Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Our 9-Day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the perfect choice for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. With its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrain, this route offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Our team at Tanzania Tribe Safari, we pride ourselves on offering the best quality equipment and experienced guides to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey. Our Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Tanzania, including the Lemosho Glades, Shira Plateau, and the Northern Circuit. You'll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and monkeys, as well as
stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro begins in the west, traversing the north and descending via the Mweka Route to the south. Starting on the Lemosho route, soak in your first up-close view of Kibo, the daunting but surmountable summit cone, from the Shira Plateau and climb onwards to the impressive Lava Tower. From here part ways and begin to explore the northern slopes, circumnavigating Kibo
Arrival City: Arusha
Departure City: Arusha
Airport: Kilimanjaro Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check. Overnight Simba Farm Lodge (Classic) or Ndarakwai Ranch (Premium)
Elevation (Gain): 400m/1,310ft
This morning you will drive to the Londorossi gate where you will complete entry formalities. From here your drive continues for around 1 hour to the Lemosho trailhead. Enjoy lunch before commencing your trek through lush undisturbed forest where you may be lucky enough to see Colobus monkeys. The path undulates, steeply in places, to arrive at the first camp after 2-3 hours of trekking.
Overnight Big Tree Camp (Mti Mkubwa)
Elevation (Gain): 750m/2,460ft
Your trek will begin in the forest; however, you will soon leave it behind, taking a steep track into a zone of giant heather and volcanic rock. This is a full day ascending the lush rolling hills below the Shira Plateau. Shira is the third of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones. The trail begins to ease as you reach the edge of the plateau, reaching camp after 5-6 hours. The view of Kibo across the plateau is incredible.
Overnight Shira 1 Camp
Elevation (Gain): 300m/1,000ft
Trek across the Shira Plateau with an optional climb to Shira Cathedral (3,880m). Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. The day finishes with a gradual climb to Shira 2 Camp. Trekking time without the optional excursion is approximately 3 hours. Including acclimatisation to the peak of Shira Cathedral will add approximately 1 hour.
Overnight Shira 2 Camp
Elevation (Gain): 750m/2,400ft
Elevation (Loss): 400m/1,310ft
Your climb today will take you steadily up and over the expansive ridge lines of high desert to Lava Tower. The trek to the base of the tower, a 300-foot-high volcanic plug, takes around 4-5 hours. From Lava Tower head north west beginning your circuit of Kibo, the almighty summit cone of Mount Kilimanjaro. Moir Huts is an isolated and seldom used camp, affording views over the Shira Plateau. Total trekking time approximately 6-7 hours. An alternative would be to take a gentle ascent across the alpine desert to Moir Huts in the morning and spend the afternoon on a guided trek of the nearby Lent Group, a series of wind eroded parasite cones from which you can gaze down to the plains of Kenya.
Overnight Moir Huts
Elevation (Gain): 180m/590ft
Today you will delve more deeply into the stark alpine desert. If you chose not to explore the Lent Group yesterday, take a short detour to the top of Little Lent Hill (4,375m/14,350ft) in the morning before regaining the trail to Buffalo Camp. The total trekking time today is approximately 5 – 7 hours covering a distance of 12km.
Overnight Buffalo/Pofu Camp
Elevation (Loss): 150m/490ft
Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
Proceed onwards passing valleys and hiking ridges, through alpine desert and moorland, continuing your circuit towards the east. This rarely traveled route allows you to enjoy the vast mountain wilderness in peace. Trekking time today is 5 - 7 hours.
Overnight Third Cave Camp
Elevation (Gain): 880m/2,880ft
Climb steadily to reach the saddle, a lunar landscape between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. From here, continue upwards to reach School Hut Campsite in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting and preparing for your summit ascent, which will begin in the early hours of the morning. Despite the short distance of 5km covered, trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours due to the high altitude and steep incline.
Overnight School Huts
Elevation (Gain): 1,145m/3,760ft
Elevation (Loss): 2,785m/9,140ft
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail consists mostly of steep switchbacks, with a rocky section known as Jamaica Rocks to scramble over as you approach the crater rim at Gilman's Point (5,756m). The hike from here to Uhuru Peak is gradual and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude however makes it feel long and tiring. After summit celebrations descend from the rim at Stella Point, to Barafu Camp and then straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way. This part of the descent takes about 6 hours, covering new terrain. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight Mweka Camp
Elevation (Gain): 1,280m/4,200ft
Descend to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Farewell Party At The Hotel
Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness which occur the height.
As a perfectly balanced weather, from January.
Tipping is a compulsory tradition on every
Kilimanjaro Porters and Guides have the major role to make your Kilimanjaro.
The base age limit set by Kilimanjaro National Park for kids trekking.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak and needs.
Despite being the most accessible mountain peak for the summit, many hikers.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro needs the physical fitness and strong willpower.
With our years of mountain experience.
Kilimanjaro Gears plays a vital role in climbing highest.
Summit the majestic Kilimanjaro
Conquering Africa’s biggest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro.
Common condition caused by the lack of oxygen.
There’s not a definitive answer out there as to what.
Technical backpacks designed specifically with Climbing Kilimanjaro
Wondering about how to access the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro?
Newbie climbers often have a significant question .
Summiting Kilimanjaro is an adventure full of excitement.
Africa’s biggest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro
As you look at the Kilimanjaro Map unfurled before you
There is a dedicated Kilimanjaro Rescue Team that
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a thrilling experience.
Climbing Africa’s biggest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro
Every hiker in this world dreams to reach the top of Kilimanjaro
Climbing Africa’s tallest Mountain, Kilimanjaro
Resting in the Kilimanjaro Tents is a dream come true
Looking to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro?
Looking to conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro?
There are no obligatory Kilimanjaro Vaccinations
Resting in the Kilimanjaro Tents is a dream come true
Be prepared for a trek through a variety of terrains
Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain
Being conscious of Kilimanjaro Weather before your tour up the mountain
Tanzania Tribe Safari is an exceptional organization focused on delivering a customized Tanzanian experience to its customers. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in traveling to Tanzania in search of a one-of-a-kind experience.
The trip of a lifetime! Tanzania Tribe Safari created a seamless experience for us from wonderful hotels and a tented camp to a safari experience that kept us in awe. Our safari guide Amini wore many hats during our trip and had eyes of an eagle!
Oh my gosh! Where do I start? My three sisters and I booked a trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar through Tanzania Tribe Safari. It can be marked as a trip of a lifetime! Our safari guide, Amini was very knowledgeable about the animals and terrain.