early morning (around 00:00am) you begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru peak through the arctic zone. The trek is a steep hike over loose volcanic scree through the dark and cold night and takes a slow pace in a zig-zag pattern towards Gilman’s Point (5681m or 18640ft) which is your first stop on the Kibo crater rim. From here a short (but difficult) hike remains to take you past Stella point (the first stop on the rim for those summiting from Barafu camp / the Southern circuit) and further around till Uhuru Peak (5895m or 19341ft), the highest point in Africa. You usually don’t spend that long at the peak due to the extreme altitude and will descend down via Stella point until the southern circuit base camp (Barafu). After a recovery meal you continue the descent through the alpine desert, heather and moorland and until the rainforest where you stop for the night.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: None
- Meals included today: Midnight snack, brunch, picnic lunch or lunch, dinner
- Approx. trekking distance: 20km or 12.5mi (14-18
- Start altitude: 4715m or 15470ft
- End altitude: 3080m or 10105ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 5895m or 19431ft (Peak!)
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1180m or 3961ft / -2195m or -7211ft
Overnight: Mweka campsite, 3080m or 10105ft
Style: Standard Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium extended headroom Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk-in Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Style: Premium walk in sleeping + dining family Four Season light dome mountaineering tent
Location: Rain-forest, inside of Kilimanjaro National Park
Website: Read more about our tents
Reviews: Read reviews
Day 10 - Mweka camp to Mweka gate
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the southern rain forest until Mweka gate where our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi town. Usually, the crew will leave you at Mweka gate and it’s a perfect opportunity to say goodbye to your crew who all generally head directly home from the end gate.
Quick facts
- Approx. driving distance: 1 hour (to Moshi) / 2 hours (to Arusha)
- Approx. trekking distance: 10km or 6mi (3-4 hours)
- Start altitude: 3700m or 12220ft
- End altitude: 1630m or 5350ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3080m or 10105ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: -1450 or -4755ft
- Meals included today: Breakfast, 'Celebration Lunch'
Overnight: Optional (see add-ons below)
Overnight: Chanya by Ardhi

Style: Mid-range lodge
Location: Moshi (Kiborloni), outside of Moshi town center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Bristol Cottages

Style: Budget-range lodge
Location: Moshi, Town Center
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Overnight: Kilimanjaro Machare Coffee Lodge

Style: Luxury Lodge
Location: Moshi (Machare Coffee Estate), Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Website: Visit website
Trip-Advisor Reviews: Read reviews
Price, includes & add-ons
Click to see price indication for the various group options and group sizes avaialble. You can always request a custom quote: contact us.
Price per person (USD $)
1 passenger (private trek)
from $3525 per person*2 passengers (private trek)
from $2885 per person*3 passengers (private trek)
from $2595 per person*4 passengers (private trek)
from $2365 per person*5 passengers (private trek)
from $2365 per person*6-10 passengers (private trek)
from $2235 per person*11-15 passengers (private trek)
from $2235 per person*16+ passengers (private trek)
from $2155 per person*Scheduled group (shared departure)
Not available* All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
1 passenger (private trek)
from $3890 per person*2 passengers (private trek)
from $3205 per person*3 passengers (private trek)
from $2880 per person*4 passengers (private trek)
from $2630 per person*5 passengers (private trek)
from $2630 per person*6-10 passengers (private trek)
from $2495 per person*11-15 passengers (private trek)
from $2180 per person*16+ passengers (private trek)
from $2400 per person*Scheduled group (shared departure)
Not available* All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
1 passenger (private trek)
from $4250 per person*2 passengers (private trek)
from $3520 per person*3 passengers (private trek)
from $3165 per person*4 passengers (private trek)
from $2925 per person*5 passengers (private trek)
from $2900 per person*6-10 passengers (private trek)
from $2750 per person*11-15 passengers (private trek)
from $2730 per person*16+ passengers (private trek)
from $2645 per person*Scheduled group (shared departure)
Not available* All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Private treks are with their own dedicated crew, equipment and transfers not shared with other hikers.
Green season discount
5% off*For treks starting from 15 March 2026 to 31 May 2026Mid season discount
2.5% off*For treks starting from 01 November 2026 to 15 December 2026- * Special offers are only applicable to new bookings and valid only at the time of confirming an itinerary. All numbers after discounts will be rounded to the nearest whole number. Please check with your sales consultant if offers can be combined.
Standard packages usually include
- Longest and best acclimatization schedule on Kilimanjaro, providing the highest summit success rates of all routes.
- Complete circumnavigation of the mountain with 360-degree panoramic views from every side of Kilimanjaro.
- Remote northern slopes offering solitude, wilderness, and a truly premium trekking experience away from crowded trails.
- All taxes, VAT and National Park conservation, park entry, camping and rescue fees as applicable.
- Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking Mountain guide/s at KINAPA minimum ratios.
- A comprehensive pre-trek briefing and training session is conducted, covering the trek itinerary, safety procedures, altitude acclimatization tips, and gear usage.
- Personal luggage allowance of 15kg per person carried by 1 x luggage porter between campsites.
- Specialist tent crew to service and set-up campsites.
- Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and Kilimanjaro Responsible Tourism Organization monitoring on Kilimanjaro treks for fair treatment standards. Learn More about fair treatment.
- Trained and experienced personal mountain cook and waiter to prepare all meals on the mountain including eating utensils, cutlery, bowls, cups etc.
- A carefully planned standard non-vegetarian or vegetarian or gluten-free or vegan or Hindu or Jain or Halal menu specially crafted for high altitude treks.
- 1 x transfer from a Moshi (or Arusha with a supplement) based lodge to park gates per group / 1 x transfer from park gates to Moshi (or Arusha with a supplement) per group.
- Boiled drinking water on trek (from 1st camp onward).
- 1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per 5 passengers and first aid kit.
- Twice daily health checks with guides and a high-grade medical oximeter.
- Hand washing station and small personal wash basin at campsites.
- Shared public toilet facilities at campsites.
- 1 x approx. 100Ltr rubberized hold all bag / packsack.
- Basic 1” foam sleeping pad per person.
- Four season tent (sharing for even numbered groups + 1 single tent for odd numbers), chairs, tables, dining tent for camping routes.
- A guaranteed participation medal and certificate from Shah Tours
- A certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park (when you reach Stella Point, Gilman's Point or Uhuru Peak).
Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades
Although our standard package can be more than enough for most, we appreciate many desire certain comfort upgrades and add-ons and our tours can be customized to include as much or as little as you need.

Premium extended headroom tent

Premium walk-in tent

Foldable travel
bed
bed

Four season sleeping bag (Down filled)

Self-inflating mattress

Four season sleeping bag (Synthetic filled)

Private Portable shower

Private Portable toilet

Premium Menu

Fruit platter at end gate of Mweka

Celebration cake or fruit platter

Additional personal assistance porter

Extra / personal mountain guide

Additional personal luggage porter

Personal language guide or translator
Anorak / Jackets
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsBalaclava
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsBoots - walking / trekking
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsDuffel bag
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsHat
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsHead Torch
USD $10 per tripMixed brands, excluding batteriesGaiters
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsGloves / warm mits
USD $8 per tripMixed brandsGlove liners
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsMattres (self-inflatable)
USD $50 per tripMixed brandsNeck warmer
USD $7 per tripMixed brandsRaincoat / poncho
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsRain / wind / waterproof trousers
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsRuck sack / day pack
USD $20 per tripMixed brandsScarf
USD $5 per tripMixed brands4 season sleeping bag (Synthetic filled)
USD $30 per tripSnugpak Softie 15 Discovery (-12.5oC comfort rating)4 season sleeping bag (Down filled)
USD $50 per tripMarmot Never Summer (-12.5oC comfort rating)Socks
USD $5 per tripMixed brandsSunglasses
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsSweater / fleece / jumper
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsTravel pillow
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsWalking poles (pair)
USD $10 per tripMixed brandsWater bladder / Water hydration system
USD $15 per tripMixed brands

Chanya by Ardhi Africa

Bristol Cottages

Simba Farm Lodge

Machare Coffee Lodge

Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

Gran Melia, Arusha
Standard packages usually exclude
- Tips / gratuities. Learn More about tipping.
- Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol etc. Learn More about beverages.
- International flights. Learn More about international airports.
- Insurance. Learn More about insurance.
- Visas. Learn More about visas.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Water on first day of trek (you should fill your bottle prior to the start of your hike).
- Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders etc. (note: soft / disposable plastics such as disposable bottled drinking water bottles are not permitted on the mountain).
Essential Information for Your Kilimanjaro trek via Northern Circuit route
Need some help planning a Kilimanjaro trek?
Please visit our dedicated section below to find out more about private or group treks, when to climb, getting to Kilimanjaro / Tanzania, visas, documents, choosing a route, training for your climb, health and vaccines, Kilimanjaro packing list, hiking boots, rental equipment, tipping, insurance, money:

Private vs group Kilimanjaro trek

Choosing the best route

Preparation guide

Mountain equipment

Packing check-list

Food and water on Kilimanjaro
Why book your Kilimanjaro trek via Northern Circuit Route with Shah Tours?
Some of the reasons why you should book your hike with Shah Tours.

Since 1984!

Safety is our No.1 priority

High quality equipment

Socially responsible operator

Guaranteed Medal & Certificate

Superior & Experienced guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Kilimanjaro trek via Northern Circuit Route
Frequently asked questions about this route
Length and Duration of the Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is Kilimanjaro’s longest trail, stretching about 87 kilometers (54 miles). It typically takes 9 days to complete, with options ranging from 8 to 10 days depending on acclimatization. This extended timeline offers gradual altitude gain, making the route safer and increasing summit success rates. Trekkers also enjoy exposure to diverse landscapes, from rainforest to alpine desert, providing one of the most rewarding climbing experiences on Kilimanjaro.
Unique Features of the Northern Circuit Route
What makes the Northern Circuit unique is its complete circumnavigation of Mount Kilimanjaro, giving trekkers near 360-degree panoramic views. It is the only route that explores the remote northern slopes, offering peace, solitude, and wilderness away from busier trails. With no backtracking and constantly changing landscapes, trekkers enjoy diverse ecosystems, dramatic vistas, and cultural richness. This combination of scenery, acclimatization, and low traffic makes the Northern Circuit a truly exceptional route.
Unique Features of the Northern Circuit Route
What makes the Northern Circuit unique is its complete circumnavigation of Mount Kilimanjaro, giving trekkers near 360-degree panoramic views. It is the only route that explores the remote northern slopes, offering peace, solitude, and wilderness away from busier trails. With no backtracking and constantly changing landscapes, trekkers enjoy diverse ecosystems, dramatic vistas, and cultural richness. This combination of scenery, acclimatization, and low traffic makes the Northern Circuit a truly exceptional route.
Summit Success Rate on the Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route boasts one of the highest summit success rates on Kilimanjaro. On a standard 9-day trek, success rates average between 95 and 98 percent, thanks to its gradual ascent profile. Even the shorter 8-day option offers strong rates of around 90 to 95 percent. The extended acclimatization and slower pace significantly reduce altitude-related risks, making it the ideal choice for climbers seeking the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Number of Days Required for the Northern Circuit
Most itineraries for the Northern Circuit are 9 days, though variations range from 8 to 10 days. The 9-day version is highly recommended, as it provides the perfect balance of gradual altitude gain and physical endurance. By allowing trekkers to ascend slowly, this itinerary offers excellent acclimatization and a safer experience. Longer schedules also improve comfort and enjoyment, making the Northern Circuit one of the most reliable routes on Kilimanjaro.
Scenic Highlights of the Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is considered Kilimanjaro’s most scenic route, with stunning views across nearly all sides of the mountain. Trekkers enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Shira Plateau, rugged Mawenzi Peak, sweeping glaciers, and expansive valleys. The remote northern slopes provide tranquility and untouched wilderness, enhancing the sense of adventure. Combined with diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, the Northern Circuit is unmatched for scenery and photographic opportunities throughout the climb.
Number of Days Required for the Northern Circuit
Most itineraries for the Northern Circuit are 9 days, though variations range from 8 to 10 days. The 9-day version is highly recommended, as it provides the perfect balance of gradual altitude gain and physical endurance. By allowing trekkers to ascend slowly, this itinerary offers excellent acclimatization and a safer experience. Longer schedules also improve comfort and enjoyment, making the Northern Circuit one of the most reliable routes on Kilimanjaro.
Best Time of Year to Trek the Northern Circuit
The best seasons to climb the Northern Circuit are January to March and June to October, when weather is dry and skies are clearer. These months provide excellent trekking conditions, safer paths, and unobstructed summit views. Although the route remains less crowded year-round, heavy rains in April - May and November - December can make trails muddy and challenging. Planning during the dry seasons ensures a safer, more enjoyable, and more scenic trekking experience.
Technical Skills Required for the Northern Circuit Route
No technical climbing skills are needed to trek the Northern Circuit Route. The trail is non-technical, so climbers don’t require ropes, crampons, or mountaineering gear. The primary demands are stamina, endurance, and preparation for long days of trekking at high altitude. Regular training, including hikes and cardiovascular fitness, is recommended. With proper gear, experienced guides, and gradual acclimatization, the Northern Circuit remains accessible to adventurers without prior climbing experience.
Comparison Between Northern Circuit and Other Routes
The Northern Circuit differs from routes like Machame and Lemosho by being longer, quieter, and better for acclimatization. Machame is popular but crowded, while Lemosho shares a western start but diverges early. The Northern Circuit provides a more peaceful journey, higher success rates, and panoramic views from the mountain’s northern side. Although it requires more time, its solitude and immersive experience make it superior for trekkers seeking both scenery and summit success.
Reasons to Choose the Northern Circuit Route
Trekkers choose the Northern Circuit for its unmatched combination of scenery, safety, and success. Its extended duration provides gradual acclimatization, leading to one of the highest summit success rates. The route offers solitude on remote northern slopes, away from crowded trails, and showcases near 360-degree views of Kilimanjaro’s ecosystems. For climbers seeking a safer, quieter, and more rewarding trek, the Northern Circuit stands out as the ultimate choice on Kilimanjaro.
Other Tours & Destinations Connected to Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit route
Discover alternative Kilimanjaro trekking routes and explore tours or destinations perfectly connected to the scenic and adventurous Northern Circuit Route experience.

Kilimanjaro Machame route

Kilimanjaro Rongai route

Northern Circuit route

9 day Complete North safari

Climb Mount Meru

Waterfall & Coffee
Jump to section
Excellent rating
Based on 347 reviews![]()
![]()
My group of five colleagues and I climbed Kilimanjaro via the seven-day Machame Route with Shah Tours. Communication with Ramon before and after the climb was seamless and extremely professional. All questions were answered quickly and promptly. Even a glove I forgot in my rental luggage was later delivered to my hotel in Arusha by our guide. Our guides, Baraka, Hillary, and Felix, were excellent mountain guides who provided outstanding support throughout the tour and kept our spirits up even during the most challenging moments. The food during the climb was always freshly prepared. We usually had soup as a starter, followed by either a stew with rice or noodles, or, for example, potatoes with fried fish or meat. A delicious pizza was served the evening before the summit attempt. I would also like to commend the rest of the crew for their consistently positive attitude and courteous service. The rental equipment was of good quality. However, on a future tour, I would opt for better sleeping mats, as the standard ones became quite thin after a while. Overall, it was a great experience to do the climb with Shah Tours.
(Translated by Google, see original)
Nils Bindauf14 September 2026Verified
Kilimandscharo It was the best experience we have ever had with Shah Tours. We always felt completely comfortable and well taken care of. The guides, porters, and cook were incredibly kind and friendly. They always greeted us with a smile and even sang for us. Even at 4,700 meters above sea level, they baked us a cake because it was our wedding anniversary. That was such a special and unforgettable gesture. I can honestly say that this was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives, and we would recommend Shah Tours to anyone without hesitation! Thank you all and best wishes to Mathayo, Felix and the Team! We miss you guys.
Laura S2 September 2026Verified
7-Day Kilimanjaro Machame circuit climb Our Kilimanjaro trek via the 7-day Machame Route was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The admission fee for our group of 12 was included in the tour package. The route itself was breathtaking, with incredible scenery that changed every day—from lush rainforest and dramatic valleys to rocky alpine landscapes and the spectacular summit views above the clouds. What truly made the trip exceptional was the professionalism and kindness of the Shah Tour and guides with special mention of Matheyo. The Matheyo and team was organized, supportive, and attentive throughout the hike. Our guides set a steady, comfortable pace, constantly checked on everyone’s wellbeing, and shared valuable encouragement and knowledge about the mountain. Their experience and calm leadership gave us confidence, especially on the more challenging summit night. The porters and camp crew also deserve enormous appreciation. They worked incredibly hard to make sure we were comfortable, well fed, and prepared each day. The meals were delicious and surprisingly varied for a mountain trek, and the camps were always ready when we arrived. Reaching Uhuru Peak was one of the proudest moments of our lives, and we could not have done it without this amazing team. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route. Their care, expertise, and genuine commitment to their guests made this adventure truly special.
2jipatel25 August 2026Verified
Great Kili hike Great hike! Guides and support staff handled all the logistics and we made it up to the summit. A challenging hike, but our experience was great
Cooper N22 August 2026Verified
Pole pole to the roof of africa with Shah, was great. When deciding which company to book for our Kilimanjaro and Safari trip in Tanzanie we have been in contact with several companies. We wanted to do the private tour as a couple. We had 9 full days to organize. Firstly we thought we will do 7 days and 2 days safari (Tarangire and Ngorngoro). Nevertheless, as our priority was Kilimanjaro we selected 8 days Lemosho route to increase our chances to reach the top. This left only 1 day for safari first. I was trying to discuss with companies the options to go faster If we feel well and then possibly have time to do both national Parks of Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Shah Tours tourned out to be the only very flexible operator to offer this option of shortening the trip If everything goes well. So, on the day 6, when arriving to Kosovo camp from Karaga camp, we asked If we could proceed with our summit on the same day, they did not hesitate to support us. During the whole trip the guides (Innocent and Leon) and the porters shared very positive energy and support. A Lot of dancing, laughter and happy faces even in hard moments. Finally, thanks to all that, we manager to finish our hike in 7 days instead of 8 and had enough time to include another day of safari in our itinerary. No planning, no phone calls, no waiting. Shah was monitoring our progress and once the office received the message we are descending on day 7, everything was organized (additional accomodation and guide for safari, food and transport). We had amazing time in tanzanie, Thank you Shah Tours for your work and efforts in making our trip unforgetable.
Anna M17 August 2026Verified
Enjoyed We started our tour with 4 guides, the walk through the different terrains was an amazing experience, i was happy that Shah Tours catered for vegan food through and the chef cooked delicious food apt for mountain climbing. This route was hard for me as a beginner but i made it. All the personal porters were amazing.
Krunali G16 August 2026Verified
An unforgettable experience we wouldn't want to miss Great, motivating guides, superbly organized tour, very customer-focused, friendly, courteous, and very attentive porters… absolutely no complaints! Highly recommended!
Esther D12 August 2026Verified
Unique, years-long contact with Shah Tours. There's nothing better for travel off the beaten track.
(Translated by Google, see original)
Andreas kurt B6 August 2026Verified
Kilimanjaro I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Joker as the main tour operator and Shah Tours as the local partner. It was truly an unforgettable experience, thanks to the amazing team that supported us throughout the entire trek. Our head guide, Calvin, and our second guide, August, were both incredibly experienced, professional, and motivating. Their knowledge and guidance made me feel safe and confident every step of the way. They did everything they could to help us reach the summit safely and successfully. The entire crew, including the porters and cooks, was outstanding. After seven days together on the mountain, they felt like a second family. Their kindness, encouragement, and dedication made this challenging adventure even more special and memorable. I highly recommend Joker and Shah Tours to anyone planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Thank you for an incredible experience—I will never forget it!
Justine A25 July 2026Verified
Just do it whit shah tours! We had a great experience!! From emails at home to pickup, hotel,... Shoutout to our guide Mathayo, he's the best. Amazing work by the porters!! So much respect.
Lennert F24 July 2026






