The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes.
As the longest Kilimanjaro Route the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.
Note that summit day on this path is tougher than other routes due to its longer distance.
What is the Success Rate of Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Northern Circuit Route?
The success rate depends on the number of days you spend on the mountain. Our success rate for 8 day Northern Circuit is about 90-95%. Our success rate for the 9 and 10 day Northern Circuit route is about 95-98%.
Best time to visit: June – October—December, January, February, March
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Vicmos tours & safari guide will be there waiting for you to pick you up then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You will meet your guide on this day of arrival at 05;00 PM. /17;00 hrs. for your mountain climb briefing, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.
Dinner & Overnight; Lindrin Lodge /Maridadi hotel/Salinero Hotel/ something similar (as per final booking accommodation allocation)
Activities : Hiking
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Meals; Lunch,Dinner
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.
Activities : Hiking
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Activities : Hiking
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
We explore the Shira Plateau. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone displays abundant wildflowers and unique Senecio trees.
Activities : Hiking
Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 12,500 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Lava Tower to Moir Hut
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,800 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km | 4 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
We continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Activities : Hiking
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 13,200 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
We trek out of Moir Valley with a moderately steep climb, then hike to the summit of Lent Hills before returning to the main trail. The path crosses a rock field and gently undulates before reaching Buffalo Camp. This section of the trail offers great views across the plains that lie north of Kilimanjaro and stretch out to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border.
Activities : Hiking
Elevation: 13,200 ft to 12,700 ft
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
As we head up Buffalo Ridge, the terrain becomes increasingly sparse. This route is rarely travelled and we will enjoy its mountain wilderness feel. We trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro until we arrive at Third Cave.
Activities : Hiking
Elevation: 12,700 ft to 15,600 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
We climb steadily up and over the “Saddle,” which sits between Kibo and Mawenzi. We continue on to our camp, School Hut. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Activities : Hiking
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,600 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilmans point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we make our descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Activities : Hiking
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation; Camping
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle takes us back to the hotel in Moshi, where we receive our summit certificates.
Activities : Hiking
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or Zanzibar. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!
Activities : Hiking
| No of pax | Age Limit | Price per pax (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Above 12 years | $ 2873 / Adult( With Tax ) |
* 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
The VICMOS Tours & Safaris Limited is a trusted Tanzanian tour operator specializing in customized safaris, mountain expeditions, beach escapes, and unique travel experiences across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and beyond. With operational hubs in Kilima Know more..
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