Included: Experienced local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area Cooks and porters 11-day Northern Circuit route adventure in Tanzania 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to/from the accommodation in Moshi Transportation to/from the Kilimanjaro gate 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb Park entry fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro rescue fees 4-season mountain tents and double-layered sleeping mats Treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek Hot water for washing Portable oxygen tanks and ox meter Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent Emergency first-aid kit Add-ons: Wildlife safari tour or a trip to Zanzibar — let us know if you’re interested prior to booking Not included: Flights Meals not indicated in the itinerary (lunches, dinners, and drinks at the hotel before and after the climb) Laundry service (available at the hotel) Personal items and toiletries Guide, porter, and cook gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

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. For more guided adventures in Tanzania, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Technical clothing: Waterproof jacket, breathable with hood Insulated jacket, synthetic or down Soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell Long sleeve shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric Short sleeve shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric Waterproof pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended) Hiking pants Fleece pants Shorts (optional) Long underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended) Sport bra (women) Headwear: Brimmed hat, for sun protection Knit hat, for warmth Balaclava, for face coverage (optional) Bandana (optional) Hand wear: Gloves, warm Gloves, thin Footwear: Hiking boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in Gym shoes, to wear at camp (optional) Socks, wool or synthetic Sock liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional) Gaiters, waterproof (optional) Accessories: Sunglasses or goggles Backpack cover, waterproof (optional) Water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.) Water bladder (Camelback type, 3 liters) Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional) Pee bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended) Stuff sacks, dry bags or plastic bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate Equipment: Sleeping bag, warm, four seasons Trekking poles, collapsable (highly recommended) Head lamp, with extra batteries Duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear 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.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Northern Circuit route, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. A Northern Circuit route can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Northern Circuit route on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

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.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their 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. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

KILIMANJARO | TANZANIA

Summit Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route

5.00

From $3,300 ()

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Duration

11 days

Season

June through October, December through March

Accommodation

Standard, Comfort: Tents in camps and a hotel in Moshi

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Food
Reviews
Things to know

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!

Adventure highlights

Rainforest welcome party

Start the journey in Kilimanjaro’s lush jungle, where monkeys swing, birds sing, and the adventure begins
Summit like a pro

With more time to adjust to the altitude, we’ll have the best chance to reach Uhuru Peak smiling
Camping in the sky

Sleep under a blanket of stars on the slopes of Kilimanjaro

Itinerary

Download itinerary

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!

On the arrival day, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. We will meet our guide who will brief us on the upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure we have all the necessary mountain gear.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Departing from Moshi, a 45-minute drive will take us through welcoming mountainside villages to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued. Then, we’ll enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while the guide talks about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended for this part.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 4.8 km (3 mi), 3-4 hours
Max elevation: 2,785 m (9,137 ft)
Elevation gain: 396 m (1,299 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we’ll emerge from the rain forest and continue on an ascending path. When we leave the forest behind, the trail will climb steadily with wide views until we reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. Temperatures begin to drop.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 7.9 km (5 mi), 4-6 hours
Max elevation: 3,504 m (11,496 ft)
Elevation gain: 719 m (2,358 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
Our trek crosses the Shira, one of the highest plateaus on Earth, from Shira I Camp to Shira II Camp. We will stay the night at Shira II Camp joining climbers ascending from the Machame Route. At Shira II Camp, it is worth the extra energy to go a bit higher up the plateau to enjoy the stunning view across the valley below and view the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro above. The plateau is exposed, so be prepared for a cold night with temperatures getting below zero.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6.9 km (4 mi), 3-4 hours
Max elevation: 3,895 m (12,779 ft)
Elevation gain: 391 m (1,282 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
Although we’ll end the day around the same elevation as when we began, this day is very important for acclimatization. From the Shira Plateau, we’ll continue east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the Kibo peak before we continue southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (4,650 m / 15,250 ft). Shortly after the tower, we’ll come to a second junction which leads to the Arrow Glacier. We’ll then continue descending until we reach Barranco Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 17.7 km (11.1 mi), 5-7 hours
Max elevation: 3,986 m (13,077 ft)
Elevation gain: 91 m (298 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
We’ll begin with a moderately steep climb out of Moir Valley. If you wish, take a small detour here to climb the summit of Little Lent Hill before returning to the Northern Circuit trail. The route follows a series of inclines and declines, skirting around the northern slopes of Kibo to Buffalo Camp. There are some spectacular views of plains north of Kilimanjaro that stretch as far as the eye can see to the Kenyan/Tanzanian border. We will arrive at Buffalo Camp just after midday, where we will have lunch and have time to rest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 9.2 km (5.7 mi), 5-7 hours
Max elevation: 4,155 m (13,632 ft)
Elevation loss: 122 m (400 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
This day starts with a climb up the Buffalo ridge and down into Porfu Camp where lunch is served. We’ll continue east around the Northern slopes to the Rongai Third Cave. Today’s climb is shorter than the day before and we should be feeling better acclimatized to the altitude at this point. We will arrive at the Third Cave just around mid-afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6.8 km (4.3 mi), 5-7 hours
Max elevation: 4,033 m (13,232 ft)
Elevation loss: 97 m (318 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
Today, we’ll climb over the Saddle, which sits between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. We’ll continue southwest to School Hut where we will be served an early dinner and rest, as we will begin our summit attempt just before midnight. Remember to prepare all your gear, including warm clothes, insulated water bottles, snacks, headlamp, and camera before going to bed.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 4.8 km (3 mi), 5-7 hours
Max elevation: 4,717 m (15,476 ft)
Elevation gain: 781 m (2,562 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2am. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We’ll continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm. We’ll ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. We will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during our short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. On our remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, we are likely to encounter snow all the way. Congratulations, we have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking (ascent): 5.9 km (3.7 mi), 6-8 hours
Hiking (descent): 13 km (8 mi), 5-6 hours
Max elevation: 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
Elevation gain: 1,178 m (3,864 ft)
Elevation loss: 2,789 m (9,150 ft)
Accommodation: Camping
After breakfast and a ceremony of appreciation with the crew, it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive our summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. From the gate, a vehicle will meet us at Mweka village to drive us back to our hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 9.1 km (6 mi), 3-4 hours
Max elevation: 3,106 m (10,190 ft)
Elevation loss: 1,473 m (4,832 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
This is the last day of this adventure in Tanzania. We’ll have free time to explore the city if we wish, and then it’s time to depart back home.

Summit Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Incredible Africa Adventures

Incredible Africa Adventures is a renowned sustainable tour company based in Moshi, Tanzania, offering unforgettable travel experiences across Tanzania and East Africa. Specializing in ethical Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, Mount Meru treks, wildlife safaris, cultural tours, cycling adventures, and Zanzibar beach holidays, the company is known for its expert team and high-quality service. With personalized itineraries tailored to individual preferences, budgets, and schedules, Incredible Africa Adventures ensures exceptional hospitality and expertly guided trips.

Food

Food

This Northern Circuit route adventure in Tanzania is fully supported by a team of guides, cooks, and waiters who will cater to every dietary requirement and make three hot cooked meals a day, plus a plentiful supply of water and hot drinks.

Below is a sample of the menu during the climb.

Breakfast typically includes fruit juice and fruit, cereal, porridge, eggs prepared at request, slices of bread and toast with jam and honey, French toast, pancakes, sausage, bacon, teas, coffee, drinking chocolate.

Snacks usually include peanuts, crisp, popcorn, cookies, chocolate, dried fruits.

Lunch usually features sliced vegetables, fruit, boiled egg, meat cutlets, various sandwiches, macaroni and meat sauce, and bread.

For dinner, we’ll have soup of the day, slices of bread, salads, rice, pasta, potatoes, roast or fried chicken, beef or fish, curries, mixed vegetables, lentils, fruit salad, fruit with custard, teas, coffee, and drinking chocolate.

5.00(3 reviews)

Haset Great Rejoice with Lord

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.

Star

I recommend Incredible Africa Adventures for your tour in Tanzania, Octavian was always replying fast and very flexible on every question we asked. The price was very good, reasonable beyond our expectations and the lodges we stayed in were simply awesome. Food was excellent in each lodge. Our guide Joseph, with huge knowledge and experience knew everything we asked about the animals, birds, trees and was always making sure we were having a great time. It was really a life time experience.

Gaurav Kumar Gautam

Our trip with Incredible Africa Adventures was very amazing. We felt as If we visited our home friends. We had no single problem during our Kilimanjaro climbing and safari. Octavian organized everything perfectly. Our guides Mwinyi for Kilimanjaro climbing and Peter for Safari were very professional and friendly. They enable us to have unforgettable memories. IAA is very good at tailoring a holiday for your needs.

Show all reviews

Haset Great Rejoice with Lord

Star

Gaurav Kumar Gautam

Things to know

Included:
- - Experienced local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Cooks and porters
  - 11-day Northern Circuit route adventure in Tanzania
  - 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  - Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to/from the accommodation in Moshi
  - Transportation to/from the Kilimanjaro gate
  - 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb
  - Park entry fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro rescue fees
  - 4-season mountain tents and double-layered sleeping mats
  - Treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  - Hot water for washing
  - Portable oxygen tanks and ox meter
  - Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
  - Emergency first-aid kit
Add-ons:
- - Wildlife safari tour or a trip to Zanzibar — let us know if you’re interested prior to booking
Not included:
- - Flights
  - Meals not indicated in the itinerary (lunches, dinners, and drinks at the hotel before and after the climb)
  - Laundry service (available at the hotel)
  - Personal items and toiletries
  - Guide, porter, and cook gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
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.

For more guided adventures in Tanzania, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

Technical clothing:
- - Waterproof jacket, breathable with hood
  - Insulated jacket, synthetic or down
  - Soft jacket, fleece or soft-shell
  - Long sleeve shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
  - Short sleeve shirt, light-weight, moisture-wicking fabric
  - Waterproof pants, breathable (side-zipper recommended)
  - Hiking pants
  - Fleece pants
  - Shorts (optional)
  - Long underwear (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
  - Underwear, briefs (moisture-wicking fabric recommended)
  - Sport bra (women)
Headwear:
- - Brimmed hat, for sun protection
  - Knit hat, for warmth
  - Balaclava, for face coverage (optional)
  - Bandana (optional)
Hand wear:
- - Gloves, warm
  - Gloves, thin
Footwear:
- - Hiking boots, warm, waterproof, broken-in
  - Gym shoes, to wear at camp (optional)
  - Socks, wool or synthetic
  - Sock liners, tight, thin, synthetic, worn under socks to prevent blisters (optional)
  - Gaiters, waterproof (optional)
Accessories:
- - Sunglasses or goggles
  - Backpack cover, waterproof (optional)
  - Water bottle (Nalgene, 32 oz.)
  - Water bladder (Camelback type, 3 liters)
  - Towel, lightweight, quick-dry (optional)
  - Pee bottle, to avoid leaving tent at night (recommended)
  - Stuff sacks, dry bags or plastic bags, various sizes, to keep gear dry and separate
Equipment:
- - Sleeping bag, warm, four seasons
  - Trekking poles, collapsable (highly recommended)
  - Head lamp, with extra batteries
  - Duffel bag, 50-90L capacity, for porters to carry your equipment
  - Daypack, 30-35L capacity, for you to carry your personal gear
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.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Northern Circuit route, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
A Northern Circuit route can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Northern Circuit route on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
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 both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their 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.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.