CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

9-Day Northern Circuit Route Itinerary

(Recommended for the best acclimatization and success rate)

Tour Overview

The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It provides the highest success rate due to its gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization profile. Unlike other routes, the Northern Circuit takes trekkers around the entire northern side of the mountain, offering breathtaking views and a quieter trekking experience.

This 9-day trek is ideal for those who want to take their time, enjoy diverse landscapes, and maximize their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341 ft). It combines the best of Kilimanjaro, from lush rainforests and moorlands to alpine deserts and glaciers. If you’re looking for a unique, less crowded adventure with unparalleled scenery, this is the ultimate route!

Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi Gate – Trek to Mti Mkubwa Camp

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 2,100m (6,890 ft)
🏕️ Camp Elevation: 2,820m (9,250 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate, where permits are issued.
  • Trek through dense rainforest, home to black-and-white Colobus monkeys.
  • Arrive at Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree Camp) for your first night.

📍 Overnight Stay: Mti Mkubwa Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 2,820m (9,250 ft)
🏕️ Camp Elevation: 3,500m (11,483 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Leave the rainforest behind and enter the heather and moorland zone.
  • Climb over Shira Ridge, offering stunning panoramic views.
  • Descend slightly onto the Shira Plateau, an ancient lava flow.

📍 Overnight Stay: Shira 1 Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 3,500m (11,483 ft)
🏕️ Camp Elevation: 3,900m (12,795 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • A shorter trek to allow for acclimatization.
  • Cross the vast, open landscapes of Shira Plateau.
  • Enjoy views of Kibo Peak and Mount Meru in the distance.

📍 Overnight Stay: Shira 2 Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 3,900m (12,795 ft)
🏕️ Camp Elevation: 4,200m (13,780 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Leave the standard routes and head north for a unique perspective of Kilimanjaro.
  • Pass the famous Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190 ft) for acclimatization.
  • Arrive at Moir Hut, nestled at the foot of a dramatic ridge.

📍 Overnight Stay: Moir Hut (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 4,200m (13,780 ft)
🏕️ Camp Elevation: 4,020m (13,188 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Ascend through alpine desert terrain, with views of Kenya’s Tsavo and Amboseli Parks.
  • Climb to the Lent Hills for an optional hike.
  • Descend slightly to Buffalo Camp, located in a remote and serene area.

📍 Overnight Stay: Buffalo Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 4,020m (13,188 ft)
🏕️ Camp Elevation: 3,800m (12,467 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Hike through rolling hills and rocky trails on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.
  • Fewer trekkers make this day peaceful and relaxing.
  • Arrive at Third Cave Camp, a great spot for acclimatization.

📍 Overnight Stay: Third Cave Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 3,800m (12,467 ft)
🏕️ Camp Elevation: 4,800m (15,748 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Trek through the alpine desert zone, where oxygen levels drop.
  • Arrive at School Hut, your base camp for the summit push.
  • Rest early in preparation for the midnight ascent.

📍 Overnight Stay: School Hut (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 4,800m (15,748 ft)
🏔️ Uhuru Peak Elevation: 5,895m (19,341 ft)
⬇️ End Elevation: 3,100m (10,170 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Start trekking at midnight, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685m/18,652 ft) before sunrise.
  • Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
  • Celebrate, take photos, and descend to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

📍 Overnight Stay: Mweka Camp (Tents)

🚶‍♂️ Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
🌍 Start Elevation: 3,100m (10,170 ft)
🏁 End Elevation: 1,640m (5,380 ft)

🌿 Highlights:

  • Descend through lush rainforest, passing waterfalls and streams.
  • Receive your summit certificate at Mweka Gate.
  • Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.

📍 Overnight Stay: Hotel in Moshi (Optional)

Why Choose the Northern Circuit Route?

✔️ Longest and most scenic Kilimanjaro trek.
✔️ Best acclimatization profile, increasing summit success.
✔️ Less crowded than other routes.
✔️ 360-degree views of Kilimanjaro’s unique landscapes.

💰 Price Range: $2,500 – $3,500 per person

Short Overview

Difficulty Level: Less Crowded Adventure
Best Time to Trek: June to October, December to March
Starting Point: Londorosi Gate 
Ending Point: Mweka Gate 

Please take a moment to complete the form here: 

This will help us finalize your itinerary and provide you with the best possible experience. If you have any special requests or questions, feel free to let us know.

Package Details

Climbing Cost Includes

Our Kilimanjaro packages include all necessary transfers for a hassle-free experience. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our professional drivers will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a spacious, well-equipped vehicle with ample luggage space, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and wet wipes.

For the journey to the trailhead, we use rugged Toyota Hiace or Coaster vehicles, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride through challenging terrain. At the end of your adventure, we’ll arrange your return transfer to the airport—so you can focus on the climb while we take care of the rest.

The night before your Kilimanjaro climb and after your descent, you’ll stay in a cozy 3-star hotel in Moshi Town, based on double occupancy unless you request a single supplement.

We carefully select accommodations that offer quality service, a welcoming atmosphere, and essential amenities, including a restaurant, swimming pool, mosquito-netted rooms, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi. If your preferred hotel is unavailable, we’ll arrange a suitable alternative of the same standard.

We provide top-quality camping equipment for a safe and comfortable Kilimanjaro experience. Our durable, 4-season tents are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain, ensuring a cozy and secure rest. With easy access and ample space, you’ll sleep comfortably, ready for the adventure ahead.

Our expert mountain chefs provide energy-packed meals throughout your Kilimanjaro adventure. Designed with a dietitian, our menu ensures both taste and nutrition. We also cater to special dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more—at no extra cost. Just let us know, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Our highly experienced guides, each with over seven years of expertise and Wilderness First Responder certifications, ensure your safety and success while leading you through Kilimanjaro’s diverse terrain on an unforgettable adventure.

Our WFR-certified guides conduct mandatory medical check-ups every morning and evening to monitor acclimatization for both hikers and crew. These include oxygen level checks, health assessments, and, if needed, blood pressure or lung evaluations. With well-equipped medical kits and an in-company doctor, we take every precaution to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.

For your safety, our expeditions include satellite phones for emergency communication with our 24/7 support team. Even in remote areas without mobile service, help is always within reach. Personal satellite phones are also available for rent—contact us for details.

Our Kilimanjaro packages cover all mandatory park fees, including camping, conservation, rescue, and crew fees. As a responsible company, we fully comply with Tanzanian tax regulations and ensure fair employment practices, providing you with a worry-free and ethical adventure.

Climbing Cost Excludes

Our Kilimanjaro packages don’t include international flights. You’ll be responsible for covering those costs separately. Feel free to contact your manager to get recommendations about the airlines operating flights to Tanzania.
Tipping your climbing crew is a well-established practice in mountain hiking all over the world. Though never mandatory at Joanne Adventures, our clients are encouraged to tip their mountain crews if their performance is up to your expectations. A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant. 
Most nationals are required to pay USD 50 for a one-time, single-entry 90-day visa. USA nationals, however, are required to pay $100 for a multi-entry visa. Contact our travel advisors to learn more about Tanzania visa rules and requirements.

For your Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll need essential personal gear, including hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking pants, thermals, and trekking poles.

Our gear rental service provides high-quality equipment from top outdoor brands, ensuring comfort and reliability throughout your adventure. If you wish to rent gear, simply share your list with us in advance, and we’ll have everything ready upon your arrival in Tanzania—allowing you to focus on the climb without any hassle.

Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. For our Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures, all participants are required to have travel insurance that covers trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation. Since the requirements and costs of insurance vary across different countries, please contact your insurance provider to make sure that those requirements are covered, and find out about the exact costs.
Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. You can contact our travel consultants to learn more about this option. Portable toilet is not available on the Marangu route due to the Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
Included accommodation in the hotel is on a bed & breakfast basis. It means that you will need to pay for the lunch and dinner either at our hotel restaurant or if you decide to dine out – at any other place in Moshi.

Our Happy Clients!

"Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route was the best decision I made! The extra days for acclimatization made the trek more enjoyable, and the guides were incredibly supportive. Reaching Uhuru Peak was an unforgettable moment!"
Pamela Padmore
Doctor, USA
"The Lemosho Route was truly magical! The guides and porters were outstanding, ensuring we were comfortable, safe, and well-acclimatized. I highly recommend this route for anyone looking for a rewarding Kilimanjaro experience!"
Barbara Smith
Mountaineer, Norway
"The 8-day Lemosho Route gave us the perfect pace for acclimatization, and I felt strong throughout the trek. and the support from the Joanne Adventures team was exceptional. Standing on the roof of Africa was a dream come true!"
Jennifer Sayers
Designer, Canada

Other Related Tours You May Like

“Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is the most established and comfortable path up Kilimanjaro. It is the only route offering hut accommodations instead of tents, making it popular among trekkers for extra convenience.

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“Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning landscapes, varied terrain, and excellent acclimatization. Trekkers pass through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.

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The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenya-Tanzania border. Known for its dry climate, gradual ascent, and fewer trekkers, this route is an excellent choice for those seeking solitude.

Get In Touch With Us!

Phone

+255 764 601 151

Email

info@joanneadventures.com

Address

Shanty Town – Moshi – Kilimanjaro

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