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.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
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.
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.
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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!