Highlights
Climb to the top of Africa's highest mountain. Enjoy amazing scenery
Take the route that offers a better acclimatisation opportunity
Soak up delightful views along the way
Itinerary
The Northern Circuit route is the most up-to-date and the longest route to Mount Kilimanjaro, which also makes it the best route to the summit of Africa's highest peak. Join us on this ten-day, guided trip to the top of the iconic mountain through one of the safest routes.
The trail starts at the Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain and turns north on reaching close the Lava Tower, subsequent to its intersection with the Shira Plateau. It then circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut before summiting the mountain from the east.
Please note that two nights' accommodation, one night each before and after the climb, is included in the tour price. For more details, please scroll down to the itinerary section.
day 1 - Moshi – Londorossi Gate – Mti Mkubwa
Leave Moshi in the morning for the Londorossi Gate. The journey takes around four hours. Complete the formalities on reaching the gate and drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Start hiking on reaching the trailhead. The journey takes you through undisturbed forests to the first camp site.
Total hiking distance: 6km
Duration of hike: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain forest
day 2 - Mti Mkubwa – Shira 1 Camp
Continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heathers and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards. Ascend through lush, rolling hills and cross several streams to reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. We might catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau towards the end of the journey today. Stay overnight at Shira 1 Camp.
Total hiking distance: 8 km
Duration of hike: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
day 3 - Shira 1 Camp – Shira 2 Camp
Explore the Shira Plateau on your journey up. It is a gentle walk east through moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. The heath zone is home to abundant wildflowers and unique senecio trees.
Total hiking distance: 7km
Duration of hike: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
day 4 - Shira 2 Camp – Lava Tower – Moir Hut
Continue to the east up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower, a 91m tall volcanic rock formation, before diverting from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site at the base of the Lent Hills. A variety of optional walks are available on the Lent Hills, making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Total hiking distance: 14km
Duration of hike: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
day 5 - Moir Hut – Buffalo Camp
A moderately steep climb takes you out of the Moir Valley. Then hike to the summit of the Lent Hills before making your way to the main trail. The path crosses a rocky, gently undulating landscape 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 Kenya-Tanzanian border.
Total hiking distance: 12 km
Duration of hike: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
day 6 - Buffalo Camp – Third Cave
The terrain becomes increasingly devoid of vegetation as we head up Buffalo Ridge. This route is rarely travelled, allowing us to enjoy its wilderness. Trek through remote valleys on to the northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro until you reach Third Cave.
Total hiking distance: 8 km
Duration of the hike: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
day 7 - Third Cave – School Hut
Climb steadily up and over the 'saddle' that sits between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Then continue on to your camp, School Hut. Take rest, enjoy your dinner and prepare for the summit day.
Total hiking distance: 5 km
Duration of the hike: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
day 8 - School Hut – Uhuru Peak – Crater Camp
The push to the summit starts at morning hours. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Ascend for several hours at a slow but steady pace while taking frequent, but short, breaks.
The trail takes you through a heavy scree as you make the steep climb to the crater rim. See the summit sign in the distance on reaching Gilman’s Point. Then continue around the crater rim until you reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in the continent of Africa.
A short descent from the top brings you to Crater Camp, where the rest of the staff will join you to set up a camp. If you still have some energy left, there is an option to hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit. You might also want to explore the areas around the Furtwangler Glacier.
Please note that sleeping at a high altitude can be dangerous. Serious altitude sickness can develop if travelers do not get adequate acclimatization. Your guides will therefore monitor you very closely for any signs related to altitude sickness.
Total hiking distance: 6km to the top & 1km down to Crater Camp
Duration of the hike: 6-8 hours up and 1 hour down
Habitat: Arctic
day 9 - Crater Camp – Mweka Camp
Hike downhill from Crater Camp, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees. We suggest that you use trekking poles in this section.
Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest region. Mist and rain is to be expected in the late afternoon. Enjoy your last dinner in the mountain later in the evening followed by a well-earned sleep.
Total hiking distance: 12 km
Duration of the hike: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Artic
day 10 - Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Continue your journey to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificate. The weather can get wet at lower elevations. From the gate, we hike for another one hour to reach Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet us. Drive back to your hotel in Moshi.
Total hiking distance: 10 km
Duration of the hike: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Altitude Map
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Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about Ten-Day Kilimanjaro Climb: Northern Circuit
The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Experience If you want the best of the best
Our guides were mountain experts, always checking on our health and morale. The food was incredible, and the support team made sure we had everything we needed.
Perfect for a Peaceful, Scenic Climb
The logistics were flawless, and the team s professionalism shone through every day. Our guide balanced fun and safety perfectly, and the porters teamwork was inspiring. The sunrise from the summit was breathtaking! The travel team truly makes you feel like part of a family. A five-star company offering unforgettable memories!
10 days Tanzania Adventure with Kilisa Tours & Safaris
We recently completed a 10-day adventure in Tanzania and I can confidently say it was one of the most incredible and well-organized travel experiences of my life. The tour was a perfect combination of challenge, natural beauty, and wildlife—featuring a 7-day Machame Route hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by a 3-day classic safari through Tanzania’s top parks.
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