Kilimanjaro Hiking Northern Circuit Route – 12 Days

Kilimanjaro Hiking Northern Circuit Route – 12 Days​

12
Days

Overview

The Northern Circuit route follows the mountain’s northern slopes, an area that sees far fewer trekkers. The scenery along the way is truly stunning. This nine-day trek, also the longest available offers the best chances of reaching the summit. It’s a beautiful and diverse journey, and one we genuinely recommend for anyone looking to make their way to the roof of Africa.

Highlights

Base Price

From

$ 3800 / Adult

From

$ 2470 / Child

Pricing Breakdown

1 Person

$ 3,800

2 – 4 Pesons

$ 3,600

5 – 7 Persons

$ 3,500

8+ Persons

$ 3,450

Book Your Trekking

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Tanzania – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and assisted with your transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind and recover after your journey. If you’re already in Tanzania, pickup can be arranged from Moshi or Arusha, followed by a comfortable transfer to your hotel, where your tour will begin. Later in the evening, you’ll meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing. They will walk you through the itinerary, share helpful tips, and guide you on what to wear and pack to ensure a safe and enjoyable climb.
Day 2 : Hotel to Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
You’ll be picked up from your hotel around 8:00 am and driven to the Lemosho Gate on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After completing the registration process, your trek begins with a gentle walk through the lush forest of the Lemosho Glades, leading you to Big Tree Camp for your overnight stay.

Distance: 7 km / 4.3 mi
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
Today’s trek takes you across a scenic plateau of grassy moorland and heather, dotted with volcanic rock formations. You’ll head toward Shira 1 Camp, where you may catch beautiful views of Kibo Peak rising above the clouds. The route includes some steady climbs and you’ll gain a noticeable amount of altitude.

Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
Duration: Approx. 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Today offers a chance to see the Northern Ice Fields from the western side of the mountain, along with unique perspectives of Kibo. The gradual climb across the Shira Plateau helps your body adjust to the altitude, while rewarding you with wide, panoramic views. You’ll arrive at Shira 2 Camp, and later take a short acclimatization walk before returning to camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Lava Tower (4,600 m /15,088 f)
After breakfast, you’ll leave Shira 2 Camp and make your way toward Lava Tower. This section is more challenging, with a mix of ascents and descents, but it plays an important role in helping your body acclimatize. Lunch will be served at Lava Tower, giving you time to rest before continuing. Afterward, you’ll climb a bit higher before descending gradually to Moir Hut, located along the northern route of Kilimanjaro.

Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi
Duration: 5–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp
Today’s trek is longer but relatively gentle. You’ll begin with a short, steep climb out of Moir Valley before reaching the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. The trail includes a few ups and downs but avoids steep altitude gains. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views near the Kenyan border, including the Tsavo and Amboseli valleys.

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 mi
Duration: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Buffalo Camo to 3rd Cave Camp
You’ll continue along the northern slope and reach Third Cave Camp, where this route connects with the Rongai route. The trek is shorter today, and by now your body should be well adjusted to the altitude, making the hike more comfortable.

Distance: 8 km / 4.9 mi
Duration: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: 3rd Cave to School Hut
Today you’ll head to School Hut Summit Camp. The hike itself is not too demanding, so it’s important to maintain a steady pace and conserve energy for the summit attempt. Once at camp, rest well, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion, as you’ll be preparing for the most important part of the journey—the climb to the summit.

Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi
Duration: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: School Hut to UHURU PEAK to Crater Camp
Around midnight, your summit attempt begins. You’ll hike along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. At the top, you’ll have time to take photos and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the continent. You can also explore nearby glaciers or begin your descent toward the crater camp when ready. Reaching the crater floor is challenging but incredibly rewarding, with stunning views of ancient ice and snow. If you feel up to it, you can continue to the Ash Pit or leave it for the following day.

Distance: 5 km / 3.1 mi
Duration: 4–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Crater Camp to Millenium Camp
Depending on how you feel, you may attempt the summit again in the morning. Alternatively, you can begin your descent from the crater to Barafu Camp and continue down to Millennium Camp for your overnight stay.

If conditions allow, you can also visit the Ash Pit—a unique, still-warm volcanic area within the crater. Its striking sulfur slopes and volcanic landscape make it one of the most fascinating features of Kilimanjaro.
Day 11: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle descent takes you through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll complete park formalities and receive your climbing certificate—a proud reminder of your achievement. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi, where you can finally relax and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower.

Distance: 12.1 km / 7.5 mi
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12: Departure
Today brings your incredible journey to an end. Take in your last moments in Tanzania before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home.

If you’d like to extend your trip, there are plenty of options from thrilling сафари experiences in Tanzania’s national parks to a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar the perfect way to round off your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Book Your Trekking
FAQS

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the best times are during the dry seasons, from mid-June to October and December to February. These months offer clear skies and better weather conditions for the climb.

There are two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May, and the short rains in November. While weather can vary, the dry months of July, August, September, and part of October, January, and February are considered the high season. The transition months—December, March, and June—are less predictable. The wettest months, with heavy rains and poor visibility, are April, May, and November.

For those seeking clear skies and good visibility, climbing during the dry season is ideal. However, some climbers prefer summiting during a full moon for a bright, beautiful ascent under the moonlight, adding to the experience with enhanced visibility and stunning landscapes.

Our guides are highly experienced, with years of climbing Kilimanjaro to earn their KINAPA National Park license. They are Wilderness First Responders, trained to handle injuries or emergencies.

They are proficient in using medical equipment, including oxygen, pressure altitude chambers, and stretchers. In case of an emergency, they can quickly facilitate communication with the Jaribu base using our Thuraya satellite phone.

Guides are also trained to assess when an evacuation is necessary and know how to carry it out safely.

Equatorial to arctic conditions are present on Mt Kilimanjaro and temperatures vary widely; it may be in the 20-32C range in the rain forest and -20C nearer the summit. Above the rain-forest and tree line, most days range between 0-20 C, however, the weather often changes dramatically without warning, so you must always be prepared for four seasons in one day including, rain, snow or a sudden hailstorm therefore making it very important to carry your waterproof shell at all times.

The most flexible way of adjusting to the ever-changing conditions as you trek higher is the layering of several thin articles of clothing which you can add or remove as the conditions dictate.

Choosing the right route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro depends on your preferences, experience, and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Marangu Route: Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, it’s the only route with hut accommodation and is popular for its relatively easier ascent. It’s ideal for those with limited backpacking experience and for those seeking a shorter climb (5-6 days).

  • Machame Route: This is one of the most popular routes, offering stunning scenery and a slightly more challenging climb. It’s suitable for climbers looking for a more immersive experience with varied landscapes (6-7 days).

  • Rongai Route: For a more remote, less crowded experience, the Rongai route is ideal. It’s the only route approaching from the north and is great for avoiding heavy rainfall during the rainy season (6-7 days).

  • Lemosho Route: This route is known for its beautiful scenery and a longer duration (7-8 days), which provides better acclimatization. It’s ideal for those looking for a less crowded experience with a slower ascent.

  • Northern Circuit: The longest and newest route, offering incredible views and a true wilderness experience. It’s perfect for those seeking a more gradual ascent and an off-the-beaten-path experience (9 days).

The time needed (days, weeks, or months) to train for Kilimanjaro depends upon your level of fitness. But usually, it requires around a month to be prepared for your trek. It is advisable to do staircase training, cardiovascular exercises and upper body exercises. Eat right and do more of aerobic exercises before the trip. Also if possible you can climb a hill to practice for the trek. Overall it is not necessary to be perfectly fit for climbing the mountain. As apart from physical training, mental preparedness is more important for high success rate on the summit.

For experienced climbers, Mount Kilimanjaro will take around 5 to 6 days to reach the top, and is not that hard. Even for new climbers, our guides will help you climb the mountain with ease. But you need to give extra days for acclimatization for maximum success rate at the summit. For new climbers however, climbing Kilimanjaro becomes easier with our trained professionals and porters who help the climbers carry their essential equipment or gear up the summit.

We recommend you wear multiple layers of clothing. It is the best way to keep your body within the desired temperature range, no matter the environment. The temperatures you may encounter on Mount Kilimanjaro can be over 37 °C (degrees Celsius); 100 °F (degrees Fahrenheit) to well below zero.

At the Uhuru Point, temperatures can range between -7 °C to -29 °C (degrees Celsius); 20 °F to -20 °F (degrees Fahrenheit). Mount Kilimanjaro has extreme, variable, and impossible weather to predict. It is therefore advised to get many layers of clothing gear for the trek. Layering helps keep the body warm in extreme cold wave conditions on the summit. Migration Venture Africa provides these gears as a rental option as well.

At the Uhuru Point, temperatures can range between -7 °C to -29 °C (degrees Celsius); 20 °F to -20 °F (degrees Fahrenheit). Mount Kilimanjaro has extreme, variable, and unpredictable weather. It is therefore advisable to bring multiple layers of clothing for the trek. Layering helps keep the body warm in extreme cold wave conditions on the summit. Migration Venture Africa provides these gears as a rental option as well.

A comfortable sleep is very important to get reenergized at next morning to continue the trek. Kilimanjaro gear is necessary for a cozy sleep. Essential gear like a K-way sleeping bag, foam mattress, and Kilimanjaro pillow can be carried on the trek. Migration Venture Africa also provides these gears on rent for which it is necessary to apply beforehand. You can speak to our staff personally regarding any queries about the Kilimanjaro gears.

Thank you for requesting your trip plan with Joanne Adventures. We will connect with you shortly ...