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Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit: 9 Days to the Roof of Africa
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Two nights are spent at a lodge with double occupancy rooms, the rest of the trip is spent camping in tents. Choose how many members of your group would like to stay in single occupancy rooms for these 2 nights.

Airport transfers

Transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi, the starting point of your tour, can be arranged at an additional cost. Price is per person, per direction.

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Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options. Booking fees are non-refundable after 48hours in all cases.
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When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
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 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Summary
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit: 9 Days to the Roof of Africa
Itinerary
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit: 9 Days to the Roof of Africa
Date(s)
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1 Person
  • Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit: 9 Days to the Roof of Africa - 1
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    Booking fees
    Group discount
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    Cancellation policy
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Reserve your spot with a minimum deposit
Travel and medical insurance available

  • This Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit trek is an 11-day guided climb up Africa's highest peak via the longest, most remote, and most rewarding route on the mountain. We traverse the quiet northern slopes—where few trekkers venture—crossing lush rainforest, vast moorland, the Shira Plateau, and high alpine desert before a midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft). Two nights at a lodge in Moshi bookend nine nights under canvas on the mountain, with all meals, gear, and support provided throughout.

    • Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If needed, we can arrange transfers to the town of Moshi, nestled at the foot of the mountain. The afternoon is spent settling in and meeting fellow climbers at a pre-climb briefing, where we go over the route, gear, and what to expect in the days ahead. It’s a relaxed start—dinner together, a good night’s sleep, and a first proper look at the mountain that’s about to become our world for the next nine days.

      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: Lindrin Lodge, Moshi

      Kilimanjaro from Moshi

    • We drive to Lemosho Gate (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) and take our first steps onto the mountain. The trail drops immediately into dense rainforest—a world of towering trees, birdsong, and the occasional colobus monkey darting through the canopy. After a 3 to 4-hour hike, we reach Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m / 9,498 ft), also known as Big Tree Camp, where we set up for our first night under canvas.

      Hiking: 3–4 hours
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,895 m / 9,498 ft)

      hike pristine forest kili

    • Today we leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone—an open, windswept landscape of heather and giant lobelias stretching toward the Shira Plateau. It’s a 5 to 6-hour hike, and as we gain altitude, sweeping views across the plateau begin to open up. We arrive at Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m / 11,500 ft) and spend the first of several nights up on the plateau.

      Hiking: 5–6 hours
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Shira 1 Camp (3,505 m / 11,500 ft)

      moorland kilimanjaro

    • We spend another day crossing the Shira Plateau—one of the highest plateaus in Africa—with sweeping panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s summit cone ahead of us. The 4 to 6-hour walk is a steady acclimatisation day: we gain altitude gradually, giving our bodies time to adjust before the terrain gets more serious. Shira 2 Camp (3,847 m / 12,621 ft) is a beautiful spot, with plenty of time to rest and explore the surroundings.

      Hiking: 4–6 hours
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Shira 2 Camp (3,847 m / 12,621 ft)

      shira camp kili

    • A shorter but steeper day as we head higher into the alpine desert zone. The terrain becomes increasingly stark and rocky, and the air noticeably thinner. The 2 to 3-hour climb brings us to Moir Hut (4,206 m / 13,800 ft), where the afternoon is free for an optional acclimatisation hike—a great way to go high and sleep low, which significantly boosts summit success rates.

      Hiking: 2–3 hours
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Moir Hut (4,206 m / 13,800 ft)

      hydrated kilimanjaro

    • This is the Northern Circuit at its most remote and rewarding. We traverse the wild, rarely visited northern slopes of Kilimanjaro on a 5 to 6-hour walk to Pofu Camp (4,033 m / 13,231 ft)—a slight descent in altitude that gives our bodies a welcome rest. The trail offers dramatic views across the mountain and a real sense of wilderness, with the possibility of spotting wildlife like eland or buffalo in this quieter corner of the park.

      Hiking: 5–6 hours
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Pofu Camp (4,033 m / 13,231 ft)

      kilimanjaro tent setup

    • A 4 to 6-hour day of gentle ascents and descents across the high alpine desert, heading toward the eastern side of the mountain. The landscape is stark and beautiful—volcanic rock, sparse vegetation, and enormous skies. Third Cave Camp (3,870 m / 12,700 ft) is one of the quieter camps on the route, and on a clear night, the stargazing here is extraordinary.

      Hiking: 4–6 hours
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Third Cave Camp (3,870 m / 12,700 ft)

      kilimanjaro full moon climb

    • Today we make our final push to Kibo Hut (4,750 m / 15,600 ft)—the high camp at the base of Kilimanjaro’s summit cone. It’s a steady 4 to 5-hour climb on exposed, scree-covered slopes, and by the time we arrive, the summit feels very close. We eat an early dinner and try to rest—the alarm for summit night is set for midnight.

      Hiking: 4–5 hours
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Kibo Hut (4,750 m / 15,600 ft)

      alpine desert kili

    • The day everyone has been building toward. We set off from Kibo Hut at midnight, headlamps on, moving slowly and steadily through the darkness toward the crater rim. It’s a 6 to 8-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)—the highest point in Africa. We celebrate at the famous summit sign, take in views stretching across the continent, and then begin the long 7 to 9-hour descent to Mweka Camp (3,068 m / 10,065 ft). An epic day in every sense.

      Hiking: 6–8 hours ascent, 7–9 hours descent
      Meals: All meals included
      Accommodation: Tents, Mweka Camp (3,068 m / 10,065 ft)

      snowy summit kili

    • A final 3-hour descent through lush montane forest brings us to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft), where we say goodbye to the mountain. We transfer back to Lindrin Lodge, arriving around 3 pm, just in time for a hot shower and a well-deserved dinner. Climb certificates are handed out, stories are shared, and the full weight of what we’ve just done starts to sink in.

      Hiking: 3 hours
      Meals: Dinner
      Accommodation: Lindrin Lodge, Moshi

      last day mountain kili

    • After breakfast at the lodge, it’s time to head home—or onward to the next adventure. Optional airport transfers to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) can be arranged for USD 40 per person.

      Meals: Breakfast

      tanzania group photo kili

    • Included:

        • Experienced & qualified English-speaking guides
        • Porters
        • 11-day Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit trek (9 days on the mountain)
        • 2 nights at Lindrin Lodge in Moshi, including breakfasts and dinners
        • 8 nights camping with the following included:
        • High-quality four-season sleeping bag
        • High-quality four-season tent
        • Sleeping mat included
        • All meals on the mountain, plus snacks, hot drinks, and purified drinking water
        • Experienced mountain cook
        • Pre-trip preparation & organization:
        • In-depth pre-climb safety briefing
        • Pre-climb Zoom consultation
        • Dedicated trip manager and in-depth preparation documents
        • Transport to and from trailheads
        • Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fee
        • Daily wash water (‘washy washy’)
        • Private toilet tent (1 per 8 climbers)
        • Medical equipment including pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
        • Organisation of any required rental equipment
        • Climb certificate

      Add-ons (can be arranged, leave a note at checkout if interested):

        • Airport transfers — pricing shown at checkout
        • Safari extension
        • Private toilet tent upgrade
        • Extra porter
        • Gear rental

      Not included:

        • Flights to Tanzania
        • Tanzanian visa
        • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
        • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
        • Guide & mountain crew gratuities — optional

    • The Northern Circuit is the longest and newest of the seven Kilimanjaro routes, covering roughly 90 km (56 miles)—about 25 km longer than any other route on the mountain. 

      You will spend 9 days on the mountain, giving your body ample time to adapt to the altitude safely, which is why the Northern Circuit is widely regarded as one of the best routes for that reason.

      One thing worth noting: the Northern Circuit does not take you up the Barranco Wall. The Wall sits on Kilimanjaro’s southern slope, while the Northern Circuit crosses the northern slope entirely—making it a great option if you’re fearful of heights.

      Beyond acclimatisation, it has a lot going for it:

        • Relaxed pace with less rushing and more time to adjust
        • Away from the crowds even during peak seasons
        • Stunning, varied scenery: lush rainforest, the Shira Plateau, the remote Northern Wilderness, and glacier views from multiple angles
        • A quieter, more pristine environment with opportunities to spot unique wildlife

      Bottom line: If you want the best acclimatization, breathtaking scenery, fewer crowds, and prefer to avoid exposed scrambles like the Barranco Wall, the Northern Circuit is an excellent choice.

      northern circuit map

    • To join this Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit trek, great fitness is required. This is a non-technical climb, but you’ll be trekking for several hours a day on steep, uneven terrain at high altitude—culminating in a 6 to 8-hour midnight summit push to 5,895 m (19,341 ft).

      The full route covers approximately 90 km (56 mi) over nine days on the mountain.

      Your guides recommend training for 2 to 3 months before the trip, focusing on cardio (hiking, running, cycling), leg strength, and regular long hikes with elevation gain while carrying a daypack. Endurance and consistency are key.

      Discover more Mount Kilimanjaro tours here!

    • Yes, porters are fully included in the price. Your guides are committed to ethical travel and hold KPAP certification—meaning every porter is treated and paid fairly, with working conditions that meet the highest standards on the mountain.

    • Your guides provide a high-quality four-season sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping mat. Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

      Equipment:

        • Trekking poles
        • Backpack (35–50 litres)
        • Waterproof backpack rain cover
        • Dry bags
        • Duffel bag (65–100 litres) for porters to carry
        • Hydration pack (water bladder)
        • Water bottle(s)
        • Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for summit night)
        • Sunglasses and SPF sunscreen
        • Camera—optional (but very recommended)

      Clothing:

      Kilimanjaro takes you through five distinct climate zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic summit. Layering is essential.

        • Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots (waterproof)
        • Lightweight camp shoes or sandals
        • Waterproof, windproof jacket and trousers
        • Warm mid-layer (fleece or down jacket)
        • Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
        • Hiking trousers and shorts
        • Moisture-wicking t-shirts
        • Warm hat and balaclava
        • Neck gaiter
        • Waterproof gloves and liner gloves
        • Hiking socks (several pairs)
        • Gaiters—recommended for summit night

      Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit trek, 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 14 participants. Solo climbs can be arranged—contact us for pricing.

      Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit treks 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 older than 12 may be permitted to join the Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit tour 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.

    • Yes, absolutely—there are more departure dates available than what’s listed here.

      The best times to climb are during the dry seasons: January to early March, and June to October, when you can expect clearer skies, more stable weather, and better trail conditions. The wetter months (April–May and November) are possible but less predictable and more strenuous.

      Reach out to us directly and we’ll find something that works. Whether you’d love to join an existing group, have your own group, or are looking to go solo, we’ll do our best to arrange what suits you best.

    • You will spend 2 nights at a lodge with double occupancy rooms, the rest of the trip is spent camping in tents. A single occupancy room for these 2 nights can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

    • The starting point of your Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit trek is Moshi, Tanzania. Most climbers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is approximately 45 minutes from Moshi by road.

      We can arrange airport transfers for you, you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. If you opt for this, you’ll be met at the airport on arrival. Otherwise, the exact lodge address will be shared after booking.

      Your guides highly recommend arriving a day or two early to rest and acclimatize before the climb begins.

    • 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.

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