If Kilimanjaro is on your bucket list, why not do it the best way possible? The Northern Circuit is the ultimate route—longer, wilder, and way less crowded. That means better acclimatization, unreal views, and a front-row seat to the most untouched side of Africa’s highest peak. We’ll trek through lush rainforests, across alpine deserts, and up into a world of glaciers and sky. And when we hit Uhuru Peak? It’s all ours—without the tourist traffic jam. This is Kilimanjaro done right, and if we’re gonna climb Kili, this is how to do it. Time to move!
The Northern Circuit route is the longest, quietest, and most scenic way to conquer Kilimanjaro. With fewer crowds and better acclimatization, it gives us the best shot at standing on Uhuru Peak. We’ll trek through lush rainforests, vast plateaus, and rugged alpine deserts before tackling the final ascent to the Roof of Africa. Along the way, expect jaw-dropping landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the satisfaction of doing Kilimanjaro the right way. More time on the mountain means better success rates—and better stories to tell. Let’s do this!
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This Northern Circuit route adventure is rated moderate to challenging, which means that anyone with a very good fitness level can participate. Expect hiking up to 8 hours and 17.7 km (11.1 mi) per day, while gaining up to 1,178 m (3,864 ft) in elevation.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Technical clothing:
Headwear:
Hand wear:
Footwear:
Accessories:
Equipment:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Important note: The most common mistake that climbers make is that they over pack and bring way too much gear. Be selective in what you take with you. Please note that the porters are limited to carrying 33 lbs (15 kgs) of your personal belongings. Everything the porters will carry for you between campsites should be placed into the duffel bag, including the sleeping bag, but it is an option to pack the sleeping bag separately if necessary.
The porters will place your duffel bag and sleeping bag into a large, sturdy, waterproof bag with a roll-top closure. If you have excess weight, you will be required to hire an additional porter.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Northern Circuit route can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Northern Circuit route is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Once you’re there, your guides will pick you up at a predetermined time and transfer you to the accommodation in Moshi. The guides will provide more details before the adventure starts.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
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We can only recommend this great Kilimanjaro day hike tour. We particularly liked the communication with the organizer Octavian and whole Incredible Africa Adventures team. We were picked up from our hotel in Moshi own and brought back again, the thing we didn’t expect at all. The hike was very wonderful. We had the lunch boxes which was delicious and impressive. We felt very comfortable because everything was well organized. The hike was safe and very good, We saw some of colorful Kilimanjaro animals and got great photos. We can recommend this tour and especially this provider to everyone.